The Boothbay Region Historical Society's annual Harbor Lights open house will feature its own version of "Antique Road Show" this year, inviting the public to drop in to have their attic treasures appraised by an expert. Richard Plunkett, antique dealer, appraiser and collector, will be on hand, Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the society museum, 72 Oak St. in Boothbay Harbor to identify and assess the value of items visitors bring in.

Plunkett is also lending a collection of antique toys dating back to pre-1900 for display during the open house.

Locally known for his Wizard of Odds and Ends shop and representation at Avalon Antiques, in Wiscasset, Plunkett is a longstanding member of New England Appraisers. He is also a member of the National Trust, the Victorian Society and the National Music Box Society.

Plunkett is donating his services for the second year in a row for this special event at the society. His appraisals were a popular feature at last year's open house. There will be an appraisal fee of $5 per item, or $10 for a maximum of three items per person, all proceeds to benefit the historical society. All attic treasures or "mystery" antique items are welcome, with the exception of coins, stamps or gemstone jewelry.

The long-awaited drawing to decide the winner of the society's quilt raffle will also take place at the open house. Tickets for the quilt, created by Kevin Bowler and Marty Helman, will be sold right up to the time of the drawing, at $1 each, or six for $5. The quilt, depicting local scenes, is now on display at Video Loft, and will return to the historical society in time for the open house. All proceeds will benefit the society.

As always, the museum will be decked out in holiday decorations for the Harbor Lights open house, and free holiday refreshments will be served to all comers.

The event offers an opportunity for visitors to tour the museum, meet the staff and trustees, and pick up holiday gifts from the society's collection of books, note cards and memorabilia.

A collection of old photographs will be available for visitors to browse through and take home, free of charge.

More information on the historical society can be found on its Web site,

www.boothbayhistorical.org

.