Metal Detecting Maryland and Mental Metal Detecting would like to congratulate our September 2019 Digger of The Month.
Amy Garrison
During the month of September Amy unearthed a very rare colonial rattlesnake button. She was detecting with a friend at an old house dating back to the late 1800’s. She found this amazing button that was only hidden 3 inches from the surface but the ground was hard packed and not easy to dig.
The owner had told her that the previous owners parked their cars all over the place which explained the hard soil conditions. Needless to say, most diggers would have probably given up digging through that hard packed dirt but not Amy. For her dedication and unwillingness to give up, she was rewarded the amazing button you see below. Congratulations again to Amy on a spectacular find and being voted our First Lady Digger of The Month for September 2019.
More About Amy From Her Own Words.
How long have you been metal detecting?
Amy: Almost 3 years, but I didn’t get serious until about a year and a half ago.
What was the first machine you ever used?
Amy: My first machine was a White’s treasure master. It was a great beginner machine, easy to use, and I learned a lot. It made me realize how much I loved about detecting.
What is your favorite metal detector and what do you like about the machine the most?
Amy: The Garrett AT Pro. It has a lot of features for the price. It’s great at trash discrimination and really user friendly. Most importantly its waterproof, which lets me try almost any kind of detecting.
Who inspired you to get into metal detecting?
Amy: I never really knew anyone who was into metal detecting. My grandmother was very big into history, and I loved her stories about our family and her adventures. I’ve always loved history and learning how people lived long ago. I’ve always been fascinated with museums and any show or movie about archaeology and treasure hunting. Once I got my detector and really learned how to use it, and started finding so much cool stuff, I was hooked.
What do you consider to be your best find metal detecting?
Amy: I’ve found so many remarkable things in a lot of cool places, but I have to say my 1766 Pitt No Stamp Act button tops the list. It amazes me I could dig up something so rare, in the yard of an 18th century home, which most people only see in a museum. Just looking at it makes me think about the history and meaning beyond a simple button, imagining the person who wore it, and all the things happening during the time our country was just starting out.
What is your favorite type of detecting (relic, coin shooting, water etc.)?
Amy: I really don’t have a favorite type of detecting. I’ve been both in and out of the water, and everywhere from local parks, to farm fields and private homes. I love the variety, and I know I wouldn’t find nearly as many awesome finds if I limited myself.
Name 5 items you would like to find in 2019-2020?
Amy: I’ve never gone out looking for specific things. I look at detecting as an adventure, and I’m rarely disappointed in my finds. My list is more about places I want to go to. So here’s a short list of places I want to go over the next year:
- Old Taverns/Inns
- Ghost Towns Out West
- Old Swimming Holes/Clubs
- A Group Hunt Near Somewhere Historic
Do you have other social media links, channels etc. that you would like others to know about?
Amy: I am co-founder of a small metal detecting social club called the Northern Maryland Dirt Diggers. We’re located in northern Carroll county MD. Most of our members live in Carroll and Frederick county MD as well as the Gettysburg PA area. We meet the first Friday of every month just south of Taneytown MD. Our members range from people just starting out to ones who have 30+ years digging. It’s a great place to meet people to hunt with, to learn new things, and just hang out with others who love detecting. Check out our Facebook page “Northern Maryland Dirt Diggers”. We love seeing new faces.
Check Out Some of Amy’s Favorite Finds.
How do you win Digger of The Month? Metal Detecting Maryland has a contest every month called the Wall of Fame Award. To be eligible to win Digger of the Month you must be a member of Metal Detecting Maryland and be selected for the Wall of Fame first. Not a member? Join today! Click Here for more information about the contest.