Diggin' the Big Apple turns Midland Beach into a seeded treasure field: the club buries silver, coins and tokens in the sand, and up to 75 detectorists with headphones and scoops go after them. The Staten Island History Hunters, a 50-plus-member club, add a novice tips class so first-timers have a way in. If you own a detector, this is the weekend's best excuse to use it on the city's shoreline.
What to expect
Check-in comes with coffee and donuts, then a beginner hunting-tips class before the morning hunt. After a free pizza lunch there's an optional gold hunt and an afternoon hunt, and the day wraps with token redemption, raffles, a 50/50 drawing and prizes. Targets are buried shallow, and everyone is expected to fill in their holes.
Good to know
- Only registered hunters wearing a wristband are allowed in the hunt area. Spots are capped at 75 and entries can't be shared.
- Bring a detector, headphones or earbuds and a sand scoop. Pulse detectors, coils over 12 inches and unlined sifting baskets or pouches are banned.
- There's no rain date, so dress for the weather.
- Targets are shallow, so there's no need to dig deeper than about four inches.
- No smoking or alcohol is allowed on the beach or in the hunt area.
- The meeting point is Midland Beach Parking Area #9, near Father Capodanno Blvd and Lincoln Ave.
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Common questions
Can I just show up and hunt?
Walk-ons are accepted on the day at a higher rate than advance entry. It's still capped at 75 participants, so mailing in the registration form from sihistoryhunters.com is the safer bet.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes. The schedule includes a novice hunting-tips class before the morning hunt, and targets are buried shallow. You do need your own detector, headphones and a sand scoop.
What happens if it rains?
The hunt goes ahead rain or shine and there is no rain date, so bring gear for the weather.