The hit PBS series “Antiques Roadshow” will be making a stop at the Baton Rouge River Center this weekend.
The show, which premiered in 1997, has received ten Emmy awards and is the highest-rated show on PBS.
The hour-long program takes viewers to various cities across the country as thousands of people bring antiques and collectibles to be appraised. However, only a select few are chosen to actually showcase their items on television.
The appraisers in attendance are experts from the country’s leading auction houses who offer free appraisals and share the fascinating history of the items that are brought in for examining.
One of the most notable appraisals in the show’s history includes a set of Chinese cups that dated back to the 18th century, which were estimated to be worth up to $1.5 million at the show’s Tulsa, Okla., stop in 2011.
On Saturday, “Antiques Roadshow” will be making its debut appearance in Baton Rouge, but it isn’t a stranger to the state of Louisiana. In 2002, the show paid a visit to New Orleans.
“We are in the big leagues now with this show,” Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden said in a news release. “I don’t think you can put a price tag on it because of the people it will reach.”
Thousands will flock to the Baton Rouge River Center with hopes that their family heirlooms and pieces of history will be worth thousands  — and maybe millions — of dollars.
A religious document that Baton Rouge resident Diamond Ryan will be bringing to the show dates back to 1796.
“I refer to it as a ‘framed scroll.’ There is a statement in Italian which certifies that it is authentic,” Ryan said. “It goes on to say this item is being sent from South America to North America. All that remain are a few spindles of black cloth fibers which are stated to be from the Virgin Mary from the House of Loreto — a biblical Holy place.”
Ryan added that she has received much interest in regard to the document over the years, including an inquiry by the Smithsonian Institution.
Baton Rouge is one of eight cities that will be featured on the 18th season of “Antiques Roadshow,” which will premiere in January 2014.