Research, Investigation, and Reconstruction, Part I
Readers of my books, those who attend my talks, as well as some who follow my treasure hunting adventures, often inquire about the research process. Specifically, they want to know how and where I learn about lost caches and long forgotten mines. Permit me to invite you into my world of preparation as it relates to going after lost treasures. There are at least three necessary aspects pertinent to organizing an efficient seach for lost treasure: Research, investigation, and reconstruction.
I have been involved in searching for treasure caches since I was eleven years old. As a result, much of this process is second nature to me. Over the years I have learned that research, investigation, and reconstruction are as important to any treasure hunting expedition as the actual search time in the field. I never tire of it.
Research and investigation are sometimes used interchangeably. To me, however, research is the systematic pursuit of knowledge and information. When I research, I am looking for facts. Investigation, on the other hand, is related to the solving of a mystery or conundrum. I research the existence of and the facts behind a particular lost treasure, but I investigate its provenance and its potential location. With investigation comes analysis accompanied by inductive and deductive reasoning. The goal of the investigator is to develop or locate proof, or at least some substantial evidence, that is sufficient to reach the intended goal. To a true researcher and investigator, mysteries such as those associated with finding the location of a lost treasure cache invite solution.
To locate pertinent treasure leads, research can involve poring over books, articles, documents, maps, journals, diaries, transcriptions, and interview tapes. These materials are most often found in libraries and archives that can be public, private, church-related, and government-related. I have located pertinent materials pertaining to lost treasure caches in places ranging from the loft of an abandoned log cabin in the North Carolina Appalachians to the dusty cellar of a Mexico City church. In addition, it is important to know that some of my best leads came from other treasure hunters.
Sometimes I enter a project based only on a tantalizing piece of evidence or a cryptic reference to a lost treasure. Other times, I immerse myself in some pertinent literature or collection with the hope of discovering something. Some may find this process tedious, but I approach it with enthusiasm and vigor. More than once I have experienced the thrill of the challenge and the adrenaline rush of discovery while working in some out-of-the-way library or archive.
A project often has its beginning in a single, sometimes oblique reference, some small clue to pursue. Other times, the entire history and provenance of a lost treasure is found, along with pertinent geography and chronology. The process of discovery among historical materials is no less important than the process of discovery of something in the field.
In the next blog, we will look deeper into the investigation aspect of treasure hunting.
W.C. Jameson’s best-selling treasure book is Buried Treasures of the American Southwest (August House Publishing). This is the book that started his famous series of publications about America’s greatest stories of lost mines and hidden fortunes and propelled him to the status of best-selling treasure author on the continent. Order your copy now from Amazon.com or from Jameson before new book prices go into effect.
I have been involved in searching for treasure caches since I was eleven years old. As a result, much of this process is second nature to me. Over the years I have learned that research, investigation, and reconstruction are as important to any treasure hunting expedition as the actual search time in the field. I never tire of it.
Research and investigation are sometimes used interchangeably. To me, however, research is the systematic pursuit of knowledge and information. When I research, I am looking for facts. Investigation, on the other hand, is related to the solving of a mystery or conundrum. I research the existence of and the facts behind a particular lost treasure, but I investigate its provenance and its potential location. With investigation comes analysis accompanied by inductive and deductive reasoning. The goal of the investigator is to develop or locate proof, or at least some substantial evidence, that is sufficient to reach the intended goal. To a true researcher and investigator, mysteries such as those associated with finding the location of a lost treasure cache invite solution.
To locate pertinent treasure leads, research can involve poring over books, articles, documents, maps, journals, diaries, transcriptions, and interview tapes. These materials are most often found in libraries and archives that can be public, private, church-related, and government-related. I have located pertinent materials pertaining to lost treasure caches in places ranging from the loft of an abandoned log cabin in the North Carolina Appalachians to the dusty cellar of a Mexico City church. In addition, it is important to know that some of my best leads came from other treasure hunters.
Sometimes I enter a project based only on a tantalizing piece of evidence or a cryptic reference to a lost treasure. Other times, I immerse myself in some pertinent literature or collection with the hope of discovering something. Some may find this process tedious, but I approach it with enthusiasm and vigor. More than once I have experienced the thrill of the challenge and the adrenaline rush of discovery while working in some out-of-the-way library or archive.
A project often has its beginning in a single, sometimes oblique reference, some small clue to pursue. Other times, the entire history and provenance of a lost treasure is found, along with pertinent geography and chronology. The process of discovery among historical materials is no less important than the process of discovery of something in the field.
In the next blog, we will look deeper into the investigation aspect of treasure hunting.
W.C. Jameson’s best-selling treasure book is Buried Treasures of the American Southwest (August House Publishing). This is the book that started his famous series of publications about America’s greatest stories of lost mines and hidden fortunes and propelled him to the status of best-selling treasure author on the continent. Order your copy now from Amazon.com or from Jameson before new book prices go into effect.
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$1.50 for each additional book
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