Arkansans offered unique opportunity to bring antiques, collectibles for professional evaluation

04/05/2023

Arkansas PBS to film new show ‘Arkansas Treasures’ at Conway studios Aug. 5, 6

CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS is developing a new program showcasing the wonderful, weird and wild collectibles and antiques to be found throughout Arkansas. Filming Aug. 5 and 6 at the Arkansas PBS studios in Conway, “Arkansas Treasures” encourages supporters from across the state to bring treasures from their attics, basements, barns and beyond to be evaluated by a professional (for entertainment purposes only) and potentially have their stories shared in the December broadcast.

“This one-of-a-kind opportunity gives viewers a chance to finally find out more about that item tucked away in the attic – and see if it is worth more than just sentimental value,” Arkansas PBS Foundation CEO Marge Betley said. “We can’t wait to see all the treasures that will come through our studio doors in August, and we’re even more excited about the stories behind them.

“Maybe we’ll get to surprise someone with a financial value beyond their wildest dreams – and maybe their item and story will end up in the final production!”

“Arkansas Treasures” will feature several professional evaluators meeting with individuals to discuss the heirlooms, collectibles and garage sale finds that they’re eager to learn more about, and viewers will get to hear the stories of how they acquired these items and how much each is potentially worth. The program is slated to premiere in December. Amory LeCuyer, owner and lead appraiser for Hampton House Auctions in Yorktown, Virginia, serves as Lead Appraiser for the production.

To provide a fair, secure and efficient experience, all attendees are required to register in advance. Admission for two people and evaluation of up to two items total is now available for a donation of $120 to Arkansas PBS Foundation. In addition to admission, the donation includes a year-long Arkansas PBS membership; a subscription to on-demand streaming of favorite PBS programs through Arkansas PBS Passport; and one year of Arkansas PBS Magazine with the network’s latest programming, news and highlights.

Due to occupancy restrictions, walk-ins cannot be accommodated, so registration is required to attend the event. Registered attendees may bring a guest, but guests cannot bring items to be evaluated. A limited number of free lottery tickets will be made available closer to the August 2023 tapings.

EVENT GUIDELINES:

A list of frequently asked questions and more information can be found at myarpbs.org/arkansastreasures.

Items cannot exceed 50 pounds and must be easily carried by hand. For liability reasons, Arkansas PBS’s staff and volunteers are not permitted to assist with items. No items may be left unattended. Arkansas PBS’s professional evaluators will not evaluate coins, currency, stamps, vehicles, explosives, ammunition of any kind, glass fire extinguishers or items containing hazardous materials. Antique firearms must not be loaded; antique firearms and edged weapons will be inspected upon arrival.

Items do not need to have local ties to Arkansas. Collectibles from anywhere around the world are welcome. A collection may be considered as a single item. However, if objects of the collection are bulky, attendee should bring a representative sampling of the collection.

Examples of items that can be brought for evaluation include: artwork, antique firearms, books and historic documents, jewelry, toys and games, Civil War memorabilia, mineralogy and gemstones and agricultural collectibles.

About Arkansas PBS

Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/watch, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City) and KETS (Gaither).

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