This rug has been in our family for at least 60 years. As a kid, I was
always told it was an Indian rug and just assumed that they meant American
Indian. Now that I am an "older" I realize that they could have meant from
India. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated and can
you tell me if there is anyplace that gives free appraisals?

i see the addn'l photos. again, looks like an early machine made.

There's a guy on eBay that will probably be able to ID it better. Try looking him up: joemission. I think he may be more knowledgeable about this carpet. it does look very old. could be an early wilton rug or something similar. That's what I would guess... there is a small market for these early rugs, some pay a fair amount for these pieces, the only thing is that the condition is not particularly great, but you never know...