The rain came in fits and starts, but that didn't seem to bother the lines of people whose family heirlooms were toted in buggies, wrapped in plastic and tucked under multicolored umbrellas. 

On June 18, thousands flocked to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for a chance to have their treasures examined by over 70 volunteer appraisers representing 23 different categories, as part of Antiques Roadshow's tour. This is the first time the show has made a stop in Maine in its 30-year run.  

Gov. Janet Mills made a brief appearance to have tickets from the 1965 fight between Charles “Sonny” Liston and Muhammad Ali in Lewiston appraised, according to Roadshow Executive Producer Marsha Bemko. 

“People really want to understand what they own, and because we all have the same question, and we're bonded by it, we're nice to each other. That is part of what makes today so special,” said Bemko.  

It was also an exciting day for the region’s historical societies, who threw their hats in the ring with items from their collections. Boothbay Region Historical Society brought in a 1682 bible from the Marten family. Appraiser Catherine Williamson said the book was likely printed in Amsterdam and she valued it at $300-$500 due to its poor condition.  

“This is one of the earliest Bibles that I have seen, and that we will see today,” she said.  

Southport Historical Society had less luck with its concept sketch for Newagen Inn by architect John Calvin Stephens, who is responsible for designing thousands of buildings in the state. Due to the specificity of a commissioned architectural sketch versus something that has more mass appeal, such as one of Stephens’ landscapes, appraiser Nigel Freeman said it had more historical value than retail. It was appraised between $500- $1,000. 

But, for some guests, the journey to the Roadshow was one of not only miles, but years.

Per the show’s media guidelines, we are using guests’ first names only.

“My mom (Diane) is a huge fan of the Antiques Roadshow; she's been watching it for probably as long as it's been on TV. It's been on her bucket list for a long time. We've put our names in for tickets every year,” said Beth of Connecticut. Beth and Diane brought an early 20th century German doll, worth $100-$200, that had human hair and fur eyebrows.  

Emily and Suzy from New York also made the trek specially for the show to have their mid-century rug appraised, which totaled $5,000 – $10,000 at auction and double that for an antique store. “Today has been great. I'm excited to get the whole experience...I've (also) loved style-watching here; all the L.L. Bean stuff and the Maine accoutrement,” said Emily.  

So, what does it take to get you and your item on TV? It’s not easy.

Antiques Roadshow is a large operation, requiring a crew of over 300. This includes Bemko’s small, full-time team, the appraisers, volunteers from Maine Public Television, and other volunteer personnel pulled from the local and Boston area. With filming conclaves dotting the gardens, the show’s single-day visit generates hundreds of hours of material. 

“I will spend several days watching footage, and I grade it like a school paper, A, B, C, D,” explained Bemko, who has been producing the show for about 20 years.  

Bemko’s perfect appraisal has a good acquisition story, a wealth of knowledge provided by the expert, and both they and the guest are enthusiastic about the item.  

“If you want to blow it over the top, It's worth an extraordinary amount of money. But, for me, story is king. My favorite roadshow stories are not the most valuable.” 

There will be three episodes created from the Boothbay filming. The air dates will be decided in January.