Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

You Never Know When Treasure Might Be Hiding In Plain Sight

Author Phil Harris
An 8-year-old boy found buried treasure in the form of an ancient artifact while playing in a sandbox at school. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

I have long dreamed of stumbling upon something of great value in an unlikely place. You know, maybe an early draft of the U.S. Constitution tucked away in a pie chest. I’m a big fan of the National Treasure movies. It’s not that far-fetched of a dream. Stuff like that happens more often that you’d think. In fact, two stories of hidden treasure being found popped up in the news recently.

A Picture Is Worth Thousands

In 2017, a woman was sifting through a stack of posters and prints at a thrift shop in Manchester, New Hampshire. She bought a painting for $4 and joked about it possibly being a valuable original work of art. According to Inside Edition, the woman hung it in her bedroom for a couple of years before storing it in a closet. It turns out it was no joke.

Earlier this year, the woman posted a picture of the painting on social media and someone recognized it as being an authentic original painting by early 20th century American artist Newell Convers Wyeth. The artist was most well-known for his illustrations, having illustrated over a hundred books in his 40-year career. Experts believe the woman’s painting is one of four illustrations created by N.C. Wyeth for a 1939 print edition of the book Ramona by Helen Hunt Jackson. Only one other illustration from this set is known to exist.

After confirming the painting’s authenticity, the woman decided to auction the artwork off. Bonhams Skinner Auction House will open the painting up for viewing in a few days and hold the auction on September 19th. The auction house expects the painting will sell for between $150- to $250-thousand. Not a bad return for the woman’s $4 investment.

Bremen Boy’s Buried Treasure

Meanwhile, in Bremen, Germany, an 8-year-old boy who was playing in a school sandbox found something much older than an N.C. Wyeth painting. The boy unearthed a silver coin and excitedly ran home to show his family. His parents contacted authorities and archaeologists confirmed the coin was minted during the time of the Roman Empire.

According to Live Science, the coin is about 1,800-years-old and minted during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. It’s possible that Roman traders had done business with an ancient Germanic tribe in the Bremen area. Or the coin could have simply been a lost souvenir .

Unfortunately, the boy won’t be able to keep his amazing treasure. It’s technically owned by the state and may end up in a museum. However, the 8-year-old was commended by state archaeologists for his “alertness and curiosity” and awarded two archaeology books. It could be the start of a brilliant career for the young man.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

10 North Carolina Historic Sites Perfect For A Day Trip From Charlotte

Looking for something fun to do? North Carolina has several historic sites that provide a fun and educational experience for those of all ages! The sites, which are mostly free or charge a minimal fee to visit include historic buildings, a gold mine, museums, and more. No matter the time period you’re interested, in there is something that will suffice.

North Carolina is home to 27 Historic Sites across the state. We’ve taken the opportunity to tell you about the ones you can easily make a day trip from Charlotte to enjoy. This includes some in the greater Charlotte area, the mountains, as well as closer to the Greensboro area. All destinations should be within driving distance.

Some portions of descriptions are taken from HistoricSites.NC.gov

 

  • 1. President James K. Polk Historic Site

    Located right near Carolina Place Mall in Pineville, NC the James K. Polk Historic Site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president.

    You can visit for free and see a museum with exhibits on life in this area during Polk’s childhood, Polk’s rise to fame through politics, the Mexican-American War, and temporary exhibits on a range of topics. You can also take guided tours of the historic cabins on the grounds and experience a small nature trail (temporarily closed for construction), a historically-inspired kitchen garden, and a picnic area.
    On the property is also a relocated cemetery where Polk’s grandmother is buried along with other family members who lived and died nearby in the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Get more info here

  • 2. Reed Gold Mine

    Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold discovery in the United States. In fact, North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed by the great rush to California. At its peak over $1 million worth of gold was discovered each year. Today you can visit Reed Gold Mine which is located in Midland.  There is an underground mine that is open for self-guided tours, historic structures, a visitor center, trails, monuments, and outdoor exhibits. Admission is free though there is a $3 charge if you want to pan for gold.

    Get more info here

  • 3. Town Creek Indian Mound

    Town Creek Indian Mound in Mt. Gilead is an archaeological wonder.

    While most archaeological sites are investigated for a few years before archaeologists move on to new locations, Town Creek has been the focus of a consistent program of archaeological research for more than half a century.  This research has contributed to the scientific understanding of the original inhabitants of our continent and has provided educational opportunities for many graduate and undergraduate students in anthropology.

    Admission is free but guided tours are $2 per person. During your visit, you can tour the historic structures, trails, monuments, and outdoor exhibits.

    Get more info

  • 4. NC Transportation Museum

    The N.C. Transportation Museum is a historic site located in Stanley, NC. Admission for adults is $6 and is cheaper for children and seniors. The site was once home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility in the southeast and currently features a museum featuring all types of transportation history – railroading, automotive, aviation, and more.

    Historic structures you can see on your visit include Barber Junction Depot which is an authentic train station built in 1898. The Bob Julian Roundhouse is the largest still remaining roundhouse in North America and houses locomotives, passenger rail cars, and a full-size replica Wright Flyer.

    On Saturdays, visitors can also participate in train rides which take place at 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm for a minimal additional charge. The museum also hosts several events throughout the year including The Polar Express, Wine & Dine on The Rails, and A Day Out With Thomas.

    Get more info

  • 5. Fort Dobbs

    Fort Dobbs is located in Statesville near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ft. Dobbs State Historic Site provides a window into the tumultuous period of history known as the French and Indian War which took place from 1754-to 1763. It’s the only state historic site associated with the period.

    On your visit, you can enjoy the newly renovated Blockhouse, visitors center, nature trail, and Petit Sutler shop.

    Get more info 

  • 6. Horne Creek Living Historial Farm

    Once known as the Hauser family farm but not referred to as Horne Creek. A visit to the farm enables visitors to experience farm life in North Carolina’s northwestern Piedmont around the turn of the century. The site features the family’s original farmhouse, a tobacco curing barn, a corn crib, adjacent fields under cultivation, and even a heritage apple orchard. Programs are offered such as old-fashioned ice cream socials and an annual corn shucking frolic.

    Get more info

  • 7. Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum

    Originally called the Palmer Memorial Institute and founded in 1902 by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown. Now visitors can experience the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum. The Institute transformed the lives of more than 2,000 African American students. Now visitors can explore where boys and girls lived and learned during the greater part of the 20th century. The museum delves into the larger themes of African American history, women’s history, social history, and education, emphasizing the contributions African Americans made in North Carolina.

    Get more info

  • 8. Alamance Battle Ground

    Alamance Battleground State Historic Site is located on the land which once hosted a battle between the Regulators and the royal governor William Tryon’s militia in 1771. The battle was fueled by growing anger over expensive land, embezzlement of tax money, and collusion between creditors and public officials. That anger led small farmers in piedmont North Carolina to form associations, write petitions, and seek peaceful redress of their grievances. A lack of response from the royal government only deepened the Regulators’ resolve, and rising frustration later gave way to violence. The Regulator movement ended with their defeat at Alamance, but their struggle sent shockwaves through North Carolina and Colonial America, creating tensions that would reignite during the American War for Independence.

    Today you can visit the Battle Ground in Burlington and tour a residence on the property called The Allen House as well as check out the visitor center, a three-quarter-mile nature trail, the James Hunter Monument, and the 1880 granite column commemorating the battle. 

    Get more info

  • 9. Zebulon Vance Birthplace

    A visit to the Zebulon Vance Birthplace in Weaverville, NC is your chance to explore daily life on an early 1800s plantation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Step inside a 1790s slave dwelling and hear the stories of the women and men who were enslaved by the Vances.  Take a tour through the reconstructed birthplace of Zebulon B. Vance to discover how the environment and society of Western North Carolina shaped his political career.

    Tucked into the picturesque Reems Creek Valley, the site features seven historic and reconstructed buildings as well as a visitor center with interactive exhibits.  Visitors can take a guided tour of the site, browse our exhibits, and conclude their visit with lunch in our picnic shelter—featuring panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains

    Get more info

  • 10. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

    You can visit Thomas Wolfe’s mother’s boardinghouse in Asheville, North Carolina. Now known as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, it has become one of literature’s most famous landmarks. Named “Old Kentucky Home” by a previous owner, Wolfe immortalized the rambling Victorian structure as “Dixieland” in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward.

    The site is open Tuesday-Saturdays and guided tours of the historic “Old Kentucky Home” are offered daily at the bottom of each hour.

    Get more info

    Ts to the setting for this great novel.

Get The K Files Newsletter Delivered Directly To Your Inbox

You'll be in the know on music and entertainment news, exclusive giveaways, and what's happening in right here in Charlotte.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Phil Harris
Category:
Tags:
,,

More Phil Harris and Melany Myers

Load More