Kids with an interest in collecting stamps, coins, sports cards, or even pogs are being encouraged to get involved in the “Kids Treasure Swap” at the Fort Frances Museum.
The program is designed to offer area kids the chance to trade their doubles or interesting finds with each other.
If they bring in their collectibles to the museum, staff there will offer a credit slip in exchange for the item based on its value and/or rarity.
“For example, if a child brings in a stamp, we would agree on a value and perhaps offer them one [pink] credit slip for it,” explained museum intern Kateri Vrakking, 24, who headed up a display and information table during heritage activities there Saturday.
“Then if a second child comes in and does the same thing, the first child could return and trade in that slip for [another stamp],” she added, noting credit slips for one item could go as high as 30 if it was identified as rare.
Identification would be determined through the use of available books.
“If the stamp had a flipped face but everything else was right side up that would obviously be of much higher value,” she said.
But Vrakking also noted that no matter what kids bring in, they should have some prior knowledge of its value.
Museum curator Pam Hawley said she is hoping to develop the program by introducing it to area youth clubs.
Vrakking noted the ultimate goal of the “Kids Treasure Swap” is an educational one–geared at encouraging collections while honing an appreciative attitude towards their local museum.
“If you get a child interested now, when [he or she] gets older there will be a greater realization and respect for collections and a greater respect and knowledge for what a museum does as well,” she reasoned.
Vrakking also is involved with other area museums in developing co-operative marketing strategies during her stay here.
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