FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Season 12 taping?
Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 of 2024. When registering, you will be asked to pick a day and time slot.
Where is the Season 12 taping?
Season 12 is being taped in the Kaplan Studio at MPT’s campus in Owings Mills, MD.
Maryland Public Television
The Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio
11767 Owings Mills Blvd
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Click here for directions.
Please follow the signage directing you to parking area.
How many items can I bring?
You may bring up to three items for evaluation. A small group of closely related items - such as a pair of portraits by the same artist, a curated collection of baseball cards, or a silver tea service – will generally be considered a single item. A grouping of unrelated items - such as a box of mismatched jewelry - will not be considered a single item. If the objects constituting your collection are bulky or numerous, please only bring a representative sampling of your collection. If you are unsure whether your items constitute a cohesive collection, please email collectibles@mpt.org. We may decline to evaluate your items if they do not follow these guidelines.
Can I get a written appraisal?
Your items will receive an oral evaluation from one of our expert appraisers. Evaluations are for entertainment purposes only, and no written appraisals will be provided.
May I bring a guest?
You may bring one companion to assist you, however your companion may not bring any additional items unless they are themselves registered as an attendee.
What restrictions are there?
Your item cannot exceed 50 pounds and must be easily carried by hand. For liability reasons, our staff and volunteers are not able to assist you with your items. Do not leave any items unattended. Our appraisers will not evaluate coins, currency, stamps, vehicles, explosives, firearms manufactured after 1950, glass fire extinguishers, or items containing hazardous materials.
What do I do when I arrive?
When you arrive at MPT’s campus, signs and volunteers will direct you to the parking and registration areas.
What should I wear?
Please dress comfortably. Temperatures in the studio can vary and are often cool. You may wish to dress in layers. As there is a chance you could appear on camera, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Avoid clothing with prominent logos, marks of political affiliation, inappropriate language, etc.
- Avoid wearing white, a color that does not work well with studio lighting on camera.
- Avoid clothing with busy patterns such as houndstooth, small checks/gingham, etc.
- Hats are allowed indoors, but you’ll be asked to remove baseball-style caps if appearing on camera.
Will I be on TV?
Our appraisers work with the production team to select the most interesting, unique and valuable objects. If one of your items is selected for the show, you will be escorted to the holding area to await your appearance with an appraiser in front of the cameras.
Does my companion need to be registered?
No. Registered attendees may bring a companion. Your companion does not need to be registered and you do not need to submit their name. However, companions cannot bring additional items to be evaluated. Each pairing of collector and companion may bring up to three items between them.
May I bring an item to be evaluated without registering in advance?
No. To provide a fair, secure, and efficient experience, we require all attendees to register in advance. Attendees may bring one companion, but companions may not bring additional items.
Does it really matter what day or time I show up?
Yes. Over a thousand people attend the event. Scheduled timeframes enable us to provide a safe, fun and efficient experience for everyone. Please check-in during your allotted time.
Does my item need to be from Maryland or the Chesapeake region?
No. Although items with local connections are of particular interest, we welcome collectibles from anywhere in the world.
Can you appraise my antique if I send a photograph and skip the event?
No. MPT has no appraisers on staff.
Where is my ticket?
There are no tickets. When you register, your name is added to a master admission list. Simply bring your items to MPT on the day and time you select when registering.
Will food or beverages be available?
No food will be available for attendees on the premises. This is to protect your and others’ valuable items. Bottled water will be provided in the waiting area. If you are selected for taping, your visit could be lengthy. Be sure to eat before arrival.