Maryland Public Television’s popular original series Chesapeake Collectibles wraps up its 11th season with new weekly episodes on Mondays through April 1.
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.
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 anytime 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.
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.
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, Maryland campus.
“Our team of 14 appraisers evaluated more than 3,000 items – each as fascinating as the next – brought to us by Marylanders and series fans from nearby states and Washington, D.C.,” notes series Executive Producer Patrick Keegan. “As producers, our job is to identify the collectibles which best lend themselves to compelling stories for our 13-episode season.”
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/.
MARCH/APRIL EPISODE SUMMARIES
March 4: A painting purchased for $25 contains more than first meets the eye. The story of Japanese Americans interned during WWII is revealed through hand-carved birds. Guests share a collection of items once belonging to NASA astronaut Alan Shephard, a bronze sculpture by Native American artist Alfred Ziegler, and an Art Deco magazine rack.
March 11: A Chesapeake Collectibles appraiser reveals the stories hidden within a Chinese decorative vase. A collection of shipwright’s tools helps illuminate Baltimore’s rich maritime history. The history of the U.S. Airmail Service is revealed through a collection of personal memorabilia, and a panoramic photograph of African American troops proves a puzzle.
March 18: A guest on the show learns how playing with a baseball signed by Babe Ruth impacted the item’s value. Appraiser Ross Kelbaugh discusses the increasing popularity of sneaker collecting and shares a highlight from his collection: a pair of vintage Nike Air Jordans. A portrait of William III provides insights into 17th-century Dutch propaganda, and viewers discover the values of an antique rocking horse and vintage guitar.
March 25: The Baltimore Orioles’ World Series appearances are chronicled in a collection of charms owned by a former franchise employee. A painting reveals a show guest’s personal connection to the Wild West. A silver bowl tells tales of Maryland’s political history. A guest shares an unusual collection of cane guns, and a model of a naval prototype stumps an appraiser.
April 1: Iconic Baltimore scenes come to life in a painting of Holland’s Market by Jacob Glushakow. Former Baltimore County teacher Kathie Beres shares the story of her participation in NASA’s Teacher in Space Project. A highly collectible variant of a Rolex Submariner wristwatch delights an appraiser, and a guest shares an impressive collection of 19th-century silver.
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.
