Research the Meat for the Potatoes of Metal Detecting

Written by Bill Vidito 

Research you Say?

Have you ever wondered why so many folks love to teach history? Well, one reason could be the past or bygone days were thought to be of better, simpler times. During the last 300 years let's say there has been well over 1 Trillion dollars in U.S. currency made, traded, hoarded, and Lost.

Research is a simple means to a profitable end. Yes you can find many a coin at your local park or School yard. I prefer to look at the least sought after sites.

How do I find them?

Many resources are available via the Internet, Your local Library , or even speaking with some Senior's at the Community Center near your home. I have adopted some easy methods that I use in recording potential places to detect where people have Congregated.

Note: The methods that you will use may differ and after time you will invent your own ways that you perform the regales of Research.

  Annual Picnic for the Center Church 1915

Here's a simple checklist of the materials you will need:

• A Desire to Enjoy the Search
  • A Inexpensive Micro Cassette Recorder
    Free Time to Pursue Leads
    Spiral Note Book or Computer
    Local Library
    Current Street Atlas
  • Home Computer Scanner, Printer (Optional)

   

   

  Let's start finding out where the older places are.

  Since I started Detecting a few years ago, I always enjoyed the rush of finding a Silver Coin or a Gold Ring. Learning early on that the best finds are usually found at secluded sites or in a obscure out of the way spot. I have found that just about every town in my area has had some sort of major celebration or annual event in which the town's folk would pilgrimage to a picnic grove or local lake to enjoy each other's company.

  I have read many books on research and have compiled a simple strategy in obtaining information for potential Detecting sites. When I am driving around doing errands or taking a drive with my wife and baby. I take along my MicroCasstteRecorder. If I see a site that looks appealing I click on the record button and give particulars on where the Site is,route number, house number any landmarks around the site,when I saw the site, time of year, and any other information that I feel may be important. When I return home I play back the tape and jot down the recorded info. If you don't have a recorder jot down in a notebook the same information. After I have recorded the information I arrange a time to go back for a better look.

  Another effective method of recording information on potential sites is to check out the Software designed for Treasure Hunter's. A few intelligent Treasure Hunters have authored software that helps you in recording the information of potential sites, some software programs have data fields that include what was found at the site, where did you find it etc. Visit our links page to find out how you can get your own shareware programs.

   I also visit my local library quite often. I have become on a first name basis with the Liberian. When I initially started on my Quest for better sites I explained to her that I am fond of Local History and told her what I was looking for. The Liberian was extremely helpful she explained how to access the Materials and use the Computers and Microfiche machine to view the Newspapers and Periodicals of my interest. Many library's have a "Inter-Library Loan System " this means that if your Library doesn't have the book you want But, the book is at another Library within your community the Liberian will request the book for you. You should receive your book within a few days.

  Many library's provide free Internet surfing if you sign up with the Liberian. Your time may be limited to 1 hour if you don't have access to a computer at home this is an alternative.

   

  Maps

  Maps are a tool most people overlook. When you are looking for information on your town's history or a type of site, you will come across old maps. Many old maps are true Treasures, for the Researcher. Old maps will show things like old river paths which have been changed do to erosion or man. Old maps will show places that were once popular. Comparing the old map to a current one is the key of finding old forgotten places. When looking at a current atlas chances are many landmarks, or land masses have been changed or deleted. Follow the simple steps that I have outlined and you will soon be recovering better finds.

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• Once you have located and copied the old maps of interest. Compare the old map with a current map of the same vicinity. The best way to do this is get a package of Transparency Overlays at your local Computer Store. Then if you have access to a Scanner scan a copy of the old map into your P.C. then enhance the image if necessary.
  • 1. Read the instructions for the Transparency Overlays
    2. Load Transparencies into your printer
    3. Print map image onto Transparency.

  Once the over lay has been created. Place your old map over the current map of the same location and make comparisons of the changes time has made. Pay special attention to Details. Details may or may not be obvious. look for boundary changes. river path changes,names of picnic groves,old town's,( Boom Towns were common during Rail Road construction) paper roads, reference's to Military encampment's etc...

   

  I have given you a few idea's on finding new (Old) places to Detect. If you are serious about locating the "Better" finds then you must do your homework.

  I have included some obvious and not so obvious places to Metal Detect " Click here to visit our Places page".

   

   

  

   

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