What It Feels Like to Find Something That’s Been Buried for 150 Years

In this evocative personal reflection, Red River Gold cast member and metal detectorist Laurie “Goldie” Gagne shares the thrill of unearthing relics hidden for over a century. With heart and humility, she captures the electric moment when an object reemerges from the earth. More than a hobby, her metal detecting becomes a powerful act of storytelling and preservation, driven by curiosity, care, and deep respect for history.

“It's an incredible feeling the moment you realize you've uncovered something that's been lost or buried for a long time. When you're on a property that's been well-used for generations, this excitement can consume you. Just knowing there's potential to find old coins, trinkets, and possibly some silver or gold sends a rush through your body.

My senses heighten, allowing me to listen intensely for those deep, signals. My mind races with possibilities: Will I find a relic proving the Wolseley expedition passed through here? Could this be the hiding spot for those gold coins? What will I discover, and how will it help tell this story? 

When you finally see something emerging from the ground, what an exciting feeling! To think you're the first person in 150 years to see what was lost... it takes my breath away. I'll gasp, then wonder: What is it? So many questions arise. Who was the last person who held this? What were they doing when they lost it? How upset must they have been when they noticed it was gone? It's overwhelming and exciting all at once.  

Some might compare it to catching a record prize fish, but for me, it's so much more. This once belonged to someone, lost and now found. Every item we uncover has its own untold story, helping piece together long forgotten history. That's why it's so important to always document these finds, so their context won't be lost too…”

-Laurie “Goldie” Gagne