Seen & Heard

In our professional opinion, this is bad timing. Two days after a Plain Dealer story documented how the Western Reserve Historical Society has been forced to quietly sell off parts of its collection to pay off debt, the University Circle institution announced Cowan’s Auctions will visit May 8 to offer its appraisal services to museum visitors. We’re not suggesting there’s a direct connection here, we’re just saying it may have been wise to wait a couple more days before sending out the press release. Nevertheless, here are the details: Appraisals are $10 per item with a limit of two items per person and include admission to the museum. No weapons, jewelry, coins, stamps or automobiles allowed. For more information, visit wrhs.org.