looking for info

[Deleted]

Seeing as this is my first year metal detecting I'm not exactly how to go about this whole "research" thing. Just wondering if anybody has any tips as to how I could do some research of my area so I could find some older places to go metal detecting next season.

[Deleted]

I have to admit I need some better research practices myself. I tend to just listen to people talk and ask older folks about spots etc, Deepseeker has been doing great through his researching, maybe he could give you some tips.

[Leslie Sarkany]

Try the Nova Scotia Archives!

[Deleted]

Les ... being new to the game myself ...just what type of areas to you guys look for to prospect ?

sodbuster

[Deleted]

I found a lot of time just by talking to people while im metal detecting , Get some good info about spots.

[Deleted]

Talking to the local folks is, in my opinion, the best way to go. But in order to find out places where there may be areas of interest, I joined the library this summers and started to do something called "reading" ;-) I currently have a book at the library I need to pick up today called "An Archaeological Survey of reported Acadian Habitation Sites in the Annapolis Valley and Minas Basin Areas." I know this book probably won't tell me where to dig, but it will put me in an area where I can talk to the locals who hopefully will be able to where to dig. Also, took your advice Chip on the author Mike Parker, will be giving his books a read over the non-detecting season, also known as Winter;-)

[Deleted]

I have access to a number of older maps in Nova Scotia....if there's an area of interest let me know...
Maps are from late 1700's to early 1900's.
Some maps show where the older homesteads,schools,churches,saw mills,public wells for horses and cemeteries were on a particular road at the turn of the 1900's.

[Deleted]

Tony I'd start with the book " Buried in the Woods "... then ... "Gold Rush Towns of Nova Scotia " and " Woodchips and Beans ".
There are a number of great photos in his books as well.
If you're into hunting and fishing his books " Guides of the North Woods " and " Into the Deep Unknown" ( a companion book to Tent Dwellers ) are both great reads as well.

There should also be some good research books at the libraries that have historical accounts by county ...ei ...History of Lunenburg County.
You can actually find some of those online ... as I did .they may help to pinpoint certain areas or land features that may of signifigance.

sodbuster.

[Deleted]

Copy that sod, just remembered, I already have the Gold Rush Ghost Towns, bought it last year, put it away and forgot about it, it's even autographed by Mike Parker. More reading over the non-detecting season.

[Deleted]

Research Tony ...Research !

sodbuster

[Deleted]

Hey guys,

Thought I'd chime in on few hints too. I find old maps are killer places to start. AF Church maps are available for the whole province, Woolfords maps if you happen to be along the two routes. Old coach roads are great, find the homesteads and there'll be a dump in the area for sure. Old DNR maps that show the houses are great. Google earth (not google maps) is also invaluable. You can turn back time and show images from winter that show more detail as the leaves have dropped. And like someone said, talk to people! Some of the best spots this year came from a hunch and a conversation!

Cheers,
DS

[Deleted]

Alright thanks for.all the tips guys! Gonna be busy off season of studying!