Research is the single most significant aspect to being a successful treasure finder. Without research the metal detector hobbyist will have to depend on chance and luck and can never become a guru or specialist in this field. Research must become a priority! In section one we will deal with research tools that are “things” and in Part II we will deal with “people”.
The things of research can be found in our local libraries or even easier on the world wide web. The first tool that is abundant in both libraries and on the web is historical maps. If you want to find some good areas to hunt, maps need to become your best friend. Finding a local source for these maps is important. I have personally used the city clerk’s office. This is a great resource for local maps and as a geography teacher of high school 9th graders, I got more leads indirectly, by doing a three day project with 16 of my top students. These bright young minds examined hundreds of maps attempting to find city owned sites that would make potential recreational/park sites. Their research found me several dozen metal detecting sites (more than I have ever found in weeks of personal research) and they were honored by the city fathers in having three of their researched sites become city parks and ball fields. Below is a list of some of my favorite internet map sources. This type of research will greatly enhance your success with metal detectors and is fun too.
1895 U.S. Atlas
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