December 20, 2016
For immediate release
Contacts:
Tom Williams, APR
Office: 410-581-4031
Ari Hamilton
Office: 410-568-8807
Note: Phone interviews are available with Chesapeake Collectibles Producer Susanne Stahley.
Season seven of MPT’s Chesapeake Collectibles premieres in January
Series features memorabilia from collectors throughout the Chesapeake Bay region
OWINGS MILLS, MD – Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) popular original series Chesapeake Collectibles returns for its seventh season on Thursday, January 5, 2017. The new season, with Rhea Feikin as series host, features 13 new episodes airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. on MPT-HD.
Chesapeake Collectibles is among MPT’s most successful flagship series. Memorabilia from all over the world are brought to the set by collectors from the Chesapeake Bay region, an area rich in American history and culture. For season seven, area collectors came forward with unique items including a violin crafted from the remains of a famous 19th century battleship, a set of rare Muhammad Ali memorabilia, and a Beatles poster doodled on by John Lennon. Viewers also will see the highest value item ever seen on the series – well into six figures.
The January 5 premiere episode kicks off with Baltimore Colts legend Tom Matte and showcases his autographed football helmet and Super Bowl ring. The episode also features a sparkling multi-piece diamond brooch, a rare animation cell from Disney’s classic Snow White, and a modernist necklace designed by renowned jeweler Art Smith – discovered on sale at a thrift store for a fraction of its worth.
Former Baltimore Colt Tom Matte (left) with appraiser Ross Kelbaugh Appraiser Allen Stypeck (right) evaluates an animation cell from Disney’s Snow White
The new season also presents treasures of historic significance, including a map used by pioneer aviator Charles Lindberg; an autographed photograph of U.S. Army General George S. Patton, Jr. – likely the last item he signed before his death; and a silver creamer made in 1765 by silversmith and American Revolution patriot Paul Revere.
The series’ expert appraisers are back this season to evaluate an array of collectibles, from the rare to the weird. Chesapeake Collectibles appraisers also offer viewers insider tips on collecting in “Highlights” segments that include frank advice on how – or how not – to “time” the antiques market. These experts give advice on assessing such elements as the quality of Oriental rugs or how to preserve heirlooms such as great-great-grandmother’s quilt.
In addition, MPT crews explore the collections of private and institutional collectors. These feature stories take Chesapeake Collectibles on location to the quirky and the famous. In the season’s first episode, the series explores mind-boggling code-cracking machines at the National Cryptologic Museum with mysterious names such as Purple Code, Frostburg Supercomputer, and the famous German Enigma. Later in the season the series uncovers a world of oddities at Hampden’s Bazaar gift shop, tunes in to Jazz legend Eubie Blake’s traveling keyboards, and tours the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower’s collection of iconic blue bottles in downtown Baltimore.
Chesapeake Collectibles airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. on MPT-HD and repeats overnight. Each episode also airs on MPT2 on Saturdays at 7 p.m.
The production was shot on location for a third year at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md. For more information visit chesapeakecollectibles.com and the series’ Facebook page.
Major funding for season seven of Chesapeake Collectibles is provided by Turf Valley Resort, Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc. and the generous members of Maryland Public Television.
About MPT
Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows. Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of 14 million page views annually. MPT’s community engagement connects viewers with local resources on significant health, education, and public interest topics through year-round outreach events, viewer forums, program screenings, and phone bank call-in opportunities.
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