Vintage Items - Inventory, price checks - where to start?

I’ve been collecting vintage knick knacks for a while, (vintage being from about ‘85 or before, most from 50’s and 60’s) And Am wonder how and where to check the value of these items. Kinda like and antiques road show thing. I’m just personally interested in where some of these items came from, what they are worth today (if anything) and other random facts.
Most of this is for my personal interest, but I am considering selling a few of them if it could help me bring in a few extra dollars for college.

So where can I figure this stuff out? I prefer a website, but if you know any places near western michigan I’d check it out.
And would Ebay be a good way to sell?