Freeman’s Reclaims Its Historic Legacy with a Bold Rebrand
Freeman’s celebrates 220 years by reclaiming its historic name and debuting a new era of art and antiques auctions.
When one of America’s oldest auction houses marks a milestone, the past and present inevitably collide in fascinating ways. This month, Freeman’s, originally known as Freeman’s | Hindman, announced that it is rebranding simply as Freeman’s, shedding the dual name and embracing a streamlined identity just as it celebrates its 220th anniversary.
The timing couldn’t be more fitting. Founded in Philadelphia in 1805, Freeman’s traces its roots to Tristram Bampfylde Freeman, who the governor of Pennsylvania appointed as the city’s official auctioneer. In its earliest days, the firm handled everything from real estate to ship cargo, an all-purpose enterprise that reflected the bustling commercial heart of the young republic. Over two centuries later, that same spirit of enterprise continues to define Freeman’s as it steps into a new chapter.
For six generations, the Freeman family oversaw the company’s evolution, guiding it from the candlelit auction rooms of the 19th century to the digital bidding platforms of today. When the family sold its controlling interest in 2016, the new stewards of the brand pledged to honor that legacy while keeping an eye on the future. That vision expanded dramatically in 2024, when Freeman’s joined forces with Hindman Auctions of Chicago and Cowan’s Auctions of Cincinnati, forming a national network of regional expertise.
Now, the company is uniting under one historic name once again. As CEO, Alyssa D. Quinlan explained in a recent press release, the rebrand is both a nod to the company's heritage and a signal of its forward momentum. “Our focused strategy on the resilient middle market in the auction sector has enabled our company to move from strength to strength in 2025,” Quinlan said. “As we rebrand the company to Freeman’s, we recognize the expertise, regional leadership, and trusted relationships that have contributed to our collective success to date, and will continue to guide our brand’s mission and values as we enter this new era.”
Freeman’s now operates in 16 cities across the United States, positioning itself as a truly national player while retaining its local flavor. “Few auction houses can lay claim to such a rich legacy,” Quinlan added. “As we lead Freeman’s into its next chapter, we plan to continue bringing art, history, and design to life—and connecting more people with exceptional objects like these for generations to come.”
The newly rebranded Freeman’s is launching this new chapter with a series of standout auctions this fall, designed to showcase the range and depth of its expertise.
- Old Masters and 19th-Century Art, Philadelphia, November 4: Echoes of the Past, a private-collector sale featuring centuries-spanning paintings and drawings.
- Western & Contemporary Native American Art, Denver, November 6: Two important private collections celebrating classic Western and Southwestern art.
- American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts, Philadelphia, November 12: A highlight here is an 1805 gold pocket watch presented to the Marquis de Lafayette.
- Post-War & Contemporary Art, New York, November 14: Works by Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, Alex Katz, Fritz Scholder, Andy Warhol, and Gertrude Abercrombie.
- European Furniture & Decorative Arts, Chicago, December 10–12: Two-day sale featuring treasures from “Camp Rosemary,” the elegant home of philanthropist Posy Krehbiel.
- Important Jewelry, New York, December 11: Signed pieces by Bulgari, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co., with proceeds from select lots benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
While the streamlined name reflects a modern direction, Freeman’s remains true to its roots in fine art, antiques, furniture, and design, the areas that have long resonated with collectors. Its emphasis on the “middle market” also keeps the door open for emerging collectors who crave quality with history.
As the oldest auction house in the United States and a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s cultural fabric, Freeman’s is once again proving that legacy isn’t something to rest on, it’s something to build from. Two hundred and twenty years after Tristram Bampfylde Freeman first brought the gavel down, that same sound still rings out, connecting America’s past to its ever-evolving collecting future.
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