What is Searchers?  

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 Searchers combines history, myth, archaeology, and metal detecting to locate and preserve archaeological sites.  Our goal is to promote this region by telling the story of its diverse history and heritage.  

 

What do we do?

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Through historical research, metal detecting, and subsurface surveys, we identify previously undocumented archaeological sites.  We employ archaeological techniques to recover artifacts that aid in the identification and interpretation of the site.  It is our promise that all sites are are treated with respect and returned to the landowners specifications.  Artifacts recovered during the investigations are recorded with a GPS unit that allows the creation of detailed maps showing the distribution of finds across the site.  All artifacts are professionally cleaned and returned to the land owners.  

 

Who are we?  

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Rich Baker – Rich is a historian who specializes in 18th Century and military history, and is a firearms aficionado.  He is a long- time volunteer at the Washington County Historical Society and the Frontier History Center.  As one of the founding members  of the 1st Virginia Regiment reenactment group, Rich has participated in educational programs for schools, scouts, and other groups  throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.  

 

Bryan Cunning – Bryan is a professional archaeologist with over 20 years of experience conducting surveys on prehistoric and historic sites.  He is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, with a masters degree in Cultural Resource Management.  Bryan was the supervising archaeologist on National Geographic Channel’s “Diggers.” He has served on the board of directors for the David Bradford House Historical Association and the Washington County Historical Society.  

 

Clay Kilgore – Clay is the executive director of the Washington County Historical Society.  He is a graduate of Penn State University, Behrend College with a degree in History.  He has worked at Meadowcroft Museum as a blacksmith, the David Bradford House as historical director, and the LeMoyne House as curator.  Clay was an on-air historian and researcher for two seasons of National Geographic Channel’s “Diggers”  and has been seen on the History Channel, Travel Channel, PBS, and the Discovery Channel as a historian.