Pikesville resident, historical specialist returns to MPT program for third season

Ross J. Kelbaugh, president of Pikesville, MD-based Historic Graphics, LLC, will be among the expert appraisers appearing in the fourth season of Maryland Public Television’s program Chesapeake Collectibles.  The MPT series has its new season premiere on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at 8 p.m.

An expert in all aspects of 19th and 20th century photographs, prints, textiles, decorative arts, collectibles and militaria, Mr. Kelbaugh joined the program in 2012.  Since 1983, he has owned and operated Historic Graphics, LLC to provide clients with acquisition, appraisal, sales, and publishing services for their items.  On Chesapeake Collectibles he has valued items as diverse as a personal letter signed by Apollo 11 Astronauts and a charred piece of wood from the White House, a result of the structure’s being burned during the War of 1812.

Chesapeake Collectibles explores history through the heirlooms and artifacts brought in by MPT viewers.  Expert appraisers seek out the personal stories and remembrances of the owners and determine whether these antiques truly are "collectibles," investigating the historical significance and impact the items have had on the region, the country, and perhaps even the world.  Host Rhea Feikin is joined by some two dozen appraisers from the mid-Atlantic area.

An alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park, Mr. Kelbaugh earned a master of liberal arts degree from Johns Hopkins University.  He served as a social studies teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools for three decades.  Mr. Kelbaugh is holder of numerous honors and awards, among them the National Park Service’s E. W. Peterkin Award for furthering an appreciation of America’s heritage.

He is a member of the Maryland Historical Society, the Maryland Arms Collectors Association, and the Daguerreian Society.  Mr. Kelbaugh is author of numerous scholarly articles and publications and most recently authored Maryland’s Civil War Photographs: The Sesquicentennial Collection, published by the Maryland Historical Society.  A noted lecturer and consultant, Mr. Kelbaugh has served as guest curator for exhibitions from his extensive collection. 

About MPT

Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).  MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia.  Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows.  Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of 19 million page views annually.  MPT’s community engagement connects viewers with local resources on significant health, education, and public interest topics through year-round outreach events, viewer forums, program screenings, and phone bank call-in opportunities.  

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