Maryland Public Television’s long-running series Chesapeake Collectibles returns in July with two new episodes that spotlight distinctive items and the personal stories tied to them. The program, now in its 13th season, continues to draw viewers by blending expert appraisal with regional history from across the Chesapeake Bay area.
Each episode brings together collectors from Maryland and surrounding states who present antiques, artwork and memorabilia for evaluation. Appraisers share insights on provenance, craftsmanship and market value while connecting the objects to broader historical contexts. The format has made the series one of MPT’s most enduring local productions, often airing immediately before the national PBS hit Antiques Roadshow on Monday evenings.
The July 6 episode opens with a rare 19th-century folk portrait of a young girl, a piece that reflects early American artistic traditions. Another highlight is a yellow Grueby art pottery vase discovered at a thrift store for just three dollars, demonstrating how overlooked items can hold significant artistic and monetary value. Collectors will also see an extensive array of 300 vintage purses spanning multiple decades, showcasing changing styles and materials over time. Rounding out the hour is a segment featuring a former U.S. Navy pilot who shares signed flight plans and photographs from NASA’s Apollo 7 recovery mission, offering a firsthand glimpse into one of the early milestones of the space program.
The following week’s episode, premiering July 13, shifts focus to wartime history and family heirlooms. Viewers will hear the remarkable account of World War II B-17 tail gunner James King, including forged identity documents he used while evading capture in occupied France. Other items include a New England silver creamer with generations of family history, vibrant outsider art created by the “Baltimore Glassman,” and a multi-generational jewelry collection featuring pieces from Cartier and Tiffany. The hour closes with a 1906 German tapestry carrying symbolic meaning for its owners.
Chesapeake Collectibles has maintained strong local engagement since its launch. More than 1,000 guests attended the season 13 taping event last October at MPT’s Owings Mills studio. The program continues to accept submissions for future seasons, with the next taping weekend scheduled for October 3-4. Fans can also explore additional content on the show’s newly launched YouTube channel, which includes archival segments, behind-the-scenes footage and the digital series Tales from the Table, where appraisers discuss their experiences.
The series serves as both entertainment and education, helping viewers understand how everyday objects can carry deep historical significance. Items like the Grueby vase and folk portrait highlight regional artistic traditions, while the Apollo 7 materials and wartime documents connect personal stories to larger national narratives. For residents in Southern Maryland and across the Chesapeake region, the program often features collectibles that reflect local heritage, from maritime history to family keepsakes passed down through generations.
New episodes air Mondays at 7:30 p.m. on MPT and the MPT livestream, with encores on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on MPT2. Full episodes are available anytime through MPT’s online video player and the free PBS app. Viewers interested in staying connected can subscribe to the free monthly e-newsletter, The Chesapeake Collector.
Major support for the series comes from Alex Cooper Auctioneers and Second Story Books, organizations with deep roots in Maryland’s antiques and collectibles community. Their involvement underscores the program’s commitment to preserving and sharing the stories behind the region’s material culture.
As the first half of season 13 concludes, audiences can look forward to additional episodes in January 2027 when part two premieres alongside a new season of Antiques Roadshow. For now, the July broadcasts offer fresh opportunities to discover hidden histories through the lens of cherished personal possessions.
