Andriena Baldwin / Demopolis Times writer

After reading about a large-scale antiques symposium in Tuscaloosa, she thought “why can’t we do something like that here?” So, Judy Martin took it has her personal duty to organize Marion’s first antique symposium.

“I just started dreaming it up,” Martin said. “We’re already talking about doing one next year.”

The “If Houses Could Talk” antiques symposium will be held today from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in downtown Marion.

After breakfast at Camellia’s on the Square, Judson College history professor Dr. Richard Neely will give a general overview of Marion history.

“He will set the stage for the events to come later in the afternoon,” Martin said. “He is a very knowledgeable man.”

Following Neely’s program introduction, participants will choose between an antique furniture and an architecture class.

“Each class has a different approach. In the furniture class, they will walk through a local furniture store to learn about antique furnishings,” Martin said. “The architecture class focuses on Black Belt architecture.”

After lunch at Lottie’s, participants have a choice between an antique silver class and a quilts class, where you are invited to bring your favorite quilt for show and tell.

“The silver class will focus on silver of the century and what they call ‘tabletop jewelry,'” Martin said. “With the quilts, the lady over the class is writing a book called ‘Alabama Quilts’ and she is researching material for her book. She doesn’t want any quilts newer than 1950, but she will also give tips on preserving them.”

After the last session of classes, participants will choose between two field trips to close the evening.

“We have a walking tour right around downtown, which also includes shopping,” Martin said, “and we will have a bus tour where we will visit the historic sites.”

Approximately 150 people have registered for the event, Martin said.

“This is something we hope will bring people to town to see Marion’s new faces.”