On The Road:

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we hope you'll find everything you need to know about ANTIQUES ROADSHOW and this summer's upcoming Roadshow events.

What is the ROADSHOW Archive?

The Roadshow Archive is a searchable online database containing streaming video and hundreds of still images of the individual appraisals that have been featured on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Information is also available about each object's value, genre, age, historical context, appraiser, and other related details. Currently, the Roadshow Archive contains appraisals from Season 9 through Season 12 (the current season). We plan to add Season 8 in the fall of 2008, and we'll continue to add previous seasons in 2009.

Why can't I find the appraisal or segment I'm interested in?

There are a few reasons you may not be able to find a certain appraisal in the Roadshow Archive:
1) The appraisal may be from Season 8 or earlier. Currently, Seasons 9 through 12 are available to search. Older seasons will be added incrementally throughout 2008 and 2009.
2) Currently only videos of our formal appraisals are available. The video segment you are looking for may be either a "field segment" or a "single-camera" appraisal. Field segments are the portions of the show featuring our host, Mark Walberg, visiting local sites in each city. Single-camera segments are brief, informal appraisals sometimes included in an episode. Currently these segments are not available in our Archive.
3) Occasionally we're unable to include an appraisal for technical reasons.
4) Your search may be too specific. Try again using broader keywords or selecting fewer criteria from the pull-down menus in your search.

When will I be able to view all appraisals from earlier seasons?

Currently, you can view appraisals from Seasons 9 through 12 in the Roadshow Archive. Older seasons will be added incrementally throughout 2008 and 2009. If you would like to receive a regular e-mail newsletter containing updates about our Archive and other ROADSHOW news, please subscribe to the ROADSHOW FANFARE.

TICKETS

Top Six Questions | The Archive | Attending an Event | Appraisals | Furniture

What cities are you visiting in 2008?

In 2008, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will hold taping events in:

Palm Springs, California: June 7
Dallas, Texas: June 28
Wichita, Kansas: July 12
Chattanooga, Tennessee: July 19
Grand Rapids, Michigan: August 9
Hartford, Connecticut: August 23

Please note, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW events are only held in June, July, and August each year.

Are tickets needed for the event?

Yes, you must have a pre-distributed ticket in order to attend an event.

How and when can I get tickets to an event?

The deadline for tickets to the 2008 Summer Tour has passed.

How do you decide who gets tickets?

Ticket recipients are selected at random from all ticket applicants.

How many times can I apply for tickets?

Only one application per household, either postcard or online will be accepted. You may only apply to one event. Extra submissions will be discarded.

How many tickets can I get?

If you are selected for tickets you will receive a pair of tickets. There is a two-ticket limit per household.

Why is the number of tickets limited?

Capacity at our events is limited. In the interest of fairness we want to make as many tickets as possible available to the large numbers of households who wish to attend the Roadshow events.

Is there a service charge for the tickets?

There is no cost or service charge for ANTIQUES ROADSHOW tickets. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will mail tickets to those selected, free of charge.

Will you confirm that you received my ticket application?

If you applied for tickets online, we sent you an e-mail confirming your application. If you applied for tickets via postcard, we cannot confirm receipt of your application.

When does the ticket selection take place?

Ticket recipients will be selected from eligible applicants after the ticket application deadline.

Will you contact me to let me know if I'm chosen to receive tickets?

If you applied online, then you will receive an e-mail on or about May 9, 2008, informing you whether you will or will not be receiving tickets. If you applied for tickets by postcard and are chosen to receive tickets, you will not receive a confirmation prior to receiving the tickets.

If I am selected to receive tickets, when will I receive them?

If you are selected to receive tickets, they will be mailed to you approximately three weeks before the event date.

Will the ticket envelope be from ANTIQUES ROADSHOW?

If you are selected for tickets, they will arrive in a plain white envelope. Be careful not to throw them away.

Will tickets be available at the event?

No, tickets will not be available on the day of the event. If you do not have a ticket, you cannot be admitted to the event.

I was selected to receive tickets, but I haven't received them. What should I do?

If you were selected, and your tickets have not arrived within one week of the event, please call WGBH Member & Development Services at 617-300-5400 for further instructions.

The tickets are free, so why did I see some for sale?

We offer all of our tickets to the public free of charge. We provide a limited number of tickets to the local public television stations, which they may use for fundraising purposes. The sale or resale of tickets offered through the ticket application process is prohibited by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW.

ATTENDING A ROADSHOW EVENT

Top Six Questions | The Archive | Tickets | Appraisals | Furniture

What time does the event begin?

The event begins at 8:00am. Ticket holders will be admitted every hour according to the time on your ticket, and items will be appraised all day. There are 10 entrance times:

Morning: 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am
Midday: 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm
Afternoon: 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm

What time will the event end?

The last entrance time of the day is 5:00pm. The event will end when all ticket holders in line have been given an appraisal.

Once I have my ticket, what time should I arrive?

Please arrive at the venue no earlier than 30 minutes before the time on your ticket.

Can I arrive earlier than the time on my ticket?

We do not allow entry into the appraisal area before the time on your ticket.

Can I arrive later than the time on my ticket?

Please plan to be at the event at the time specified on your ticket. However, if you miss your entrance time, you may join the end of the line. Doors to the event will close at 5:30pm.

Where can I get event directions and parking information?

Information for each event, including driving and parking directions is available in our 2008 Tour section.

Will I have wait in line?

Yes, you will have to stand and wait in line for a period of time. Please wear comfortable shoes as many of the venues have concrete floors.

Do you provide chairs for people while they wait?

There is a limited number of chairs at the event. You may sit on them, but they cannot be moved. If you or your guest has difficulty standing for long periods of time, please bring a small, lightweight and portable chair or wheelchair.

Can I avoid waiting in line?

Everyone must wait in line.

Will the event facility be wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all events are wheelchair accessible.

Does everyone who comes to the event receive an appraisal?

Yes, all ticket holders will receive a free, verbal appraisal, regardless of whether they are selected to be taped for television.

Can I observe your show without bringing an item for appraisal?

We cannot allow you to enter the event unless you have a ticket and have brought an item for an appraisal.

Can children attend the event?

Yes, children 12 and under do not need a ticket. All children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for tickets.

Can I bring a firearm for appraisal?

Please note that possession and transport of firearms may be subject to federal, state, and local laws. Even in cases where a firearm is deemed to be "antique" under federal law (such as a firearm manufactured prior to 1898), it remains subject to the laws of the local jurisdiction. It is your responsibility to know, understand and comply with all appropriate laws and ordinances.

If you believe that your firearm has a value and would be of interest to our appraisers and they agree, we will appraise it provided that our appraiser and local law enforcement are satisfied that this would be safe. Admission to the event with any firearm is solely at the discretion of the convention center or Antiques Roadshow.

We will appraise unloaded firearms only. Please leave all ammunition at home, as it will not be allowed into the event. All firearms must be checked by security personnel before entering the event. We strongly encourage the use of trigger locks on all firearms and reserve the right to attach one to your firearm while it is at the appraisal venue. All persons entering the event are subject to search.

DALLAS ATTENDEES ONLY: Only antique firearms manufactured before 1899 will be permitted to the event and appraised at the discretion of WGBH/ANTIQUES ROADSHOW and/or the Dallas Convention Center. All such antique firearms must be checked by police or security personnel before entering the event. Ammunition is prohibited. Use of trigger locks on all such antique firearms is strongly recommended. All local, state, and federal laws apply.

APPRAISALS AT A ROADSHOW EVENT

Top Six Questions | The Archive | Tickets | Attending an Event | Furniture

Is there a cost to receive an appraisal at the event?

No, you will receive free verbal appraisals of up to two items at the event.

Can I get a written appraisal?

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW only gives verbal approximations of value at our events and does not give written appraisals.

How many items can I bring?

Each ticket holder may bring two items.

Can I bring a collection of items?

Yes, a collection of very closely related items (e.g., a tea set or baseball cards) may be considered one item. Due to time constraints at the event we may ask you to select one or two items from the collection for appraisal as a guide for valuing the collection.

What size items can I bring?

Your item(s) must fit through a standard door. You must also be able to transport the item(s) to and from the event, as well as throughout the event. In some venues, you may have to transport your item on an escalator or elevator. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW does not provide carts or dollies.

Can I bring an item owned by a friend or family member?

Each ticket holder may bring two items for appraisal. These items may be your own or they may be owned by other people. However, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW requires that any item taped for television must be your own property.

How many appraisers will you have at the event?

There will be approximately 70 to 80 appraisers, covering more than 20 different categories at each event.

Will you have a specialist for the item(s) I bring?

We travel with 70+ appraisers who cover a wide variety of categories. Although occasionally our experts are stumped, most often they'll be able to answer your questions.

Can I bring a firearm for appraisal?

Are there any items you do not appraise?

We do not appraise coins, currency, stamps, vehicles or glass fire extinguishers.

DALLAS ATTENDEES ONLY: The City of Dallas and the Dallas Convention Center management have determined that you may not bring an illegal knife (as defined under Texas Penal Code) into the Dallas Convention Center. Therefore ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will not be appraising any spears, swords, or knives of any kind at the Dallas event, and anyone carrying an illegal knife will not be allowed to enter the Convention Center or the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event.

Which appraisers will be at each event?

We cannot distribute this information because our roster of appraisers is subject to change until the day of the event. A list of appraisers will be available at the event.

May I bring a camera or tape recorder to the event?

You can use cameras or tape recorders in specific designated areas. However, photography, videotaping or recording of the event is strictly prohibited in the appraisal area.

How long is the wait to see an appraiser?

Our experts see approximately 500 people per hour. Some categories are busier than others, and this varies from event to event. The best advice we can give is that you should come prepared to wait. This way, you can relax and enjoy yourself without feeling rushed.

Can I sell my item at the show?

No, you may not buy or sell any item at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraisal events. Also, no appraiser may approach or solicit your business at the event.

Can I talk to an appraiser at the event about buying or selling an item?

You may contact an appraiser at a later date if you wish, but not on the day of the event. There will be appraiser contact information available at the exit of each event.

Can I get an appraisal online or from photos I mail to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW?

No, we only appraise items in person, at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraisal events. Our experts donate their time for each appraisal event, and do not work at the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW production office. If you cannot attend one of our events, visit our online Appraiser Index to learn more about the experts who are featured on the show.

Can you recommend an appraiser for me?

We cannot recommend individual appraisers or companies. However, you may use our online Appraiser Index to find experts you've seen on the show.

Do you give out appraisers' telephone numbers and addresses?

At the event, you will receive a list of appraisers and may also pick up appraisers' business cards. For information online, visit our Appraiser Index.

FURNITURE SUBMISSIONS FOR THE TOUR

Top Six Questions | The Archive | Tickets | Attending an Event | Appraisals

How do I submit furniture to be selected for transportation to an event?

The deadline for submitting furniture for the 2008 Summer Tour has passed.

Can I submit photos of other kinds of items?

Sorry, only submissions of large furniture pieces were considered in advance; we do not prescreen other items. If you are selected for a pair of tickets, each ticket holder can bring two items.

Will you acknowledge receiving my photos?

If you submitted your furniture photos online, you will have been directed to a confirmation page after completing the submission process. If you submitted your furniture photos by mail, we will send you an acknowledgement postcard.

What happens if my furniture is chosen?

If your furniture is selected, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will call you no later than 30 days before the event to arrange for our specialized furniture mover to transport your furniture to and from the event. We cannot appraise your furniture in your absence, so you will need to attend the event to receive your verbal appraisal. If your furniture is selected, you will automatically receive a pair of tickets to the event.

What if my furniture piece is not chosen?

If you don't hear from us by telephone, your furniture has not been selected. It may still be possible for you to bring it to the event yourself. You must have an event ticket, and you must provide your own transportation for your item. It should fit through a standard door, and you must be able to carry or maneuver your item yourself at the event. At some venues, you may have to use an escalator or elevator.

Will anyone at the event help me carry my furniture?

Sorry, we will not be able to assist you in carrying large items, including furniture. You must come prepared to carry your item on your own. If your item is very heavy, we suggest bringing it on a luggage cart, dolly, or anything with wheels. And remember, it must fit through a standard door and you may need to use an escalator or elevator.

For additional information, please contact WGBH Audience Member Services, open Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm ET at (617) 300-5400.

On The Road:

Frequently Asked Questions

TOP SIX QUESTIONS

THE ROADSHOW ARCHIVE

TICKETS

ATTENDING A ROADSHOW EVENT

APPRAISALS AT A ROADSHOW EVENT

FURNITURE SUBMISSIONS FOR THE TOUR

TOP SIX QUESTIONS

THE ROADSHOW ARCHIVE

TICKETS

ATTENDING A ROADSHOW EVENT

APPRAISALS AT A ROADSHOW EVENT

FURNITURE SUBMISSIONS FOR THE TOUR

On Your TV

On the Road

Only Online

Resources

Other