Trash & Treasure Sale!

By Jubilee P. Reid

It is time once again for McMinn County Living Heritage Museum’s annual Trash & Treasure Sale! Hosted by the Museum Guild, this exciting event is located at both the museum, 522 West Madison Avenue, and the museum annex, 408 West Washington Avenue. Parking is available near both locations, but they are within walking distance of each other.

If your home has become cluttered with too many unused items, the Trash & Treasure Sale is a great way to clear them out while benefiting the community. Everything sold at Trash & Treasure has been generously donated by members of the community. The Museum Guild has been accepting donations on specific days throughout the past year and more receiving days are coming up soon. From Thursday April 18^th to Saturday April 20^th, items for donation can be delivered between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Items such as furniture, lamps, and jewelry should be brought to the museum while all other donations can go to the annex.

There are a few items which the Guild cannot accept such as unframed mirrors, pianos, mattresses, box springs, bed pillows, exercise equipment, clothing, books, opened paint cans, any other liquids, and tube TVs. Flat screen TVs are acceptable. No broken or damaged items can be accepted. All donations are tax deductible. The Museum Guild greatly appreciates donations for this fundraiser.

After extensive work by Guild volunteers, this sale will premiere from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening, April 24^th. Premiere Night is a chance for you to be among the first to have access to the event. Tickets for Premiere Night are available now for $10 at the museum or the night of the sale.

The Trash & Treasure sale is open to the public for FREE from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, April 25^th and 26^th. It is also open for the final sale day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday the 27^th. The sale will be at both the lower level of the museum as well as the annex. Purchases can be made using either cash or check, but if using a check, be sure to bring more than one as sales from both locations cannot be combined.

Note: Due to fire restrictions on building occupancy, there may occasionally be a short wait time before entering the building, but otherwise treasure hunters may come and go.

The Trash & Treasure sale began in 1985 as the “Super Garage Sale,” the Guild’s first fundraiser. Founded over 39 years ago, the Museum Guild now includes more than 65 members. They organize the Trash & Treasure Sale, and the Holiday House Auction which is held every November. The Guild members work tirelessly to organize these two events which support the museum’s programs to educate the community on the rich history of McMinn County. This group of museum enthusiasts always welcomes new members. Contact the museum for information on how to participate in the Guild!

You never know what treasures you might find for incredibly low prices at this Trash & Treasure Sale! You will find everything from furniture, home décor and housewares, to jewelry, artwork, and electrical appliances. The Museum Annex has multiple rooms containing different types of merchandise. One room has textiles and sewing related items, another room is holiday-themed with Thanksgiving and Christmas goods. Yet another room has kitchenware. There is even a collection of Raggedy Ann dolls. A variety of distinctive lamps will be available. There is something for everyone at this sale. Come to the 2024 Trash & Treasure Sale to see what unique finds you might discover!