Elyse Luray

Elyse Luray is an appraiser and historian in popular culture. Currently she is one of five host on PBS’, “History Detectives”. Each week the detectives face new mysteries, intertwining everyday people with the legends of American lore. Mixing forensic evidence with Sherlock Holmes’ sharp eye, the History Detectives create entire life stories from a single scrap of evidence, an overlooked piece of the past and help people discover the truth about their objects.

Elyse is the appraiser on the yearly HGTV’s special “The Longest Yard Sale” and is currently an appraiser for the popular show “If Walls Could Talk.” Elyse can also be seen on Rainbow-Media’s high definition satellite service, VOOM! On VOOM! Elyse is the host of a show, Treasure Seekers, where she travels all over America to antique shows. During the hour program, she tells viewers what’s hot, what to collect and what to pass on by. Until recently, Elyse could also be seen on Metro TV’s Bid New York, where she was the Collectibles Expert and Auctioneer.

Elyse also is a licensed auctioneer and can be seen at the podium selling for many different auction houses including,, Bertoia’s, Grey Flannel Sports Auctions, Steiner Sports, Zachys Wine Auctions and many others. She spends a lot of her spare time lending her auctioneering skills to charities through out the country to help raise money for many different causes.

Before working as a History Detective, Elyse spent eleven years at Christie’s auction house as an auctioneer and a Vice President of the Popular Arts Department. During her tenure at Christie’s, Elyse ran the Popular Arts Department and started many new markets including Western Memorabilia and Arms and Armour. While working at the prestigious auction house, Elyse was responsible for achieving many record prices, including securing the consignment of the Judy Garland’s ruby slippers, which sold for close to a million dollars. Other collections she appraised include the archives of Lucas Films, Dreamworks, Chuck Jones’ personal collection, Warner Bros , Hanna Barbara, Hard Rock Cafe and more.

Elyse was a former appraiser on PBS Antiques Road Show and CBS, The Early Morning Show.

Elyse graduated from Tulane University, where she majored in Art History. She is currently on the board of the Deans’s Council at Tulane and helps the Dean as well as students with college affairs. She is a certified appraiser and is a New York State licensed auctioneer.