Meadow Brook Hall Stars in the First Three Episodes of 'Antiques Roadshow' New Season

For the first time, PBS's hit series, "Antiques Roadshow," will takes its inspiring finds, shocking values and unforgettable reactions to iconic historical locations, like Meadow Brook Hall.

As Executive Producer Marsha Bemko said, ""Where else but 'Antiques Roadshow' could you appraise a turn-of-the-century painting in a historic mansion that could have at one time housed that very piece of art?"

The new season's first three episodes were taped at beautiful Meadow Brook Hall, on the grounds of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. They will air on Monday, Jan. 7, 14 and 21.

A National Historic Landmark, Meadow Brook Hall was built by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge. Constructed between 1926 and 1929 for $4 million, it represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America.

It's the ideal setting for "Antiques Roadshow," and more than 2,800 people - the largest attendance on the 2018 tour - turned out at Meadow Brook to have their family heirlooms and historic curiosities appraised by specialists from the country's leading auction houses and independent dealers.

Half the fun is hearing guests tell the stories behind antiques uncovered in attics or collectibles discovered at flea markets. At Meadow Brook, for instance, appraisers identified a Willem Blaeu world map from around 1635, purchased at a second-hand shop for less than $20. It was appraised at a retail value of $10,000!

Many of the items had a distinctly Detroit flavor, including a custom-painted trunk, the kind used by members of the Motown's legendary Temptations to hold their stylish outfits as they toured the country. Fifteen years ago, a collector purchased it for $500. Its value now? Somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000.

For intriguing background on how the producers decide which appraisals make it onto the televised show, please read Maureen Feighan's article in The Detroit News.

"Antiques Roadshow" is one of the most popular programs on Detroit Public Television, proof of just how much this city loves its history and its heritage.

At DPTV, we are proud to host "Antiques Roadshow" for the second time in five years and to have so many fans of the show have an opportunity not only to receive appraisals for their collectibles but to experience first-hand Meadow Brook Hall, which is such a magnificent reminder of our automotive past.

Please watch "Antiques Roadshow" on Jan. 7 on DPTV - a great way to start the New Year.

Also consider joining us for a special screening party at Meadow Brook Hall on Jan. 13. Besides highlights of the three Detroit episodes, there will be a live Q & A with "Antiques Roadshow" Senior Producer Sam Farrell, lunch in the beautiful Christopher Wren Dining Room and a self-guided walking tour of the hall. Additional information and tickets can be found here.

Enjoy and share the shows with an antiques lover near you!

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