America's Auction House,
Your Auction House
Since 1805, we have brought art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s, America’s oldest auction house, has connected collectors to extraordinary art and objects for over 220 years. Hosting more than 140 auctions annually across all major collecting categories, we offer in-person and online opportunities supported by over 175 expert specialists who deliver exceptional service and market insight.
With six salerooms and 16 locations nationwide—including Chicago, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Denver, Cincinnati, and New York City—Freeman’s offers the largest coast-to-coast presence of any American auction house.
We are a trusted partner for trusts and estates professionals, wealth managers, and fiduciaries across the country, providing tailored strategies to manage and sell collections with discretion, expertise, and maximum results.
From landmark sales to record-setting results, Freeman’s has earned a reputation for integrity, service, and results. Whether you are buying, selling, or managing an estate, we will guide you through every stage of the collecting journey.
Our Values
We appreciate the power and transformative effect of art and design – an object can change a life. Our commitment to fostering an appreciation for rare and unique objects that enhance the lives of our clients is unwavering.
We believe that we are all collectors at heart, and we are here to provide collectors with a superior experience throughout their collecting journey. We achieve this by forging long-lasting and trusting relationships.
We seek to be a conduit from our local communities to the global art market in a manner that distinguishes us as a benchmark for excellence.
We encourage our trusted team from across the U.S. to collaborate, innovate, and continue the pursuit of knowledge and passion.
Through the Centuries: Key Moments in Our History
Formed through the merger of Freeman’s, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, and Cowan’s Auctions, our firm—Freeman’s—unites a vast national network, deep expertise, and nearly 220 years in the art market.
Interested in our noteable sales and collections over the years? Our Discover Section features exciting new items every week.
Notable Sales & CollectionsThe 1800s
November 12, 1805: Thomas McKean, Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, appoints Tristram B. Freeman to the office of auctioneer in Philadelphia.
1824: Freeman’s begins regular books sales.
1898: Company is renamed Samuel T. Freeman & Co.
1924
Freeman’s auction house moves to 1808 Chestnut Street—the country’s first purpose-built auction house.
1982
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is established in Chicago, Illinois
The 1990s
1995: Wes Cowan holds his first auction, establishing Cowan's Auctions in Cincinnati, Ohio
1997: Antiques Roadshow first airs—the program will star many of our company’s specialists over the years
The 2000s
2000: Freeman's forms a marketing alliance with UK based Lyon & Turnbull
2005: Freeman's celebrates its bi-centennial
2010: Hindman Auctioneers opens first regional office in Naples, Florida
2016: Freeman's transfers ownership to key Executive Directors
2019: Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and Cowan's Auctions announce their merger, forming Hindman Auctions
The 2020s
2023: Alyssa D. Quinlan assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of Hindman Auctions
2024: Freeman's and Hindman Auctions merge to form Freeman's | Hindman
2024: New York gallery and saleroom opens on the Upper East Side at 32 East 67th Street
2025: The company celebrates its 220th anniversary and rebrands as Freeman’s Auctions and Appraisals
Executive Leadership
Our leading team of experts from the top auction houses, museums, and galleries across the globe, all of whom are dedicated to providing the highest level of personal attention and service.
Jay Krehbiel
Executive Chairman, joined Freeman's in 2019, and serves as Managing Director of KF Partners and Chair of Finance Committee of the Art Institute of Chicago
Alyssa D. Quinlan
Chief Executive Officer, 25 years of experience in wealth management, art advising, and appraisal services
Molly Morse Limmer
Executive Vice President, Deputy Chairman, over 25 years of experience in the art world, including nearly 20 years at Christie's
Alasdair Nichol
Executive Vice President, Deputy Chairman, Head of Fine Art, over 35 years of experience in the art industry and frequent PBS personality, having appeared on the Emmy Award-nominated PBS TV program Antiques Roadshow since 1998
Molly E. Gron, J.D.
Managing Director, Trusts, Estates & Private Clients, nearly 18 years of experience in the trust, estate, and private client market, solidly works with fiduciaries and advisors nationwide
Jarrett Anistranski
Chief Operating Officer, over 14 years of experience in the fine art world including at Sotheby's and most recently Phillips
Julia Fitzgerald
Chief Marketing Officer, over 20 years of experience in leading global and national consumer products businesses
Whitney Long
Senior Vice President of Finance, guides financial strategy, with expertise in arts, retail, and operations
Dr Wes Cowan
Wes Cowan, Vice Chair, Emeritus. Auctioneer and appraiser. Founder, Cowan’s Auctions; 30 years experience in the industry. With deep expertise in Americana and Historical Ephemera. Featured appraiser on the Antiques Roadshow for 29 years, and a co-host of the popular PBS series History Detectives for 11 seasons.
Hanna Dougher
Vice Chairperson Emeritus, over 20 years of leadership at Freeman’s, guiding major renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and regional expansions. With roots in finance and a passion for craft, she brings vision and expertise to the auction world