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Oglebay Institute Antique Show Returning April 15-16 at Wilson Lodge

WHEELING -- Oglebay Institute will host its annual antiques show this spring for the 66th time -- but it will be the first show in three years.

The annual Antiques Show and Sale returns April 15-16 at Oglebay Park's Wilson Lodge. Show hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m on Sunday, April 16. Admission cost is $12.

Oglebay Institute's antique show is among the oldest in the country, and is the longest running in West Virginia, according to event organizers. It usually attracts about 50 dealers representing 10 states.

Christin Byrum, director of museums at Oglebay Institute, said it was exciting and wonderful to bring back the antique show.

"Most shows had a forced hiatus of at least three years during COVID," she said. "We were preparing to come back last year, then we had a waterline break at the Glass Museum.

"We couldn't do both (renovate the museum and plan the show). We decided we had to dedicate our resources to the Glass Museum and getting it open."

Money raised during the antiques show goes into a restricted fund that pays for things that might otherwise get cut at the museums during a tight year. This includes collections care and acquisitions, professional development and paid internships.

Byrum said she and a number of others working at Oglebay Institute all got their start working as interns at a museum.

"We feel it is important to give pre-professionals experience in museums," she said. "We all started as interns. We know how valuable that opportunity was.

"We never want a student to have to choose between having to work a summer job versus having professional experience. That is why paid internships are important."

Events for the antiques show weekend begin on Friday, April 14, with a "Dessert With Antiques" event that takes place from 7-10 p.m. at Wilson Lodge. Guests who pay $30 will be able to partake in a dessert table with sweets and coffees, as well as a cash bar.

They also will get a chance to preview shop, and admission to the events both days where they can talk to dealers. Weekend admission to the mansion and glass museums is included, and patrons at this level also will be entered in a door prize drawing.

Those opting for the "preview party package" at $75 per person will receive a few more amenities. They will be invited to the earlier preview party set for 6-8 p.m. on April 14, and will receive limousine service to and from Wilson Lodge. They will also receive recognition in the show program.

The "patron package" is available at cost of $100 per person, and also includes a no-line entrance and an open bar at "Dessert With Antiques."

There also will be an exclusive dealer's tour "with optional libations" 9 a.m. Saturday at the antique show.

Those contributing for the "patron package" also will be invited to a dealer meet and greet from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Glass Museum.

The event is sponsored by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service and Hughes Design and Gift Gallery.

Tickets may be purchased online at oionline.com, or by calling 304-242-7272.