About Gone Diggin'
Gone Diggin’ exists for those who feel drawn to what lies beneath the surface.
Unearthing History Through Experience
The Mission
Gone Diggin's Mission is...
At the heart of Gone Diggin' is...
hands-on exploration. We believe history is best understood when it’s experienced, not just read about. From real-world hunts and field demonstrations to conversations with knowledgeable experts, Gone Diggin’ leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of understanding the past.
Every dig is an opportunity to learn:
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About the land and the people who came before us
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About the skills required to interpret signals and terrain
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About patience, persistence, and respect for history
Our Founder: Matt Howell
Matt Howell is the founder of Gone Diggin’ and a firefighter with a lifelong passion for history, exploration, and discovery.
His work as a firefighter has shaped the way he approaches everything he does — with discipline, patience, and a deep respect for service. Outside the firehouse, that same mindset carries into the field, where years of hands-on digging have taught him that the most meaningful discoveries aren’t always the ones that come out of the ground, but the lessons learned along the way.
What began as curiosity and a metal detector has grown into countless hours spent researching sites, interpreting signals, and uncovering pieces of the past. Matt believes that history is best understood through experience, and that knowledge becomes most valuable when it’s shared.
Through Gone Diggin’, Matt brings together education, real-world exploration, and community — creating a space where beginners and seasoned detectorists alike can learn, grow, and connect with others who understand the thrill of the hunt and the responsibility that comes with unearthing history.
When he’s not responding to calls or in the field, Matt is focused on teaching, storytelling, and encouraging others to dig with purpose, respect, and curiosity.
A Community Built on Curiosity
Gone Diggin’ is more than individual finds — it’s the people behind them.
Our community is made up of beginners and seasoned detectorists alike, united by a love for discovery and a respect for the stories hidden beneath our feet. Knowledge is shared, experiences are passed on, and each find becomes part of something bigger.
Whether you join us at an event, follow along with our content, or connect with other members of the community, you’re part of a group that understands why we keep digging.
Why Gone Diggin’ Exists
Because history is still out there.
Because the hunt teaches patience and perspective.
Because uncovering the past helps us better understand the present.
Gone Diggin’ is a place to learn, explore, and experience the adventure of discovery — together.
