Happy 97th Birthday to Terry Kovel—a Life Devoted to Curiosity, Craft, and Collecting
At 97, Terry Kovel continues to inspire collectors everywhere with her timeless wisdom and lifelong passion for uncovering the stories behind the things we treasure.
It’s hard to imagine the world of antiques without Terry Kovel. For nearly seven decades, her name has been synonymous with expertise, enthusiasm, and the kind of curiosity that turns ordinary discoveries into extraordinary stories. Today, as she celebrates her 97th birthday, we honor her longevity and the legacy she’s built, which continues to guide and inspire collectors of all ages.
Terry and her late husband, Ralph Kovel, changed how America connected with its past. Together, they brought antiques out of dusty attics and into everyday life through their books, newspaper columns, television programs, and price guides that have become the standard reference for collectors worldwide. Their partnership transformed a shared passion into a lifelong mission to educate, preserve, and celebrate craftsmanship.
Terry’s career has always been rooted in discovery, from unearthing the story of George E. Ohr, the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” long before his genius was widely recognized, to chronicling the art and advertising that filled her home’s basement “country store” set, featured in Flea Market Finds with the Kovels. She was never content to look backward; she was as likely to be found at Design Miami or Art Basel as she was poring over an auction catalog. As she once showed in her “On the Road” column from Miami Beach, loving antiques doesn’t mean being stuck in the past—it means understanding how the past continually shapes the present.
Even in moments of personal loss, such as Ralph’s passing in 2008, Terry’s connection to readers remained heartfelt and unwavering. Her note of thanks reminded us that collecting isn’t just about things. It’s about people, memories, and the shared joy of finding meaning in the objects we keep.
Now, at 97, her wisdom sparkles brighter than ever. In her own words:
“The older I get, the more I appreciate not just the treasures I’ve found, but the effort — and the luck — that helped me find them.”
Happy Birthday, Terry Kovel! Thank you for reminding us that collecting is not merely a hobby, but a lifelong adventure of curiosity, kindness, and discovery.
