for the ARTS record

Trends in Collecting Afrequent guest appraiser on PBS's popular "Antique Roadshow," Wayne Pratt will share insights on the latest trends in collecting, with a special focus on Lightship Baskets.

"The main question anyone interested in collecting Lightship Baskets needs to have answered is 'Why is one basket worth more than another?'" according to Pratt. "For example, why is one Jose Reyes basket worth $2,500 when another sells for $100,000? They might both be wonderful baskets, but when you know what to look for the differences become obvious."

Pratt will also give his expert assessment on the possible origins of lightship baskets. "There are varying opinions about how Lightship Baskets began," Pratt said. "Some people think they originated on the Island, or on ships. Other people think it was from the cooperage trade. And others from native Indians. It makes for a lively discussion."

When: Thursday, July 27, 2 3 p.m. Where: Nantucket Lightship Basket

Museum, 49 Union Street

Cost: Free for members of the Nantucket Lightship Basket

Museum; otherwise, free with

Museum admission.

For more information, call 228-1177

or go to www.nantucketlightshipbas

ketmuseum.org.

Saving lives Nantucket's shores and shoals have always posed a particular danger to people in the sea. The Lifesaving Museum is dedicated to people who "knew and understood the little-known motto of the United States Life-Saving Service and the United States Coast Guard: 'You have to go out, but you don't have to come back.'" In this two-hour hands-on education program, children (6-10) hear the tales of heroism and learn the skills practiced by the Island's Surfmen.

When: Tuesday, August 1,

9:30 - 11 a.m.

Where: Nantucket Life-Saving

Museum, 158 Polpis Road

Cost: $25 per child

($12.50 for members)

Information, Call 228-1885

for reservations.

Happy birthday! On Tuesday, August 1, the Maria Mitchell Association will host a community-wide birthday party to celebrate Maria Mitchell's 187th birthday and the annual used Book Sale. In addition to free admission to the museums on Vestal Street, including the Mitchell House, the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum and Vestal Street Observatory, many festivities will commemorate the day. There will be games and activities with a scientific focus, including an exclusive appearance by Vladimir the Martian Cat at 2 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. A used book sale will also take place at the Science Library, offering over 1,000 donated books ranging from children's titles to adult non-fiction, with proceeds benefiting the library. The party will take place on the Vestal Street Campus from 1:30 p. m. to 4 p.m. Maria's birthday celebration is open to the public, and is an excellent family activity.

Pirate adventure Yo ho, mates! On the Friendship Sloop Endeavor, kids (most appropriately ages 3-6) sail under the jolly roger, fire the cannon and follow the treasure map to pirate booty. U.S. Coast Guard Captain James Genthner leads the trip with over 20 years' experience sailing Nantucket waters.

When: Thursday, July 27, 10:30 a.m. Where: Slip #1015, Straight Wharf Cost: $22; reservations required. Call 228-5585.

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