The Antiques Roadshow made a memorable stop at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum in Salt Lake City on Tuesday as thousands gathered to share stories about cherished possessions and hopes for appraisals of rare items.
Marsha Bemko, executive producer of the popular PBS show, took a moment to soak in the atmosphere as she settled into a white chair under the shade.
Having spent hours in an outdoor amphitheater, focusing on guests’ treasured items, she realized the heartfelt stories shared by individuals were often more impactful than the actual monetary value of their belongings.
One story that particularly thrilled Bemko involved a woman who presented a special comic strip drawn by Charles Schulz, the legendary creator of ‘Peanuts.’
Gifted to her in the 1990s as a personal gesture of comfort, the comic turned out to be worth several thousand dollars, exemplifying the remarkable connections between people that the show celebrates.
Bemko, who has overseen Antiques Roadshow for over 20 years, expressed gratitude for hitting a significant milestone with the show’s 30th season.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, she emphasized the show’s capacity to remain relevant and engaging, as it continues to attract audiences drawn to its exploration of history and personal narratives.
At the event in Salt Lake City, which started early in the morning and ran until the last appraisal, around 4,000 people had the chance to present their items, selected from a lottery of about 9,000 applicants.
Each participant could bring two items, yet only a small fraction—around 140—would ultimately be chosen for filming.
Bemko walked through the large crowd, contemplating the difficult choices that come with her role. ‘I can’t take everything that I see,’ she noted, reflecting on the plethora of intriguing artifacts before her.
Salt Lake City is not new territory for Antiques Roadshow, which has returned for its fourth appearance in the area, having previously filmed there in 2016, 2006, and 1999.
Bemko explained that their selection process requires them to avoid repeating locations within five years; hence, it was timely to revisit Salt Lake City, especially with its picturesque setting and good weather.
The robust, sunshine-filled day was said to enhance the overall experience for both guests and crew, providing a vibrant backdrop for the evaluations.
Stanley Bystrowski, a member of the Antiques Roadshow crew for three years and auction industry veteran, noted the beauty of Red Butte Garden, calling it one of the most stunning venues for the show.
As a front desk ambassador, Bystrowski helped attendees navigate the event’s various appraisal categories by marking their papers with designated booth stamps, which guided them to experts in areas like books, pottery, and collectibles.
Through his time at the event, he encountered a surprising item: a massive shoe once owned by a tall gentleman from the early 1900s, prompting a humorous comparison to modern basketball footwear.
Guests filtered through to consult with specialists at the designated booths, including Ken Sanders, a local appraiser from Ken Sanders Rare Books, and Kenneth Gloss, who has been affiliated with the show for 25 years and runs the Brattle Book Shop in Boston.
Gloss shared humorous experiences regarding a first-ever line designated for LDS and Mormon books that day, underscoring the diversity of items presented for appraisal.
He enthusiastically evaluated a third edition of The Book of Mormon that day, which would later feature on the show next year.
Even with countless appraisals under his belt, Gloss admitted the thrill of the unknown keeps him engaged with each visit, never anticipating what treasures attendees might unveil.
Among notable and quirky items reviewed that day was a personal letter addressed to a podiatrist from former President Ronald Reagan, focusing on a subject rarely discussed: shoes.
Annemarie from Riverton recounted her backstory with the letter she sent to Reagan, asking for a pair of his shoes to accompany a display of Nancy Reagan’s at a museum.
To her astonishment, not only did she receive a heartfelt response from Reagan, but he also sent along a pair of his custom shoes, which Gloss ultimately valued at over $1,500.
Despite the appraisal’s value, Annemarie expressed that the letter means more to her than any dollar figure, as she considers potential donation to the museum down the line.
The engagement of guests revealing their stories and appraisers reacting genuinely continues to be the heart and soul of Antiques Roadshow, according to Bemko.
The show’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of family history and the insights shared by some of the nation’s top experts, providing context and meaning to previously unexamined personal artifacts.
In today’s digital age, where many seek information online, Bemko asserts that the need for personal interaction and expert evaluation remains timeless. ‘It’s kind of like a doctor,’ she explained.
‘You can look up your symptoms, but right now, if you have something, you need to see the doctor. Same thing here.’
Among the enjoyable moments captured during the filming, one particularly amusing act occurred when Melissa from Eagle Mountain donned a vintage Mr. Peanut costume she purchased for $100.
Used historically as a marketing mascot during parades, the costume dates back to the 1950s or 1960s and has become a staple in Melissa’s home, particularly during Halloween.
Appraiser Laura Woolley, witnessing Melissa in character for the first time, found herself unexpectedly entertained. ‘The minute she struck the pose with the cane, it just cracked me up,’ Woolley exclaimed, acknowledging how well the costume worked on its owner.
She shared that such costumes generally auction for prices between $500 and $1,500, which surprised Melissa who had previously been unaware of its financial potential.
Nevertheless, that wouldn’t sway her affection for the costume, as she delightedly stated it would likely remain a family treasure passed down through generations.
With over 25 years on the Antiques Roadshow, including more than two decades as executive producer, Bemko continues to uncover incredible stories.
The diverse items presented at Red Butte Garden illustrate the range of experiences shared by guests—from serious to quirky—that contribute to the show’s enduring legacy.
Ultimately, Bemko believes that Antiques Roadshow not only provides knowledge about history but also inspires viewers to appreciate their own possessions and consider what lies hidden in their homes.
The excitement is palpable as people ponder if they, too, might someday utter the phrase, ‘Maybe I could find something like that.’
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