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My Story - How This Project "Facts and Artifacts" Began and its Purpose.
My Story - How This Project "Facts and Artifacts" Began and its Purpose.
My Story - How This Project "Facts and Artifacts" Began and its Purpose.
•-In February of 2020, I was at a Mt Laurel historical society meeting. That evening I found out the British Army camped and marched through Mt Laurel. This news Instantly had my full attention. I needed to learn MORE!
•-After many positive years of playing in rock bands and other past hobbies, I wanted a project where I didn’t have to r
•-In February of 2020, I was at a Mt Laurel historical society meeting. That evening I found out the British Army camped and marched through Mt Laurel. This news Instantly had my full attention. I needed to learn MORE!
•-After many positive years of playing in rock bands and other past hobbies, I wanted a project where I didn’t have to rely on anyone else. I can just get up and go right after work, holidays, the crack of dawn etc...
•I was first directed to a local historian, Hal Pschunder. Hal gave me some quick background on the subject and a map…
What he told me next started an obsession. Hal explained to me about the rarely known "Old Road". This is the road The British/Hessians used from Moorestown to Mt Holly. Then he explained about the alternative location of The Old Long Bridge in Hainesport. Hal encouraged me that this route and bridge location are worthy of looking into.
I have never metal detected before or even thought about it. Although the only way to investigate and/or solve a historical mystery, is to find some hard evidence. I simply purchased a metal detector, wand, hand shovel,
and off I went.
When I began this adventure, I was admittedly uninformed on this topic. I began venturing out using Hal's map. While at home, I was constantly researching and absorbing new information.
Broadening Awareness and Community involvement.
My goal to further expand on the facts/data of our local Revolutionary War history. Starting with awareness of truth over legend. Which I have noticed is sadly lacking.
My purpose is for the common good of furthering education of local history through networking.
** When people are so kind to give me approval to do my research on their property. First, I am Always grateful and respect their boundaries. I strive for a simple, almost incognito search/dig. I am there to find artifacts, not to put on a show. Thank you for your time.
My Journey - Across Camden and Burlington Counties in NJ
My Story - How This Project "Facts and Artifacts" Began and its Purpose.
My Story - How This Project "Facts and Artifacts" Began and its Purpose.
•This research project consists of metal detecting across Camden and Burlington Counties, NJ. Searching for Revolutionary War artifacts.
Focusing on, but not limited to, the British's Army's Evacuation route from Philadelphia, June 1778.
*I am also doing PowerPoint presentations/lectures starting this Fall. Please check "Announcements" f
•This research project consists of metal detecting across Camden and Burlington Counties, NJ. Searching for Revolutionary War artifacts.
Focusing on, but not limited to, the British's Army's Evacuation route from Philadelphia, June 1778.
*I am also doing PowerPoint presentations/lectures starting this Fall. Please check "Announcements" for dates/times and locations.
- In the beginning, I found myself mentally escaping today's world and imaging 1778. Until one day I had my guard down and received my first warning. I ended up in a tent city and somehow escaped without incident. Although it was my first wake up call. I did continue to search in some questionable neighborhoods. Which resulted in multiple close calls. From attempted carjacking, being cornered by young tough guys, dealing with the local neighborhood wackos and drunks. These situations were not frequent, but many events did occur. I was always thankful to get
home safe.
OBSERVATIONS
PROs - I am encouraged regularly by strangers. From people shouting at me from their car, while sitting at a red light. To walkers, bikers, runners, people in their yard and so on. A memorable moment is when a man riding his bike asked what I was doing. After talking to him for a minute. He asked if he could take a picture with me. A picture of the gentleman taking the selfie is in the Photo Gallery.
-Finally, what I enjoyed the most was teaching people local history. Their facial expressions and reaction make it all worthwhile.
CONs - TRASH!!
-The woods, the side of the roads, our waterways, and everywhere else we usually don't look at. I am disgusted with humans with the amount of litter and garbage that exists. The government would need to double the landfills if this trash was ever accumulated. Please feel free to contact me on what towns and areas I am referencing.
• Since I have been interacting with the community on local history. Overall, I have noticed that the general public is uninformed and/or disinterested. Especially the younger generations. I have perceived that local history is not a priority in our schools. Most local Revolutionary War events have very little funding, are poorly promoted, and/or are steered to keep towing the company line.
• What is most frustrating is when information provided to the public, leans more towards legend and tradition than Truth.
Life, Statistics, and The Reality of Committing to the Field
Thank YOU to all My Volunteers, historical friends, businesses, farms, residence, Universities etc...
Thank YOU to all My Volunteers, historical friends, businesses, farms, residence, Universities etc...
- This project has been nothing short of life changing. I was constantly out in the field from August 2020 to April 2022. In 2023 and 2024 Im still at it without the frantic pace.
- I spent Over 2000 hours in the field.
I carried in total, well over 2500+ pounds of items home.
I walked thousands of miles.
I dug countless holes.
I lost 30 pound
- This project has been nothing short of life changing. I was constantly out in the field from August 2020 to April 2022. In 2023 and 2024 Im still at it without the frantic pace.
- I spent Over 2000 hours in the field.
I carried in total, well over 2500+ pounds of items home.
I walked thousands of miles.
I dug countless holes.
I lost 30 pounds of body weight.
-From March through December 2021, I documented my escapades by attaching a Go Pro to my metal detector.
- Not every day was a homerun. 9 out of 10 days I would come home with nothing significant at all. Except for a miserable mood, injuries and a lot to clean up. I constantly experienced emotional highs and lows.
- I can't put a number on the incredible amount of time and effort associated with this project. Especially into researching, driving, scouting locations, cleaning and inventorying the items, while attempting needle in a haystack field search. Plus, countless hours researching the project at home, libraries, archives, emails, studying documents, books, and so on...
- I was grateful to receive permission to metal detect on a variety of properties. Such as businesses, farms and residences. I had to endure a lot of rejection, and at times it was difficult to get re-motivated.
I surprisingly thrived at the physical aspect of this adventure.
- I was constantly driven by the unfortunate soldiers that actually had to suffer through this march.
**What gets lost in all this is...
These were real people too!
MIRRORING A SOLDIER’S LIFE
I started noticing myself falling
into soldier's habits.
•Eating, drinking and sleeping less. Hence the 40-pound weight loss.
Out in all elements of weather.
Eaten alive by insects/bugs.
Going out on the hottest days, dressed like a lumberjack
with all my gear.
**I noticed my skin and overall appearance rapidly deteriorating.
I was constantly bruised and beat up.
•I pushed myself physically and mentally beyond my limits.
•This project turned into more of a lifestyle.
•Overcoming injuries, low morale, and wasted time.
•EVERY Holiday morning, I was in the field. I was more than dedicated
to the cause.
CLICK BELOW FOR MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Thank YOU to all My Volunteers, historical friends, businesses, farms, residence, Universities etc...
Thank YOU to all My Volunteers, historical friends, businesses, farms, residence, Universities etc...
Thank YOU to all My Volunteers, historical friends, businesses, farms, residence, Universities etc...
This is a Special Thank You... to all the people who have given me a gracious opportunity. There are still some honorable people in this world. The list below represents those principled individuals.
Larry Cauffman
Hal Pschunder
Dave - Roosevelt Paper
John - Bear Tire/Auto
Shannon - Cheyenne's Farm
Bruce and Amanda Alderman
Doug - Woodstream Swi
This is a Special Thank You... to all the people who have given me a gracious opportunity. There are still some honorable people in this world. The list below represents those principled individuals.
Larry Cauffman
Hal Pschunder
Dave - Roosevelt Paper
John - Bear Tire/Auto
Shannon - Cheyenne's Farm
Bruce and Amanda Alderman
Doug - Woodstream Swim Club
Leonard Wagner -President of the Moorestown Historical Society
Dr Kauffman - Creek Animal Hospital
Michelle Devenney - Lemongrass
VFW Mooselodge Mt Holly
Golden Pheasant County Club
Jeff - Burlington County Achieves
Patrick Ward - Gloucester
Historical Society
Fran Daily -Mt Laurel
Historical Society
Princeton University Library
University of Michigan archives
Rutgers University Library
Mt Laurel Library
Lyceum History and Science Musuem
Tim Monday
Rob Clamonte
Zack O
Drew and Brandon - Jax
Springfield Historical Society
Mike - Springfield Golf Course
Dave - Specca Farms
Kevin - Moorestown
Mike - Moorestown
Tom - Mt Holly
Josh - Mt Holly
Peggy - Mt Laurel
Nicole - Mt Laurel
Ashley - Mt Holly
Perkins Center for the Arts - Kahra Buss
Jeff Kramer - Gloucester
My family and everyone else for their constant support!