Alderfer Auction has a long-standing history of partnering with museums, galleries, and institutions to provide expert valuation, sales, and collection management services. Our dedicated specialists offer tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of cultural institutions.
Museum Services
Expert Valuations, Sales, and Institutional Support
Services WE OFFER
Appraisals & Valuations
We provide comprehensive insurance and market-value appraisals for:
- Charitable Contributions & Gifts
- Loans
- Insurance Schedules
Working within your institution’s budget, we assess diverse collections to meet your needs.
Museum Collection Sales & Deaccessioning
Alderfer Auction guides museums through the responsible deaccessioning of collections. Our team provides:
- Auction estimates & strategic sales planning to maximize returns
- Comprehensive & transparent appraisal reports with valuation insights
- A detailed sales proposal to maximize returns
We ensure ethical and compliant sales aligned with museum policies and AAM (American Alliance of Museums) guidelines.
Institutional Engagement & Cultural Development
We proudly support museum awareness and fundraising efforts through:
- Benefit auctions & charity events (experienced auctioneers provided)
- Gallery-hosted receptions & educational programs
- Guest speaking engagements by our specialists or appraisers
Our Institutional Partners
We are honored to collaborate with esteemed institutions, including:
Pennsylvania
- Historical Society of Montgomery County, Norristown
- Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville
- Michener Art Museum, Doylestown
- Athenaeum of Philadelphia
- Sigal Museum & Northampton Historical and Genealogical Society, Easton
- East Stroudsburg University Foundation, East Stroudsburg
- Laurel Hill Mansion, Philadelphia
- Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia
New York & New Jersey
- Shelter Island Historical Society, Shelter Island
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island National Park Service, Ellis Island
Virginia
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond
Why Partner with Alderfer Auction?
- Decades of Experience – Trusted guidance for valuations and auctions
- Industry Expertise – Specialists across fine art, antiques, historical artifacts, and more
- Customized Solutions – Tailored services to fit institutional goals
Contact an Appraiser
Brent Souder
Sales Director | Auctioneer | AppraiserBrent Souder began working with Alderfer Auction in 1986 and has extensive knowledge in the auction industry. Brent graduated from Mendenhall School of Auctioneering, Highpoint, NC in 1987. He is also a graduate of Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University, with certifications as a Master Personal Property Appraiser (MPPA). Brents expertise include jewelry, fine and decorative arts, with a focus on the Pa Impressionists which he has established record sales in his discoveries throughout his tenure. Brent was named the Pennsylvania State Bid Calling Champion in 2003. He received the honor of the PA Auctioneer of the year in 2018 and inducted into the PA Auctioneer Hall of Fame in 2020 for his contributions to the industry. He currently serves on the PA Auctioneer Association Board of Directors.
Email: brent@alderferauction.com
Allyson Babcock
Appraiser | Sales AssociateMs. Babcock is an accredited member of the Appraisers Association of America specializing in American Furniture & Decorative Arts. Allyson offers appraisal services to individuals, attorneys, insurance professionals, trust companies, financial planners, museums and historical societies. Ms. Babcock produces professional appraisals for the purposes of insurance, estate tax, equitable distribution, estate planning, and personal interest. Allyson Constant Babcock holds double bachelor’s degree from Brown University in American Civilization (Material Culture) and Organizational Behavior & Management. Continuing her education in the decorative arts field, she obtained a certificate in Appraisal Studies by completing the Appraiser’s Association of America’s Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program. Her appraisals conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. USPAP has now become recognized throughout the United States as the generally accepted standard of appraisal practice for all appraisal disciplines.
Email: allyson@alderferauction.com
