Residents of the area had the opportunity to engage with the much-loved PBS series “Antiques Roadshow” when the show made a stop at Red Butte Garden on June 3, 2023.
Among the participants was Marion Boland, a former co-owner of Right at Home, who had originally missed the ticket registration but fortunately was able to secure a spot with the help of a friend who had extra tickets.
Boland, an avid fan of the show, describes the process of obtaining tickets as a timed lottery system where potential attendees must apply within a limited timeframe.
“You can go online and see what the schedule is for the upcoming year,” she explained, noting that successful applicants receive two free tickets.
Attendees were required to bring one or two items for appraisal, with each participant receiving a verbal assessment regardless of whether their items were chosen for the televised segments.
Boland opted to bring a cherished vase that had been passed down through her family.
“The fun of it is, you pick something that you’ve always wondered about in terms of value,” she said.
Although she did not end up feature on the show, Boland was pleasantly surprised to learn that her 1930s rare Moorcroft Arts and Craft English pottery vase is valued at approximately $2,000, a significant contrast to her previous fear that it might be sold for mere quarters at a garage sale.
Joining Boland at the event was her friend Sue McJames, who brought a couple of pieces of art for appraisal.
“I saw lots of appraisers that you see on TV,” McJames stated proudly, recounting her experience.
She presented an Asian art piece evaluated by expert Lark Mason, Jr., along with a Salvador Dali print appraised by David Weiss.
Despite not being selected for the television broadcast, both Boland and McJames enjoyed their day at the event and gained insight into their antiques.
Boland reminisced about her near experience of being featured on the show back in 2016, when she brought in a significant cameo found by her grandfather in the Mediterranean Sea in the 1920s.
“They said, ‘OK, this is a really great story… Please go and sit there. We’re going to have you come on TV,’” Boland recalled, detailing her anticipation that day.
Ultimately, however, she was not chosen as someone with a more compelling narrative was selected instead.
As “Antiques Roadshow” continues to celebrate its 30th season, it is set to travel to five cities this year, with its last visit to Utah occurring in 2016.
The episodes recorded during the Salt Lake City events are expected to air on PBS sometime in 2026, where viewers will discover the unfolding stories behind the featured antiques.
image source from：https://www.kpcw.org/state-regional/2025-06-08/thousands-of-family-heirlooms-appraised-at-antiques-roadshow-visit-to-utah
