Detecting with Russ: A Journey to the Phantom Farm

A visit to the dentist and a lead on a place to detect led this author and his digging buddy on a trip that would create a friendship that was unfortunately short-lived due to a misplaced piece of paper.

By David Henkel

Backtracking Berdan’s Sharpshooters

A rarely excavated relic opens a door to the history and weaponry of America’s first designated sharpshooter regiment, and certainly the most famous of the Civil War: Berdan’s Sharpshooters.

By Ransom Hundley

England Swings

“American Digger® Goes to England” is always a fun trip, and 2025 was no different. The author recounts her first visit across the pond and gives her impressions of the country, Butley Priory, and what it’s like detecting in a place with such rich history.

By Debbie Schiffer-Blades

Gold is Where You Find It

Are you attracted by the siren song of gold and want to try your hand at prospecting or panning? If so, this author will lead you toward your goal with tips on how to locate gold, gain permission on private property, and the tools necessary to possibly discover your own fortune.

By Patrick O’Masters

Fox Tale Cave

The relics you find are sometimes secondary to the friendships and memories made along the way. This is one such story of a happenstance meeting with Mr. Charlie, an elderly farmer with a large property that included four homesites and a cave that the author had the good fortune to obtain permission to detect.

By Josh Tyree

Historic Treasure on The Oregon-California Trail

Obtaining permission to detect land along the Oregon-California Trail, the author and his friends were able to uncover important pieces of history, including Civil War-era relics, which were donated to the Lecompton Museum for permanent display.

By Todd Stillings