Frank Abel
Frank Abel is a Paramedic with Bradley Co. EMS in Cleveland TN. His first interest in relic hunting began as he learned detailed accounts of civil war history near where he lives in Cleveland TN. His first experience with metal detecting began with occasional coin hunts and metal detecting on the beach when on vacation. With the knowledge gained thru research and stories handed down over the years detailing civil war activity nearby, he began to relic hunt has often as he could. He has had several significant relic finds.
Frank believes research, proper recovery of artifacts and treating landowners property with respect gives our hobby creditability and some element of professionalism.
Frank currently uses a Minelab E-Trac with a Garrett Pro Pinpointer.
American Society for the Preservation of Historical Artifacts
The Tennesse Chapter of the American Society for the Preservation of Historical Artifacts was formed in 2003. Current Chapter Officers are Ron Cyrus, Chris Armstrong and Jeff Bailey. The TN Chapter meets each quarter to discuss recent finds and to plan future hunts. For more information on the TN Chapter of the ASPHA, contact Jim Armstrong at JimArmstrong@ASPHA.org
Chapter Officers
Chris Armstrong
Chris began relic hunting in 2003, after going metal detecting several times with his Dad, ASPHA President Jim Armstrong.
Chris metal detects with a Nautilus DMC II Ba, and his relic hunting interests include Civil War and Colonial sites. Since he started hunting, Chris has discovered numerous Civil War camp sites in the area of eastern Tennessee where he now lives, and has made some great recoveries. Hunting a site that had previously been "hunted out", Chris recovered a very nice Confederate block A button, that had been overlooked by other relic hunters.
Chris goes the extra mile, doing extensive research at local libraries to locate historic sites. His efforts have paid off, and Chris continues to make some great finds.
Ron Cyrus
Ron is a retired Colonel from the US Army. Ron began relic hunting shortly after retruning from the first Gulf War in the early 90's.
Ron relic hunts primarily with a Nautilus DMC IIB, but also has a Fisher metal detector. Ron enjoys relic hunting at both Colonial and Civil War sites., and he has a nice collection, which includes numerous Union and Confederate buttons, some very nice Spanish silver coins, and a beautiful CS belt plate he found near Aversboro, NC.
Below - Chris Armstrong and Ron Cyrus hunting an 1800's plantation site near Greenville, TN
