The Treasure Hunters Roadshow, an event that purchases antiques and collectables for collectors, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 27-30, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 at Carmel Inn and Suites, 400 E. 1st St., Thibodaux.
“We get to see some extremely cool stuff and rare items, and it always makes for a fun show,” said Matthew Enright, vice president of media relations for Treasure Hunters Roadshow.
One Thibodaux resident excited to learn about the upcoming antique show was Murray Dennis, who said that any antique show is a positive because it gets people thinking about the past.
“Anything that gets people interested in what they have or what their parents or grandparents had is a good thing,” said Dennis, a past president and member of the Ta-Wa-Si civic club. “It makes us aware of our history.”
Dennis said she has always had an interest in antiques and collectables, dating back to her first antique purchase of a Thomas Edison record player when she was in graduate school.
“I’ve always liked older things,” she said.
The Springfield, Ill.-based Treasure Hunters Roadshow makes offers to people who bring in items based on what collectors are willing to pay.
“We give people fair-market value of what their item is going to be worth,” Enright said, “and we hook them up with people who are actually willing to buy them.”
Treasure Hunters Roadshow started in 1996 and has grown to 60 worldwide roadshow teams that hold 2,500 to 3,000 shows annually.
“We tell people to keep an open mind when you go through your attics, closet or jewelry boxes … you never know what might be worth something,” Enright said.
Officials with the roadshow are expecting to see more than 1,200 residents bring in rare and unusual collectibles. Local residents can talk to antique and collectible experts to have it evaluated and possibly purchased.
“Whether you like antiques or not, … being aware of what people used to use, what they had years ago in the past … it gives an appreciation of what was, and what we have today,” said Dennis, who said the Ta-Wa-Si’s annual Bayou Lafourche Antiques Show is scheduled for Sept. 10-12 at the Thibodaux Civic Center, 310 N. Canal Blvd. An interest in antiques “makes you think what are we using today that’s tomorrow’s antique.
“I like things that have a feel of history,” the 67-year-old Dennis added. “You wonder ‘Where was this before?’ and ‘Who touched this?’ and ‘Who loved this?’ ”
According to a news release from Treasure Hunters Roadshow, recent roadshows have unearthed a 1960’s vintage guitar — which was purchased for $100,000 — four gold coins purchased for more than $72,000, Confederate money hidden in the walls of a residence uncovered during a remodel, a hand-written thank-you letter from Abraham Lincoln and more.
Enright said while the roadshows started with small audiences in the mid-’90s, the shows have grown in attendance and popularity with the onset of “Pawn Stores” and “American Pickers” on The History Channel.
He said Treasure Hunters Roadshow has a TV show similar in scope set to debut in the fall.
“Ours is going to really be able to tie even more of a closeness to it,” Enright said, “because … our show actually goes into the homes of the people finding these items.”
Officials say you can bring in coins, paper currency issued prior to 1965, toys, dolls, trains, vintage jewelry, old and modern musical instruments, war memorabilia, gold and silver jewelry, costume jewelry, advertising memorabilia, swords, knives, daggers and the unusual.
The event is free and open to the public.
For information, call 217-726-7590.
middlesex Collectables
Antiques, Collectables, edison record player, fun show, thomas edison, treasure hunters
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