If you’ve ever wondered whether that heirloom tucked away in your attic might be a hidden treasure, this summer could be your moment. The beloved PBS series Antiques Roadshow is coming to Mumford on June 17, bringing with it expert appraisers, fascinating stories, and the thrill of discovering history hiding in plain sight.
Producers say the “distinctive and historic venue” for the Mumford event will be revealed in the coming weeks, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the stop. The visit is part of the show’s 2026 tour, with three one-hour episodes produced from each city’s taping and set to air on PBS in 2027.
How to Get Tickets
Admission to Antiques Roadshow is free, but tickets are required. They must be obtained in advance by entering a sweepstakes, with one pair of free tickets available per household. A limited number of additional tickets will also be released on social media for fans who enter on Instagram before February 12. If you’re hoping to attend, keep an eye on PBS and Antiques Roadshow social channels. Click here to enter.
From British Import to American Phenomenon
Antiques Roadshow is based on the original British series, which premiered in 1979. The American journey began when film investor Dan Farrell purchased the North American rights in 1981. For more than a decade, however, U.S. television producers passed on the idea, fearing that a show centered on antiques would be too niche to attract a broad audience.
That changed in the mid-1990s when Boston PBS affiliate WGBH partnered with Farrell and the BBC to adapt the format for American viewers. The show debuted in 1997 to a modest crowd of a few hundred people at its first taping. By the second, attendance had grown so dramatically that police were needed to manage traffic. A television institution was born.
How the Roadshow Works
Each spring and summer, the Antiques Roadshow production team travels across the country, visiting a different set of cities each year. Taping at each stop lasts just one day, with the local PBS station typically serving as host. Episodes filmed during that visit are broadcast the following year.
Over the show’s history, 49 U.S. states (all except Wyoming), the District of Columbia, and even one Canadian province have hosted tour stops. The only international taping took place in Toronto in 1999.
At each event, about 70 appraisers—all volunteers—donate their expertise. They aren’t paid for their services or travel and receive only breakfast and lunch on filming day. Their role is crucial: appraisers not only evaluate items but also help producers identify the most compelling objects and stories for television. Since the show began, 425 appraisers have participated in Antiques Roadshow tours.
Will You Be on TV?
At a typical tour stop, roughly 5,000 appraisals take place. Of those, about 150 items are filmed, and only around 30 make it to air. If your item is selected for filming, expect a wait of anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours before your segment is recorded. Even if you’re not filmed, ticket holders are still entitled to free appraisals of up to two items.
Legendary Finds and Big Valuations
Over the years, Antiques Roadshow has uncovered some extraordinary treasures. Among the most valuable items appraised:
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A 1904 Diego Rivera oil painting, initially valued at $800,000–$1 million and later updated to $1.2–$2.2 million.
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A 1914 Patek Philippe pocket watch, appraised at $250,000 in 2004, sold for more than $1.5 million by 2016, and later estimated at $2–$3 million.
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A collection of 1870s Boston Red Stockings memorabilia, including rare baseball cards and player signatures, appraised at $1 million for insurance purposes in 2015.
Still Going Strong
Today, ANTIQUE ROADSHOW is PBS’s most-watched ongoing series, reaching more than 5 million loyal viewers each week across television, streaming, online platforms, and social media.
With its mix of history, personal stories, and the occasional jaw-dropping valuation, the Roadshow’s visit to Mumford promises to be a highlight of the summer. Whether you’re bringing a family heirloom or just soaking in the excitement, June 17 is a date antique lovers won’t want to miss.