McHenry County collectors: ‘American Pickers’ coming to Illinois

Fans of the show “American Pickers” know how it works: Danielle Colby Cushman gets a lead and tips off Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe, sending them into homes, garages, sheds, buses – wherever they might find something unique or valuable for their shop, Antique Archeology.

The search has taken them off the beaten path, introduced them to interesting characters and almost always has included diving into a pile of junk to come up with a hidden gem from private collections across the country.

This summer, the professional pickers could be headed to McHenry County. They will be filming new episodes of their History channel show in Illinois and are looking for collections to explore.

“They are on the hunt for interesting characters with interesting and unique items,” according to a press release from Cineflix Productions, which produces the show.

They will be looking for vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, vintage musical and firefighting equipment and automotive items.

“Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle America, restore forgotten relics to their former glory and learn a thing or two about American history along the way,” according to the press release.

To submit a lead to the show, email your name, number, address and description of the collection and photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust. Fritz and Wolfe only search private collections, and are not interested in farming or agriculture items, tools, glassware, appliances, crocks, stoves or country primitives.

“American Pickers” airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays on the History channel.