Welcome to the Staten Island History Hunters (SIHH) Metal Detecting Club (MDC) website. We are a friendly, and passionate group of metal detecting enthusiasts, dedicated to promoting responsible metal detecting practices and preserving our shared history by uncovering buried treasures from the past. Once a year, we have a club hunt at a local beach where we bury coins, jewelry, and tokens in the sand that are exchanged for prizes. We aid law enforcement officials, and historical societies when requested. In addition, we frequently provide a service free of charge to the community in finding lost metal items of value and importance. Staten Island History Hunters Metal Detecting Club incorporated is a non-profit, 501(C)(3) organization.
The SIHH MDC have taken pride in developing an excellent reputation in both metal detecting and historical communities. We are looking for individuals who have an interest in the hobby, but still also help to maintain the reputation and integrity of this club.
The Staten Island History Hunters Metal Detecting Club meets once a month. Meetings are usually on the last Wednesday of the month unless a change is posted, and begin at 7:00 PM.
Meetings are held at the New Dorp Moravian Church "Parish House"
2205 Richmond Road
Staten Island, NY 10306
Guests are always Welcome!
Staten Island History Hunters Mission Statement
The Staten Island History Hunters Metal Detecting Club exists as a non-profit organization with a group of people from all ages and walks of life, who share a passion, dedication, and a strong respect for our hobby of metal detecting. Our primary function is to introduce and participate in a hobby that promotes fun, fellowship, public awareness, volunteer services to both private and public sectors, to unearth Staten Island's past and promote archeological education that helps in discovering the history while preserving the past as historical objects are recovered. Our club strives to keep an excellent reputation and we are known for respecting and not disturbing the locations we detect. Each member who joins our club is introduced to and expected to abide by the Metal Detecting Code of Ethics. We strive to be good stewards of the hobby and the land. We strive to be ambassadors of the hobby.
WE STRIVE:
Metal Detectorists Code of Ethics
· Never Trespass – Respect Property and Always Get Permission.
· Dig Properly – Fill All Holes. Leave the Area Cleaner and Better Than When You Arrived.
· If you discover any item of significant historical interest, notify the local historian or museum.
· If you discover any lethal object, do not touch, notify the police.
· Dispose of litter or trash in proper containers.
· Obey all laws and ordinances that may pertain to a site. Know the law.
· Protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife, and private property.
· Be courteous to all, you are a representative of our hobby/sport.
The History of the Staten Island History Hunters:
The Staten Island History Hunters Metal Detecting Club (SIHH MDC) began in 2006 when John Marchese, Doug Stetson, George Shaffer, and Fred DeLise recognized a need for a club. Initial meetings were held at the Corner House Restaurant, later joined by a handful of local detectorists interested in the hobby. Eventually, the membership grew large enough to move to bigger quarters and the meetings were moved to the Sea View Hospital Community Meeting Room. In 2008 the Staten Island History Hunters Metal Detecting Club incorporated and became a non-profit, 501(C)(3) organization. The club met there at Sea View for years until the COVID Pandemic hit and were then no longer allowed access and membership declined. The Club attempted virtual Zoom meetings but floundered until 2023 where today we meet at the Staten Island Yacht Club in Great Kills, Staten Island.The club since has grown to over fifty members across New York and New Jersey and is comprised of working / retired singles, couples, and children’s memberships. We are an active club in support of the hobby, as well as the community. Over the years, the SIHH MDC has had a variety of programs and speakers. Our members have also given talks about their detecting outings, helpful hints, opinions of and experiences with different detectors, etc. There have been discussions on outdoor health and safety and videos shown of our members in action. Many of our club members have donated their time to community projects such as cleaning up the local parks and beaches and have even assisted in archaeological digs. We have given talks and demonstrations to business organizations and schools, and trained Boy Scout Troops how to metal detect at a local Scout Camp. Beyond this, our members have spent countless hours of their own time assisting owners in locating and returning their lost items and keepsakes. We also maintain an online presence with an informative website and a Facebook Group.
Facebook: Facebook.com/groups/statenislandhistoryhunters
Staten Island History Hunters Board Members
President Michael Di Trani
Vice President Louis Defeo
Treasurer James Limperopulos
Secretary Rosemary Masullo
Sergeant at Arms Thomas Ratel
Webmaster Tim Acosta
Club Contact email: SIHHMDC@gmail.com
Club Contact Phone: (917) 287-3688
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