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Learn more at HISTORY.com/classroom might not seem Discussion Questions appealing to some, ....................................................................................................................... but to Mike Wolfe 1. What is “picking” and how is it different from shopping? and Frank Fritz of American Pickers,® it’s the perfect job. HISTORY® has brought 2. What are some of the ways that someone can prepare to go pick- “picking” to the public eye as viewers tune in from week to week ing? What are some things you might need to have and know about to see the antiques and rare treasures Mike and Frank uncover. The ahead of time? Pickers travel the country, searching through basements, barns and 3. Where are some of the places Mike and Frank go to look for valu- other remote locales to find valuable collectibles to bargain for and able items that may be hidden from view? If you were to go picking, then purchase. They often clean up and refurbish the items they find what locations might you go to in order to find collectible items? on the road to resell. Meanwhile, Danielle Colby Cushman keeps their 4. What role does bargaining play in picking? How do you think Mike business running back at home at Antique Archeology, the Pickers’ and Frank determine the value of an item? shop in Le Claire, Iowa. 5. What is “sentimental value”? What items in your life have senti- As they search for hidden valuables, Mike and Frank encounter mental value? countless characters and slices of Americana along the way. While 6. What characteristics do you think can help make someone a one of their main goals is to operate a successful antiques business, good “picker”? Frank and Mike also send a larger message about the importance of 7. What is Danielle’s role in American Pickers? Would you rather preserving the past. Throughout each episode of the series, viewers have her position or be out on the road with Frank and Mike? learn when an item was made, how it was used, what it is worth, and how it fits into a broader context. Not only is one person’s trash an- 8. How do you think someone can learn more about how to be a other person’s treasure, but the items Frank and Mike unearth give good “picker”? What kinds of classes or books do you think some- us a unique and entertaining glimpse into history. one might take or read in order to learn more about antiques? 9. How do you think Mike and Frank help preserve history through their roles as American Pickers? Curriculum Links ....................................................................................................................... American Pickers is appropriate for middle school and high school students. Each episode runs for one half-hour. It would be About the Pickers: useful for American History, Social Studies, and Current Events classes. Note – this classroom guide is designed to be used with MIKE WOLFE is the owner of Antique Archaeology, a business any episode of American Pickers. in Le Claire, Iowa, that sells antiques to businesses and collec- tors. From a young age, Wolfe has been an American picker who believes that each item he finds has a good story behind it. Terms to Define ....................................................................................................................... After starting his career as a fire and safety inspector, FRANK FRITZ joined Mike to become a full-time picker. He loves search- Ask students to define the terms below before or after watching ing for interesting items, especially motorcycles and anything this program. They can also write down a list of their own words to else with an engine. define while watching this documentary. DANIELLE COLBY CUSHMAN runs Antique Archeology, Mike’s n Antique n Preservation store and base of operations in Iowa. Danielle keeps the business n Bargain n Refurbish running and gives Frank and Mike tips on potential clients and interesting items to check out while they are on the road. n Collectible n Relic n Flea Market n Restoration n “Picking” 2 | The Idea Book for Educators The Idea Book for Educators | 3 Extended Activities Additional Resources ....................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................... 1. What Did They Pick? Ask students to fill in the chart below Websites after watching an episode of American Pickers.® Watch clips online and learn more about American Pickers: www.history.com/shows/american-pickers What are some of the During what era was the What were some ® items Mike and Frank item made? What else do interesting facts you Save Our History Preservation initiative: picked in this episode? you know about that time learned about the item www.history.com/shows/classroom/articles/save-our-history period? and its historical use or value? Antique Archeology’s official website: www.antiquearchaeology.com National Trust for Historic Preservation: www.preservationnation.org Books Callaway, Libby. American Pickers Guide to Picking. (Hyperion, 2011). Kovel, Terry and Kim. Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2011. (Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2010). Loomis, Frank Farmer. Antiques 101: A Crash Course in Everything 2. Picking at Home. Have students ask family members if they Antique. (Krause Publications, 2005). have any antiques or heirlooms in their homes. If they do, ask Stanton, Maureen. Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History students to do some research on what the item is, how old it is, and and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America. (Penguin Press, 2011). how it was used. If they do not have any antiques at home, have them research any antique or collectible they find interesting and write a short description of the item. 3. Antique Archeology Advertised. Design a print ad, radio ad, or commercial for Antique Archeology. These ads can be presented in PowerPoint, QuickTime or any other format. If you do not have access to these forms of media, you can design the print ad on a poster. 4. The Value of Picking. Ask students to write a letter to the editor or an opinion piece about the value of “picking.” What do we learn from the past by “picking,” and how is it an important aspect of historic preservation? 4 | The Idea Book for Educators.

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