Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) popular original series Chesapeake Collectibles now in its 11th season with a fresh look and a treasure trove of captivating finds, continues in February with four new weekly episodes beginning on February 5.
Chesapeake Collectibles’ episodes are broadcast on MPT-HD and available on the MPT livestream on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. immediately preceding the acclaimed PBS series Antiques Roadshow. Viewers can also watch full episodes of the series from their TVs or mobile devices on MPT’s online video player and the free PBS App.
Encore broadcasts of episodes air on Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. on MPT2 and the MPT2 livestream.
One of MPT’s most successful flagship series, Chesapeake Collectibles showcases items from around the world brought to the show by individuals from across the Chesapeake region. During each episode, passionate collectors have their unique, antique, and collectible possessions evaluated by expert appraisers, who reveal fascinating facts about each item’s history, provenance, and value.
The series’ 11th season, which premiered in January, features a broad range of treasures including such highlights as a pair of vintage Air Jordan sneakers, memorabilia related to the sinking of the Titanic, a hat owned by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, the personal collection of a NASA astronaut, an original Barbie doll, a ceremonial sword from the Pacific Islands, and the first computer manufactured by Apple. A season preview is available at youtube.com/watch?v=qsIC4wb8_rU.
“Our team of 14 appraisers evaluated more than 3,000 items – each as fascinating as the next,” notes series Executive Producer Patrick Keegan. “As producers, our job is to identify which collectibles best lend themselves to a compelling story, and I think our viewers are finding by the stories we selected this season are both surprising and delightful.”
Nearly 1,000 guests attended the Chesapeake Collectibles season 11 taping event, which took place in June 2023 at The Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio on MPT’s Owings Mills campus.
FEBRUARY EPISODE SUMMARIES
February 5: An iconic newspaper headline makes a long-awaited appearance. A Babe Ruth baseball card found in a junk shop proves a highly profitable purchase. A portrait by renowned artist David Park is shared by the portrait’s subject. The journey of a blood-stained diary lost by a Union soldier tells a unique story. And, a ceremonial sword made from shark teeth astonishes an appraiser.
February 12: Portraits reveal a link between the Eastern Shore and Nicaragua. A tea set kept in a suitcase proves a pristine collection of Colonial silver. A library of materials helps tell the story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign. A collection of photographs taken in Maryland, features President John F. Kennedy, Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas, and Orioles legend Brooks Robinson. And, a complete collection of 1956 Topps baseball cards makes an impression.
February 19: An unusual carved figurine used by the inhabitants of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi in their elaborate funeral rituals is presented. A collection of baseballs signed by members of the “500 Home Run Club” is a hit. A pristine 1920s vanity case was rescued from a dumpster. A set of discharge papers issued to what was then termed the “US Colored Troops” shortly after the Civil War, as well as a Remington New Model Army Revolver issued to Union troops, are revealed.
February 26: A historic collection of Carter G. Woodson’s pioneering work, The Journal of Negro History, reveals a story. An intricate, 19th-century cigar humidor made in Germany’s Black Forest region and a painting by renowned French Art Deco artist, Louis Icart are admired. A junk store find is revealed to be one of Sly and the Family Stone’s last Gold Records. And, a pair of Caucasian rugs amazes an appraiser.
For more information about the series, visit chesapeakecollectibles.com. The website also features the new Talkin’ Collectibles blog, found at mpt.org/blogs/chesapeake-collectibles/.
Major funding for season 11 of Chesapeake Collectibles is provided by Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc. and the generous members of Maryland Public Television.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service member offering entertaining, educational, and inspiring content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices. A state agency, it operates under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. MPT creates and distributes local, regional, and national content and is a frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through instructional events and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources on a wide range of topics. For more information visit mpt.org.
