I am qualified and certified to perform appraisals of historic documents and letters for donation, estate, insurance and other purposes; I am a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) in the field of Books and Manuscripts: Historical Documents.
Time Magazine featured me in a recent story about the appraisal of their extensive archives. I also wrote an article for the Manuscript Society Journal about appraisals that will explain many of the basics.
Attaining certification by the Appraisers Association of America is difficult. I needed a minimum of five years of professional experience in my chosen field, I submitted three references from fellow appraisers, I took the fifteen-hour Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), and I provided appraisals for peer review. After I was an accredited member, I was encouraged to become a certified member, the AAA's highest level of experience and expertise. This higher level required ten years of significant appraisal and/or marketplace experience. I took an all-day written exam in my chosen field of Historic Documents (the bar exam for appraisers) and submitted three more appraisals for peer review. To retain my Certification from the AAA, I take the bi-annual USPAP class and must complete seventy hours of continuing education classes every five years; I can accumulate hours by lecturing on my chosen field, taking professional classes on appraising, attending the AAA's annual national conference, etc. When the AAA published their book on appraisals, 2013's Appraising Art: The Definitive Guide to Appraising Fine and Decorative Arts, I wrote the chapter on appraising historic documents and letters. I have lectured before my AAA peers several times, including how to appraise historic documents and letters and Vietnam War collectibles.
I am a member of the Chubb Preferred Service Provider Network for appraising historic documents, manuscripts, archive and letters; my acceptance required an application and and a resume review.
Please contact me to discuss your appraisal questions and needs.
Contact Stuart
Time Magazine featured me in a recent story about the appraisal of their extensive archives. I also wrote an article for the Manuscript Society Journal about appraisals that will explain many of the basics.
Attaining certification by the Appraisers Association of America is difficult. I needed a minimum of five years of professional experience in my chosen field, I submitted three references from fellow appraisers, I took the fifteen-hour Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), and I provided appraisals for peer review. After I was an accredited member, I was encouraged to become a certified member, the AAA's highest level of experience and expertise. This higher level required ten years of significant appraisal and/or marketplace experience. I took an all-day written exam in my chosen field of Historic Documents (the bar exam for appraisers) and submitted three more appraisals for peer review. To retain my Certification from the AAA, I take the bi-annual USPAP class and must complete seventy hours of continuing education classes every five years; I can accumulate hours by lecturing on my chosen field, taking professional classes on appraising, attending the AAA's annual national conference, etc. When the AAA published their book on appraisals, 2013's Appraising Art: The Definitive Guide to Appraising Fine and Decorative Arts, I wrote the chapter on appraising historic documents and letters. I have lectured before my AAA peers several times, including how to appraise historic documents and letters and Vietnam War collectibles.
I am a member of the Chubb Preferred Service Provider Network for appraising historic documents, manuscripts, archive and letters; my acceptance required an application and and a resume review.
Please contact me to discuss your appraisal questions and needs.