Ever wondered where to unearth hidden treasures in Massachusetts? Dive into our guide on the best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts, unlocking a world of adventure!
I have a personal love for heading to new places for metal detecting. It’s always an adventurous and fun experience to explore new territories.
The last time I yearned for a treasure hunt in a different location, Massachusetts was the only place on my mind.
Known as one of the best states for metal detecting in the USA, Massachusetts is welcoming to enthusiasts of this hobby.
There is an abundance of spots for metal detecting, and a community of knowledgeable experts who are well-versed in the best locations and the treasures that can be uncovered there.
However, if you’re new to metal detecting in Massachusetts, seeking help can be beneficial.
This is where the importance of joining a metal detecting club comes into play. With the growing popularity of metal detecting as a hobby, numerous clubs are emerging across the country.
It’s a wise decision to become a member of a club characterized by active and supportive individuals.
Being part of a metal detecting club is an excellent avenue to gain insights into treasure hunting in Massachusetts.
During my stay, I had the opportunity to join several clubs in the state. I evaluated them based on their level of activity, events, and the expertise of their members.
Some of these clubs were suggested by local, friendly, expert detectorists. I gathered information about them and even tested a few.
My personal experiences, combined with the information provided by local experts, enabled me to identify the top clubs that can significantly enhance your metal detecting knowledge in Massachusetts.
Here are the best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts,
- Worcester county treasure hunters
- Massachusetts treasure hunting association
- Silver city treasure seekers
- Gateway treasure hunter’s club
- Colonial treasure hunters association
- New England treasure finder’s association
- GPAA Massachusetts Chapter
- Western mass metal detecting club
But that’s just a quick snapshot!
These are the currently active and best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts that I came across.
In this article, I’ll explore the best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts and details on how to become a member of them.
If you are someone who loves metal detecting in Massachusetts and is looking for a club to join, this will be helpful.
So, let’s jump in!
Best Metal Detecting Clubs In Massachusetts
There are so many benefits someone could get by joining a metal detecting club.
If you are all new to a state including Massachusetts, you can learn about tricks on metal detecting and the best places to explore.
Here are some of the best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts.
1. Worcester County Treasure Hunters
The Worcester County Treasure Hunters Club is a group of metal-detecting enthusiasts located in Worcester County, Massachusetts.
The main goal of this club is to promote responsible metal detecting and preservation of historical sites and artifacts.
The group is also focused on providing the club members with a social and educational atmosphere.
Additionally, the club also actively outreach to the community by educating them about the importance of metal detecting to preserve history.
They have also been involved in the recovery of lost items such as wedding rings and other precious objects.
People with all levels of experience are welcomed to the club and membership is open to anyone. There are also annual hunting events and draws during Christmas.
Monthly meetings are filled with guest speaker events, best finds displays, monthly treasure hunt planning and so much more.
For membership fees, monthly meeting details, and other details, you can contact them with the details down below.
Contact Info
- Address: Mike Chouinard, 43 Lakeside Ave, Clinton, MA 01510
- Contact number: 978-365-3605
- Email: officer114@aol.com
Check out the Best Places to Metal Detect in Massachusetts!
2. Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association
MTHA was founded by Ed Coyne and Jack Beth in 1981. Initially, there were only a few members who had been meeting in Newton since 1981.
The members are from over 55 different towns near Massachusetts.
The objective of this club is to promote the hobby of metal detecting and forwarding it to the next generations.
The monthly meetings are so valuable as they introduce new places to detect and also introduce new equipment to the members.
They also discuss new places that can be used to perform metal detecting.
They have annual open hunts and members-only hunts at Hopkinton State Park.
The members also organize trips to different locations in Massachusetts so that they can explore.
The monthly meetings are open to everyone. The club meets every third Friday of the month at 7.45 pm. The doors are open from 7 pm onwards.
An initial fee of $5 will be charged on joining the club. The annual fee for an individual is $40 and $45 for a family.
Contact Info
- Meeting location: Newton Presbyterian Church, 75 Vernon Street, Newton.
- Contact mail: info@masstreasure.com
- Club website: Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association
3. Silver City Treasure Seekers
This club is based in Taunton, Massachusetts. It was started back in 2001 by Bill Henderson dedicating the group to promote the hobby of metal detecting.
There are over 50 members currently active in the club who are participating in all the events and meetings.
At the meetings, they do business related to metal detecting such as selling metal detectors and other equipment.
They also discuss important topics and even exhibit their findings.
Monthly meetings also have contests with prizes, raffle draws, and guest speaker appearances.
The club organizes annual treasure shows, club hunts, and coin contests each year. They will have a dinner party every Christmas.
The monthly meetings will be held on every first Friday at 6.30 pm. It is open for visitors as well.
The membership dues will be $25 per individual and $35 for a family annually.
Contact Info
- Meeting location: Bristol-Plymouth Technical High School, 940 County St. (Rt. 140), Taunton, MA.
- Contact mail: agbkyle@yahoo.com
- Club website: Silver City Treasure Seekers
- Facebook group: Silver City Treasure Seekers | Facebook
4. Gateway Treasure Hunter’s Club
The Gateway Treasure Hunter’s club is based in Warham, MA.
This club was founded in 1989. The mission of the club is dedicated to the enjoyment of finding and preserving historical artifacts.
The members of this club are also interested and focused on metal-detecting coins.
They are also metal-detecting lost jewelry and other items and return them to their owners.
At the monthly meetings, they discuss findings, answer questions about different locations, and solve and help the questions the beginners have.
They also have annual hunts, small picnic-based hunts, finding exhibitions, and much more.
The club meets every month on the fourth Wednesday at 7 pm. For membership fees and other inquiries, you can contact them directly.
Contact Info
- Meeting location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 462 Main Street, Wareham, MA 02571.
- Contact: President – Thomas Smith (774-628-8502) (thomassmith419@comcast.net)
- Facebook group: Gateway Treasure Hunter’s Club Facebook Group
5. Colonial Treasure Hunters Association
This club was established in 1983.
The aim of creating this club is to provide a platform for people who are interested in discovering history hidden in the ground.
The members here come from different backgrounds and skill levels.
The monthly club meetings are held to discuss their findings, share knowledge and tips, and participate in small competitions and events.
Once in a while, they also have guest speakers.
One of their popular annual events is the Silver Hunt.
Here the area will be buried with silver coins and the one who finds most of the coins will become the winner.
Monthly meetings will be on the second Thursday of each month.
Membership fee would be $35 per individual annually. This fee covers all the costs of the club including extra activities.
To know further details, you can join one of their meetings.
Contact Info
- Meeting location: 1085 Boylston, MA 01505
6. New England Treasure Finder’s Association
NETFA was founded in the early 1970s and it is based in Longmeadow, MA.
The mission of this club is to promote responsible metal detecting and preserving of historical artifacts and sites.
During the monthly meeting, they share tips and knowledge with each other and organize future events.
They also don’t forget to discuss and display their monthly findings.
The club also educates new metal detectorists on laws and regulations. And they will help out in finding the best metal-detecting spots.
They have annual competitions and big hunting events. There are also raffles and exhibitions.
The club also joins open hunting events that are organized by other clubs.
Sometimes they hold events aimed at the public where they introduce metal detecting as a hobby and highlight the importance of it.
For meeting dates, locations, times, and membership details, please contact the club or feel free to join one of their meetings.
Contact Info
- Meeting location: 757 SHAKER RD, LONGMEADOW, 01106, MA
- Phone: 413-568-7133
7. GPAA Massachusetts Chapter
Gold Prospectors Association of America, also known shortly as GPAA has a chapter in Massachusetts as well.
It was founded in 1968. The goal of creating this club is to promote gold prospecting as a recreational activity and preserve the American heritage.
The club offers a variety of services to the members including access to over 100 gold-bearing properties.
They also run an online store where they have big discounts for metal detecting equipment.
A monthly magazine will be released with details of every chapter and other important information.
The organization is actively involved in promoting responsible mining practices.
They also work with the federal government and other agencies with the aim of protecting the environment and preserving natural resources.
To know all the details including meeting dates, location, and membership, contact the president of the Massachusetts chapter.
Contact Info
- Contact: Timothy English (413-695-0809)
8. Western Mass Metal Detecting Club
This group is based in Russell, Massachusetts. The club was founded in 2005.
This is a community of metal-detecting enthusiasts who share a common interest in metal detecting, treasure hunting, and preserving history.
The club provides opportunities to learn and exchange knowledge and techniques, participate in hunts and outings, and connect with other metal detectorists.
They also organize community-based projects such as recovering lost items.
The membership requires an annual fee and for the extra activities, charges are applied.
Members are required to follow the group ethics and laws and regulations of the government related to metal detecting.
The club holds monthly meetings including guest speakers, workshops, exhibitions and group hunts.
They have a Facebook group where they manage everything. You can contact them by joining the Facebook group.
That’s it folks! Now you know all the best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts and how to join with each one of them to improve your metal detecting knowledge.
Now I’m going to share with you several tips that I’ve learned while I was searching for a metal detecting club in Massachusetts.
The below tips helped me to find a club that suits me the most and likewise, they’ll help you as well to find the best clubs that match your interest.
Some of the below tips were gathered from local metal detectorists in Massachusetts as well.
Just keep reading!
Tips For Selecting A Metal Detecting Club In Massachusetts
Here are some of the tips for selecting a metal detecting club.
Research
Use the internet or ask fellow metal detectorists about the metal detecting clubs that they are in.
Also, look into their websites and Facebook groups to know more details. This will help you to learn about what they offer.
Membership
Check for the requirements of the club such as membership fee, age and level of experience. Choose the club that will fit you well.
Code of Ethics
Choose a club that has a clear code of ethics that ensures responsible metal-detecting practices.
This will save the environment and enhance the image of metal detecting as a hobby.
Activities
Look for a club that offers many activities to improve your knowledge and skills.
This might include group hunting, competitions, guest speaker events, educational workshops, and community service programs.
Location
Select a club that holds most of their activities including the meetings in a convenient place where you could attend and does not require too much traveling.
Read the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Massachusetts with their locations!
Reputation
Check for the reputation of the club by reading reviews of the members or by inquiring from the other metal detectorists.
You can also go through the forums and members of other clubs to see whether the club has been involved in any conflicts or controversies before.
Attend a Meeting
Most of the monthly meetings of the clubs are open for visitors to walk in. So you can attend a meeting to get a sense of their activities and culture.
Talk to the chairpersons and other members to know more about the group’s atmosphere.
Training and Education
Look for clubs that provide proper training and educate the members with the newest techniques and skills.
A good club will always share the tips and tricks with other members.
By considering these factors, you can choose a metal detecting club in Massachusetts that will match your level of knowledge in metal detecting and align with your interests.
Make sure that a metal detecting club also has to be responsible for metal detecting practices.
Check out the Best Beaches in Massachusetts to Metal Detect!
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Do these clubs require a membership fee?
Yes, clubs like the Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association and Silver City Treasure Seekers require annual membership fees, which vary, offering access to exclusive events, resources, and a community of fellow enthusiasts.
Are beginners welcome to join these clubs?
Absolutely, clubs like Worcester County Treasure Hunters and NETFA welcome individuals of all experience levels, providing an educational and supportive environment for learning and exploration.
How often do these clubs meet?
Most clubs hold monthly meetings, like the Silver City Treasure Seekers who meet on the first Friday of every month and NETFA, which shares tips and knowledge during their regular gatherings.
What activities do the clubs offer?
Activities range from monthly meetings, guest speaker events, group hunts, annual competitions to educational workshops, offering members diverse opportunities to enhance their metal detecting skills and knowledge.
How can I contact the Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association?
They can be reached via their website or directly at their meeting location at Newton Presbyterian Church, 75 Vernon Street, Newton.
Is there a club that focuses on gold prospecting in Massachusetts?
Yes, the GPAA Massachusetts Chapter is part of the Gold Prospectors Association of America, focusing on gold prospecting and offering members access to gold-bearing properties.
Do the clubs involve in community service?
Yes, clubs like Worcester County Treasure Hunters are known for their community outreach, educating the public about metal detecting and assisting in the recovery of lost items.
Are there clubs that have a strong focus on historical preservation?
Certainly, clubs like the Colonial Treasure Hunters Association and NETFA are dedicated to the discovery and preservation of historical artifacts, promoting responsible and ethical metal detecting practices.
Can I attend a club meeting before deciding to join?
Yes, most clubs, including the Gateway Treasure Hunter’s Club and Silver City Treasure Seekers, welcome visitors to their meetings, allowing you to experience the atmosphere and activities before joining.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal detecting Clubs in Massachusetts
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts with their historical value, members’ engagement level, events they hold, membership fees, contact info and how can you join them.
The best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts include Worcester County Treasure Hunters, Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association, Silver City Treasure Seekers, and GPAA Massachusetts Chapter. Each club offers unique experiences, educational opportunities, and community events for both novice and experienced metal detectorists in the state.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hopeyou’ve learned all you wanted to know about the best metal detecting clubs in Massachusetts in detail including experts’ tips.
Now its tie for you to do the homework and select several clubs from the above list, attend their club meetings, and select the ones that suit you the most.
Don’t forget to get a chance to talk with club experts to uncover info about secret treasured buried on Massachusetts grounds. Happy treasure hunting in Massachusetts!