DIGSTOCK VI - A New Kind of Dig

At Digstock VI, we took a bold step in a new direction. Since our very first event, we’ve watched attendees light up with excitement—not just from finding metal relics, but especially from uncovering Native American stone artifacts. It was clear: the thrill of uncovering these ancient traces of the past deserved its own spotlight.

So, for Digstock VI, we set out to do something different.

We chose to host a smaller, more intimate dig focused primarily on Native American artifacts. Metal detecting was still welcomed, but with full transparency disclosed beforehand: this site had already hosted a previous metal detecting event. While we couldn’t promise an abundance of metal finds, we all know the golden rule—you can never dig it all.

A Cool Morning, A New Adventure

On a crisp April morning, we opened the gates to just 90 participants—a far cry from the crowds of our larger events. The goal? Give attendees the space, time, and freedom to search deep for something truly special. They were allowed to dig holes as big or deep as needed, and our crew was on standby to backfill and tamp down the ground when they were done.

And off they went.

As any experienced digger knows, unlike metal detecting, there’s no signal for stone artifacts. Success comes down to persistence and patience. The first finds were slow. But soon—one point, then another, and then a cascade of stone tools, blades, and points emerged from the soil. Faces lit up, shovels moved faster, and the excitement grew.

Back to Basics, and Better for It

This was not a flashy event. We didn’t have vendor booths, big sponsors, or food trucks. But what we did have was a sense of purpose—and a focus on digging. We provided free bagged lunches, which turned out to be a big hit. The simplicity of it all brought a refreshing atmosphere: no frills, just good people and good digging.

Adding to the authenticity was Mr. James Parker, a professional flint knapper and primitive weapon maker. Right on site, he crafted points using traditional methods, echoing the techniques used by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. His demonstration became a hub of curiosity, learning, and admiration, enriching the experience for everyone.

Determined Diggers Still Found the Relics

Despite knowing the land had been detected before, some die-hard relic hunters grabbed their gear and set out anyway. They hunted slowly, methodically, gridding out the fields with determination.

And to our surprise? They hit paydirt.

Colonial-era buttons, buckles, and even a mangled Civil War eagle sword belt plate surfaced—missed by over 600 attendees who had previously combed these fields. It was a powerful reminder that persistence pays off and that no field is ever truly hunted out.

Ending on a High Note

On the final day, we gathered for a few parting giveaways in true Digstock tradition. Among the prizes were a beautiful handmade stone artifact from Mr. Parker, a premium digging shovel, and a custom wooden display case for showcasing artifacts. While the crowd was small, the energy was big—and so were the finds.

What most attendees didn’t know was that Digstock VI wasn’t just an event. It was a test run. A proof of concept. A glimpse of what’s to come. And it worked.

We're already planning the next installment of this unique experience as part of Digstock VIII or IX—expanding to new sites in pursuit of even more Native American history buried just beneath our feet.

As the crowd left and the last artifacts were packed away, our hardworking crew got to work filling in hundreds of holes, restoring the land with care and respect. A job well done all around.

Closing Statement

Digstock VI may have been small in scale, but it was monumental in purpose. It reminded us that sometimes the best events aren’t the biggest—they’re the ones that bring us closer to history, to the land, and to one another. We’re grateful to everyone who took part in this special dig, and we can’t wait to see what stories the next one will uncover.

Stay dirty, stay curious—and as always, keep digging.

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