ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A stately Virginia historic house museum located on property originally surveyed by a young George Washington has found a creative solution to the nationwide trend of decreasing house museum attendance by auctioning a large portion of its collection to raise funds and "breathe new life" into the property.

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Historic Long Branch and The Potomack Company announce the sale on October 5 of the Harry Z. Isaacs Antiques and Fine Art Collection from Long Branch as the Shenandoah Valley museum refocuses its mission in order to increase revenue and visitation to the site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

"Most historic houses are not attracting as many visitors as they did in the past," said Long Branch's Board Chairman David Goff. "Raising funds from selling furnishings that do not completely represent Long Branch's 200-year history will breathe new life into the house and allow more of the property to be used for events."

Potomack's sale features over 250 lots from the Isaacs collection, including English and American antiques, furniture, decorative arts and artwork.

Harry Z. Isaacs (1904-1990), a prominent Baltimore businessman restored, renovated and decorated the historic home. His exceptional taste led him to acquire "only the best" 18^th and 19^th century American, English and Continental furniture, decorative arts, and artwork from the most respected dealers in the United States and London, including Israel Sack, NY and Mallet, London.

Potomack Company owner Elizabeth Wainstein said, "Highlights of Isaacs's exceptional collection include a Virginia Federal Breakfront circa 1820, pair of George the Third Inlaid Satinwood Console Tables in the style of George Simson, George the Third Gilt Bronze and Cut Glass Six-Light Chandelier attributed to Parker and Perry, George the Third Silver Nine Basket Epergne dated 1768 by Smith and Sharp in London and English Sporting Scene paintings and bronzes."

Potomack Company specialists will hold a free Appraisal Clinic at the museum's "Reopening Weekend" on Saturday, October 26.

The Potomack Company is a nationally recognized fine art and antiques auction house located at 1120 North Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA.  Sale viewing begins Saturday, September 28 at Potomack's gallery. For more information visit www.potomackcompany.com or call 703-684-4550.

Contact: 703-684-4550; Lucie@potomackcompany.com 

SOURCE The Potomack Company