Is it legal?

[Scubasteve1982]

I live in a historical area with lots of small creeks and rivers. I'd be interested in searching the bottoms for artifacts. Is it legal to do so? I can't seem to find an answer anywhere online. Thanks!

 

[driftwood]

In Texas, we are guided by the Texas Antiquities Code. I am sure the PA has a similar statute. To cut to the chase, in Texas if it is from the 19th century or older and on public land, don't touch it.

 

[UntamedSpirit]

I live in a historical area with lots of small creeks and rivers. I'd be interested in searching the bottoms for artifacts. Is it legal to do so? I can't seem to find an answer anywhere online. Thanks!

I'd be careful around fairmount park, they do not allow any form of treasure hunting

try

Gold Prospecting, Treasure Hunting, Mining, Relic Hunting, and Metal Detecting in Pennsylvania

or

TreasureNet (tm) - The Original Treasure Hunting Website

feel free to PM me if ya need a dive buddy

 

[BRR@PA]

steve
shark teeth in cobbs creek? ha ha Im local to you and new. where would you have good vis and low current.
joe

 

[Lee Taylor]

Hello ScubaSteve,

Here in South Carolina we are required to have a Hobby License to collect from the bottom of the river. Ask around at the local dive shops. Ask river divers. They will know all the details.

Here is an article with some photos of finds by Steve Nash, a diver friend of mine

Finding Fossils and Artifacts

Here is what is used in South Carolina:

Hobby Diver Collector License

 

[upthechain]

illegal? probably, wrong? no. Artifacts wont last for ever and if we don't find them and bring them to light then their historical value is lost for ever. I would collect them and document where I found them.

 

[diver21085]

scubasteve you can dive as much you want by law you should not disturb the bottom and if you found some you should call THE STATE and get the rigts to dive on that location and every item you find should be listed as 50/50 between you and THE STATE. BUT this is the law
when scubasteve dives no one knows and what scubasteve find underwater no body should know so you do your best
see you into the deep