UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The silent auction held by the Pasto Agricultural Museum during Ag Progress Days has been an annual event for many years, but this year the proceeds from the fundraiser will be put to a novel use, according to Museum Curator Rita Graef.
Funds raised in the 2019 silent auction will underwrite new curriculum development and programming called “THIS! is What AgSci Looks Like.”
"We piloted this new multigenerational family program this spring, which connects scientists with the general public to share the tools and thinking they use in their work advancing agriculture," she said. "Families enjoyed meeting emerging research professionals who developed hands-on activities and programming to share their science, extending agricultural literacy."
Donors and bidders to the museum's annual silent auction make it possible for the facility to connect the science and history of agriculture to the present day for 10,000 museum visitors annually.
Like every year, the Pasto Museum is seeking donors, bidders and buyers for its silent auction, Graef noted.
"Our auction needs donations of antiques and collectibles, Penn State gear and event tickets, and agricultural and garden tools and implements," she said. "Then generous bidders will help us raise funds to implement needed new technology into our exhibits."
Graef said those who want to donate an item to this year's silent auction should fill out a donor form online. (Complete one form for each donor; multiple items may be listed on one form.) Make donations as soon as possible, Graef suggests, so the museum can acknowledge gifts as it promotes the auction. Donations will be accepted until Monday, Aug. 12.
Because permanent exhibits in the Pasto Museum have expanded, the silent auction will be held this year in a new program space created inside the museum, near the barn exhibit.
"Help us reach our goal of raising at least $6,000 with at least 200 items valued at $50 or more with your individual contribution, or $100 for commercial donors," Graef said. "We'll showcase the auction with special items that will catch most everyone's attention. A large 'buy it now' section will allow Tuesday attendees to purchase items without needing to return Wednesday."
How the auction works
— Deliver items to the Pasto Agricultural Museum on Monday prior to Ag Progress Days between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The museum is located at 2710 West Pine Grove Road in Pennsylvania Furnace, Gate K.
— Bid on items at the museum on Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug. 13 and 14) of Ag Progress Days. Bidding closes promptly at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
— Successful bidders pick up items after payment is processed Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. An additional 15% handling fee is charged for items not picked up ($15 minimum; a shipping fee may apply).
— Note that credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), cash and Pennsylvania checks will be accepted.
For more information about the Pasto Museum or its silent auction, contact Graef at 814-863-1383 or rsg7@psu.edu.
Sponsored by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 14; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days website. Twitter users can find and share information about the event by using the hashtag #agprogressdays, and the event also can be found on Facebook (@AgProgressDays).