Sarah Reeder

Sarah Reeder, AAA, ISA CAPP is the CEO, Founder, and Principal Appraiser of Artifactual History® Appraisal and a graduate of New York University's Program in Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts.

In addition to Certified Membership in the International Society of Appraisers with the Private Client Services designation for working with high-net-worth individuals, she is also a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA).  Sarah received her master's and undergraduate degrees from the College of William & Mary, where she also completed the Program in Museum Studies, Material Culture, and Early American History from the National Institute of American History and Democracy.

Her firm Artifactual History® Appraisal prepares appraisal reports of fine art, antiques, furniture, silver, design, and decorative arts for insurance, estate, family distribution, and a variety of other uses.  Appraisal services include insurance appraisal reports, estate appraisal reports, donation appraisal reports, and appraisal reports for equitable distribution among siblings or other family members.  Clients include private collectors, corporations, institutions, insurance professionals, embassies, and members of the diplomatic and military communities.

As CEO, Founder, and Principal Appraiser, Sarah works in partnership with appraiser Patrick McIntyre, ISA , who is Artifactual History® Appraisal's Lead Appraiser and Head of the New York and Philadelphia Offices.  Together they offer in-person appraisal services within the firm's geographic service areas of Northern Virginia, the Washington, DC Metro area including Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Maryland, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Charlottesville, Virginia.  They also welcome appraisal assignments working remotely from photographs and offer video and phone consultations customized to specific client needs. Artifactual History® Appraisal is an inclusive business with a core value of creating a safe and welcoming experience for all clients.

Sarah and Patrick regularly produce educational content for the company’s YouTube channel .  Patrick serves as creative director and editor for the firm’s videos on art market and appraisal-related topics, of interest to both specialists and the public. WATCH HERE

Prior to founding Artifactual History® Appraisal, Sarah's professional experience included positions at the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, as well as positions as a Subject Specialist at auction houses.  With a strong background in fine art appraisals, Sarah is a generalist appraiser with years of experience appraising fine art as well as silver, 20th Century Design, furniture, ceramics, antiques and decorative arts.  Sarah is Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant through January 16, 2028.  Sarah is a midcentury modern design expert and author of the book Ray Eames in 1930s New York .

She also is Co-Editor of Worthwhile Magazine , an online magazine about art, collecting, and appraising accessible to the general public and professionals alike.  Sarah regularly contributes new scholarship to the magazine to enhance access to information about the appraisal field and empower consumers of appraisal services. Sarah can be reached directly at [email protected] .

SERVICE AREAS:

Artifactual History® Appraisal serves clients in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC Metro region, Philadelphia Metro Area, New York City Metro Area, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Charlottesville, Virginia.

Northern Virginia and Washington, DC Metro Area including Aldie, Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Bethesda, Burke, Cleveland Park, Centreville, Chevy Chase, Clifton, Crystal City, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Fair Lakes, Falls Church, Georgetown, Great Falls, Herndon, Leesburg, Lorton, Loudon County, Manassas, Marshall, McLean, Oakton, Occoquan, Potomac, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Tysons Corner, Vienna, and Woodbridge

New York City Metro Area Including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island , Westchester County, Nassau County, Yonkers, New Rochelle, White Plains, Tarrytown, Ossining, Chappaqua, Katonah, Great Neck, Hempstead, Port Washington, Newark, Paterson, Morristown

Philadelphia Metro Area including Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Media, Drexel Hill, Ardmore, Wayne, Merion Station, King of Prussia, Gladwyne, Bala Cynwyd, Conshohocken, Norristown, Elkins Park, Willow Grove, Ambler, Levittown, Newtown, Yardley, New Hope, Doylestown, Lansdale, Collegeville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Valley Forge, West Chester, Exton, Downingtown, Coatesville, Kennett Square, Oxford, Lancaster, Wilmington

Charlottesville, Virginia

MEMBERSHIPS:

Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers, Private Client Services designation Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America Phi Beta Kappa Member

EDUCATION:

Master of Arts, The College of William & Mary Certificate in Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts, New York University Bachelor of Arts, The College of William & Mary, Phi Beta Kappa Certificate in Museum Studies, Material Culture, and Early American History, National Institute of American History & Democracy

TESTIMONIALS:

"Whoever came up with the phrase 'above and beyond' had you in mind.  I can't thank you enough for your time and efforts, and your information and insights.   I will surely use the information as I move forward.  Thanks again."

-Private Collector "I'm speechless!  Your appraisal report is fantastic!  I knew it would be, but it far exceeded my expectations!"

-Insurance appraisal report for a Contemporary Art collector

"Thank you Sarah!  This is a very professional well done appraisal."

-Insurance appraisal client, Virginia

"Sarah Reeder was a pleasure to work with.  Originally, we hired her to create an Insurance Appraisal of inherited antique furniture.  Not only did she provide an in-depth and thorough appraisal, she found some fascinating stories behind our antiques and gave us a better personal appreciation for family heirlooms.

Sarah's report provided her background and qualifications, a detailed explanation of her work, and a thorough explanation of all the items she studied.  She listed the origins, medium, style, dimensions, time period, condition, and provenance of each piece. She took great photos of each item, with photos highlighting details.  She also provided an appraised value of each item.

The report also included very specific information that involved many hours of research on Sarah's part.  We were particularly thrilled to learn that she was able to identify the family our painted blanket chest was created for, as well as the county the family lived in.  Not only that, but she found reference in a book stating that two of these chests were painted for the particular family.  The book showed a picture of a chest identical to ours, but with a different family member's name.  We had no idea our piece was so unique.

It was a joy to inspect each item with Sarah.  She noticed details in craftsmanship we had not noticed after living with them for years.  She took the time to ask about the sentimental value and story behind each family piece.  We now love and appreciate our family heirlooms even more."

S W,

Charlottesville, VA

"It was my great fortune to hire Sarah Reeder to appraise an artifact prior to a move this past summer.  I found Ms. Reeder through the Appraisers Association of America website listing of accredited appraisers.  From my first phone call with her, it was obvious that she is passionate about her work and extremely professional.  Ms. Reeder visited my home to evaluate the item and provided me with a comprehensive report that included a thorough description and photos of the artifact, detailed information about its history and historical significance, and a description of all the experts she contacted and other sources used to appraise its value.

Based on her findings, I decided that my best option was to loan the item to an interested museum.  At this point, Ms. Reeder became invaluable to me, offering to reach out to appropriate museums on my behalf.  Her combination of industry knowledge and personal contacts resulted in the identification of two potential museums and her on-going advice was spot-on in terms of what to consider in making my decision.  I am thrilled with the outcome and convinced this never would have happened without her support and expertise.  Sarah Reeder has my highest recommendation.  If you have an antique or other artifact you need appraised, she is THE person to call!"

R. N.

McLean, Virginia

"We hired Sarah Reeder, owner of Artifactual History Appraisal, for estate appraisals and to appraise a family historical heirloom. Sarah's passion for her profession, and due diligence in research and preparing the final appraisal report far exceeded our expectations. She included numerous photos, a fully researched written appraisal, economic data pursuant to the silver antiques market and much more. We highly recommend Ms. Reeder for your appraisal needs.  She is the ultimate professional and is superbly qualified by experience and by her academic credentials."

K-Alexandria, Virginia

PUBLICATIONS:

Patrick McIntyre and Sarah Reeder, contributors together to Kelsey Mulvey’s article “7 Clues Thrifted Decor is Actually Valuable, According to Appraisers,” Apartment Therapy , 2025.

"Home Interior Design Trends for 2025" (contributor to article by Jasica Usman), Redfin , 2025.

"Understanding Appraiser Neutrality:  A Consumer's Guide to the Importance of Working with USPAP-Compliant Appraisers," Worthwhile Magazine , 2024.

"A Consumer's Guide to the Appraisal Process for Art & Antique Appraisal Reports," Worthwhile Magazine, 2024 .

"Everything You Wanted to Know about Appraisals, But Were Afraid to Ask," Interview with Artifcts CEO Heather Nickerson, 2023. "How to Identify an Antique When You See One," (contributor to article by Blythe Copeland and Lauren Thomann), Martha Stewart Living , 2023. "How to Have a Collecting Hobby If You're A Minimalist," (contributor to article by Blythe Copeland), Martha Stewart Living , 2023. "A Conversation with Photographer Lance Wilson," Worthwhile Magazine , 2023.

"What Is A Certified Appraiser of Art and Antiques?" Worthwhile Magazine , 2022.

"A Conversation with Megan Dorsey of Everthine Antiques and Stationery," Worthwhile Magazine , 2022.

"A Conversation with a Financial Advisor:  Tracy Shen of the Florin Group," Worthwhile Magazine , 2022.

"Identifying Mid-century Modern Design," RICS Journals, 2022.

"The Wonderful Work of Marilyn Neuhart," TOAD Archive, 2021.

"A Conversation with Lebanese Artist Mirella Salamé," Worthwhile Magazine , 2021.

"What Type of Appraisal Report Do You Need?  An Overview of Common Appraisal Report Categories," Worthwhile Magazine , 2021.

"The Case Against the Current Energy Usage of NFTs:  An Art World Environmentalist's Opinion," Artifactual History , 2021.

"Not Like on TV:  Appraising is a Professional Service Like Law or Accounting," Worthwhile Magazine , 2021.

"A Conversation with Alexander Wendl:  Creator and Curator of TOAD Archive," Worthwhile Magazine, 2021.

"Expert Answers to Common Questions From Art Collectors," (contributor to article), Artwork Archive , 2020. "A Conversation with An Auctioneer:  Jason Roske of KC Auction Company and Host of 'Behind the Gavel with Jason,'" Worthwhile Magazine , 2020.

"What I Would Tell My Collector Self 20 Years Ago," written together with Courtney Ahlstrom Christy, Artwork Archive, 2020.

"Demystifying the Appraisal Process," Artwork Archive, 2020. "How To Obtain Quality Art and Antique Appraisals," Home Transition Pros, 2020.

"New Uses for Old Things:  Thoughts in Support of Mixing Antiques in Modern Interiors," Worthwhile Magazine , 2020.

"Deepen Your Collecting & Collections Knowledge:  An Interview with Spencer W. Stuart about His Lifecycles Webinar, Worthwhile Magazine , 2020.

"Art Adventuring:  A Conversation with Claudia Hess of Hess Art Advisory," Worthwhile Magazine , 2020. "A Conversation with Ally Zlatar:  Artist, Curator, Activist & Everything In Between," Worthwhile Magazine , 2020. "Questions to Consider Asking Yourself While Contemplating a New Addition to Your Art Collection," Worthwhile Magazine, 2019.

"Understanding the Different Levels of Value:  It's Worth What Where?" Worthwhile Magazine , 2019.

"A Consumer's Guide to Insurance Appraisal Reports:  Do You Need One and How to Get One?" Worthwhile Magazine, 2019.

"A Conversation With Artist Mario Loprete," Worthwhile Magazine, 2019.

"An Overview of the Many Ways That An Appraiser Can Assist the Private Client Services Community," Digital Journal of Advanced Appraisal Practice , 2019, pages 7-16.

"The Right Stuff:  The Surprising Compatibility of Collecting and Minimalism," Worthwhile Magazine, 2018.

"A Conversation with An Art Restorer:  Anabela Ferguson of Brush Strokes Fine Art LLC," Worthwhile Magazine , 2018.

"The Catalogue Raisonné:  An Art Collector's Underutilized Friend," Worthwhile Magazine , 2018.

"What is USPAP and Why Is It Important to Hire A USPAP-Compliant Appraiser?" ISA Now , International Society of Appraisers, 2017.

"An Introduction to Appraising Mid-Century Modern Furniture," The Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies , 2016"

"Rediscovering a Lost Treasure:  Frances Benjamin Johnston's Carnegie Survey," Uncommon Sense , No. 124, 2007

SELECTED COURSES AND CONTINUING EDUCATION :

AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY :

“18 th and 19 th -Century Furniture:  Materials, Construction, and Use”

“American Furniture Styles 1700-2000”

“IRS Legal Guidelines in Valuation of Fine and Decorative Arts”

“Research Methods for Appraisers”

“The Heart of the Matter:  Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising”

“Essentials of Appraising”

“Appraisal Writing Workshop”

“Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)”

“Appraising Silver”

“Appraising Fine and Rare Wine”

“Appraisal of American Folk Art”

“The Appraisal of Old Master European and Early American Prints”

AT THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY:

“Archaeological Material Culture,” a field school seminar in ceramics taught by the Curator of Archaeology at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation utilizing the institution’s ceramic collections

“Vernacular Architecture,” taught by the Senior Architectural Historian at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

“ Decorative Arts”

“19 th -Century Art”

“20 th -Century American Art”

“The Museum in the U.S.”

“Public History”

“Art, Politics, and American Culture”

“History of Fashion”

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

“The Art Market, Appraisals, and Insurance: What Brokers Need to Know,” Private Risk Management Association, December 2025. “Of Value: 2025 National Conference,” AAA, November 2025. “Dramatic but Simple” - Wharton Esherick’s Designs for the Curtis and Nellie Lee Bok House, Wharton Esherick Museum, September 2025. “The Ongoing Financialization of the Art Market and How it Impacts Appraisers,” AAA, September 2025.

"Appraising Public Art:  Why, When, and How," Appraisers Association of America, originally aired 2020, viewed 2025. "ArtTactic 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook," Appraisers Association of America, 2025. "New Media," Appraisers Association of America, 2025.

"Of Value: 2024 National Conference," Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

"Contemporary Design," Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

"Collection Protection:  Damage and Fire-Loss Appraisals," Appraisers Association of America, 2024. "The Comparable Void:  Appraising Unique and Singular Objects Employing Innovative Formula, Parallels, and Expert Opinion," Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

"Science in a Troubling World of Art Authentication," Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

"Don't Gloss Over Your Glossary," Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

"Collection Protection Series:  Disaster!  Are Your Clients Prepared?" Appraisers Association of America, 2024. "Brutalism:  Overview and Current Market," Appraisers Association of America, 2024. "Alexander Girard:  Celebrating Life Through Design," MillerKnoll, 2024. "USPAP 7-Hour Update," Appraisers Association of America, 2024. "USPAP Roundtable," Appraisers Association of America, 2024. "Collection Protection: Damage and Loss - Wine," Appraisers Association of America, 2024. "Georg Jensen: Defined by Design," Appraisers Association of America, 2024. "Of Value: 2023 Annual Conference," Appraisers Association of America, 2023. "Florence Knoll: Defining Modern," MillerKnoll, 2023. "ArtTactic Market Update," Appraisers Association of America, 2023. "Working with Family Offices," Appraisers Association of America," 2023. "State of the Fake: Luxury Edition," Appraisers Association of America, 2023. "Hallmarks: Decoding England's Secret Language of Silver," New York Adventure Club," 2023. "Uncovering New York Historical Society's Tiffany Lamp Collection," New York Adventure Club, 2023. "Ukrainian Cultural Heritage: What’s Damaged; Destroyed; Documented; and Being Done," International Foundation for Art Research, 2022.

"Marketplace and Emerging Trends for Two Dimensional Art," International Society of Appraisers, 2022.

"Louis Vuitton Mini-Course," Authentication Institute of America, 2022. "Inside Look:  Man Ray's Le Violon d'Ingres 1924," Christie's Education, 2022.

"ArtDiscovery:  Using Scientific Analysis for Authentication," Appraisers Association of America, 2022.

"Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice 7-Hour Update," International Society of Appraisers, 2022. "Contemporary Art + The Design Object," International Society of Appraisers, 2021. "Mid-Century Modern Design," Appraisers Association of America, 2021. "Mid-Mod in the Middle," International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

"The History of Historically Black Colleges and Universities' Art Museums," Appraisers Association of America, 2021.

"M.C. Escher:  Prints, Drawings, Watercolors and Textiles," Curator David Steel speaking at the Bruce Silverstein Gallery, 2021. "Luxury Handbags," International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

"Blanket or Rug:  A Primer for Navajo Textiles," International Society of Appraisers, 2021. "Strategies for Appraising Chinese Art," International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

"Jewelry Through the Ages," International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

"Jewelry Settings From the 18th to the 21st Centuries:  A Visual Analysis," International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

"Working with Insurance Companies," Appraisers Association of America, 2020.

"British Furniture and Decorative Arts," Appraisers Association of America, 2020. "Introduction to Appraising Rugs," International Society of Appraisers, 2020.

"Jewelry Essentials," Gemological Institute of America, 2020.

"Colored Stone Essentials," Gemological Institute of America, 2020. "Diamond Essentials," Gemological Institute of America, 2020. "Appraising Stamps and Coins," International Society of Appraisers, 2020.

"Appraising Oriental Rugs and Carpets," Appraisers Association of America, 2020.

"Book Appraisal Methodology," International Society of Appraisers, 2020. "Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 7-Hour Update Course," International Society of Appraisers, 2020. "Foundation for Appraisal Education Annual Seminar," Foundation for Appraisal Education, 2018

"Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 7-Hour Update," Appraisers Association of America, 2018

Appraising in the World of High-Net-Worth Individuals," International Society of Appraisers, 2018

"Antiques, Furnishings, & Decorative Arts," International Society of Appraisers, 2016 “Appraisal of Modern and Contemporary Prints,” New York University, 2016

“Elements of a Correctly Prepared Appraisal,” Appraisers Association of America, 2016

“Theory & Methodology,” Appraisers Association of America, 2016

“Core Course in Appraisal Studies,” International Society of Appraisers, 2015