Our 96th birthday as an organization is coming up. For the past three years, we have used Founders’ Day to honor and highlight a particular person’s contribution to the organization. However, with all of the renovations and changeover of exhibits, we decided to celebrate a little bit differently.

The one thing that all who have been a part of NHSM over the years share is an unquenchable thirst for finding things because we know that  life is a treasure hunt filled with more treasure than can ever be found.

Every specimen in the collections was found, chosen, FOUND important to someone. Every specimen in the collection tells a story of the object itself as well as the finder. So this year for Founders’ Day we honor the act of finding, and NHSM invites you to participate in a real life treasure hunt.

A beautiful megalodon tooth valued at over $100 has been hidden somewhere in the State of Maryland. Be the first to find it, and it’s yours. To play, you need to register. Each week puzzles will be emailed to you. Solve the puzzle to find a word. Use the three words to find the location via what3words.com. Go find the treasure. In addition to the tooth, you also win a lifetime membership to the NHSM.

You can also play along even if you just like puzzles and aren’t interested in finding the treasure. Once you solve the puzzles and email in your location guess – if it is correct – you will be entered into a drawing for a mystery prize.

How to Play:

Three clues will be emailed to participants, one every week with fun history videos and puzzles to solve. Each puzzle will result in a word. At the end you will have 3 words. These words will lead you to the location of the hidden treasure. Once you have your three words use what3words.com to identify the location of the treasure. The winner is the first person who finds the treasure, texts “Found It!” and submits a video to NHSM!

• You must register to participate.
• Compete on your own or in a team. If you are part of a team, the treasure will be shared. 
• Don’t trespass or enter private property
• Make a video of you finding the treasure and share it with NHSM. 
• Text “Found it!” to 443-955-4761. 
• Have fun!

Timeline:

• March 27, 2025: Competition officially starts. Once you are registered you will be emailed your first clue and a link to a short video about the founding members of NHSM.  
• April 3, 2025: The second clue and video link is emailed to all registered participants.
• April 10, 2025: The third and final clue and video link is emailed to all registered participants.
• Use what3words.com to discover the location of the hidden treasure. 
  

Helpful tips to build your curiosity muscle. There are treasures all around us:

 #1: Look around. Be incessantly curious. Explore!

 #2: Treat each and every moment as an adventure — a clandestine journey into the unknown. 

 #3: Expect the unexpected! Because it will happen.

Registration

RSVP: $0

Location