Don't Back Down

Posted by Chad Everett on June 20, 2006

Treasure Hunters Challenge »

It looks like NBC is getting into the game with their new Treasure Hunters show. They have created a Treasure Hunters Challenge site that you can play to enhance the experience. While not as immense in scope as The Hanso Foundation, it's still not bad (and you may win money). What's more is that it seems to have some end in site, while The Lost Experience seems almost never-ending.

While I originally started to put the details of the challenges here in this one entry, it quickly overwhelmed the size of this entry. So in order to make things a little more manageable, I've broken each week out into its very own entry, which should help to keep things somewhat orderly and help you to find what you need a little faster. At least that's the plan. Things may change once we see what's working and what's not. Stay tuned for further developments on that front.

Each week is listed, along with the primary focus of that week's challenge, which may or may not agree with what you think the challenge should be named. I'm not trying to be difficult (I promise), but I figured that it would be better to give the challenge some sort of descriptive name, rather than just "Week 1", "Week 2", "Week 3", and hopefully what is there will be enough to help you find what you need. If not, I'm sorry. Click the link and read up to see if it's what you need. If not, come on back and try the next week. Ultimately there are only 9 challenges (and only 8 weeks) so it shouldn't take long.

Just a reminder: Since the details were getting so long, I've split this post into detailed reviews of each week's challenge. Check back here, where I'll update this list with links to each review, or keep an eye out for the detailed reviews.

If you want to discuss the overall game theory, discuss it here please, and leave the other entries for challenge-specific information.

Update August 15, 2006: For those who have been waiting, the answer has been posted.

We were indeed looking for the Star Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Apparently either Smithsonian and/or The National Museum of American History was accepted as a correct answer. The ten winners names have been posted.

Thanks, RobH, for the pointer to the post, and to everyone for playing along! If anyone who participated here was among them, congratulations and good luck in the contest!

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Comments (141)

So, I've been playing the Treasure Hunter game on NBC's website. Found this site just before I started game 6. OK, I admit I Googled for help with game 5... where to take the steamboat the first time. Thanks for nudging me at the point where I was stuck. :-)

I finished the game without further help after that. Glad I didn't cheat (more, that is). ;-) OK, so the real reason I'm posting is to get a few things understood in the grand scheme of things. After playing each game, I collect a game piece... but I don't get how it fits into solving where the treasure can be found? Is it possible to figure that out before playing all the games and collecting all the game pieces? I mean, if one was really clever, might someone actually figure out where the treasure can be found after game one, two, three? Or does having all the games pieces in the right spot on the game board "unlock" another clue to finding the treasure?

And the notepad clues... I've noticed that these are the same clues as teased in the shows during the contestants' hunt. There are words circled in red... appears to make a sentence as the clues are obtained. The weekly puzzles are fun and interesting, but the game pieces and notepad clues... I am just not putting two and two together here with these elements. Can someone give insight?

OK... I think my questions have been answered by what I've read about the theories discussed on the Treasure Hunters discussion board. Check out this link.

Remember the coordinates we were given at the beginning of the game? Not the puzzle that took us to Bodie, but the original coordinates? It said we would be told when to go there. Anyone have any idea about the coordinates?

First coordinate is address for Genworth as given in the brown book and second is Kew Gardens London (funny thing there is a Queen Charlotte Cottage at Kew Garden...and "it is the garden you seek"?)

Thanks for yor response, Paribanou. Where did you get the second location, Kew Gardens London, from?

I dont know what they want for the gameboard answer. I know that the pieces fit together as an aerial picture of the mall (washington mon. white house, lincoln mem, and smithsonian) in washington d.c. but have no idea if that is what they are wanting for an answer anyone have any clues on that???

Did we need to know about Kew Gardens in London?

I dont see what that has to do with this puzzle?

The notebook clues are asking where the early symbol is laid out?? The symbol I'm assuming is the puzzle pieces put together in the correct way... and even if they aren't... its still Washington D.C.

I don't know anything about anything in London it does not seem important. The key is to figure out what answer they want out of that map of the mall the pieces make. I confirmed the pic on Google earth just zoom in on D.C. and voila you have you pieces arranged for you.

Hey Kelly - I am thinking maybe something in the Smithsonian but, all my guesses have been about the mall or Washington D.C. maybe next weeks clue will answer all??

I hope so, I've been into this religiously... and I can't wait to see what the final answer is... I've guessed everything from the mall to the nation's capitol to D.C.

I'm seeing Washington D.C. as well, but I didn't know if I should put "Washington D.C." or "The Mall"

Well we know for a fact that is in D.C. but as crazy as this game is they wiil want the room number in the Smithsonian to get it right lol.

I put both Trish, I put the mall in Washington D.C. for tonight's guess.

The symbol... is the Flag. Specifically ... looking at the other clues - the original flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner that was flown over Ft. McHenry - just my thinking...we shall see in time.

Sorry - posted too soon. So my guess is the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History as that is where the flag is "laid out" now according to the Ft McHenry website.

The only piece that is missing is the US Capitol.

I think the answer they are looking for is Washington DC. All the clues point to the city in general in my opinion:

1. Washington monument stands tall??

2. I'm sure it digs deeper but DC is surrounded by water

3. Declaration of Independence was created in dark times

4. The Star Spangled Banner has the tune of a drinking song when Key put lyrics to the tune.

5. I couldn't figure this one out. Anyone think they got it? Maybe the holocaust museum? I'm not sure

6. Revolutionary war? In burning light the plan is laid.

7. The Lincoln Memorial has the words of the Emancipation Proclamation all over it and they were to wipe out colour

Originally, I thought the answer was the Liberty Tree in Boston. But it's not. It's far easier than that.

Bamamrine is right, the answer is the National Mall in Washington D.C. Not sure how exact you need to be, so I just put National Mall. The last piece after Week 7 is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

It's Washington DC for sure, the show is leading into info about the Masons, and some of the street lay-outs in DC are shaped as masoninc symbols, the early symbol may be the compass and square, which supposedly is laid out in washington DC, so I'm still putting Washington DC, been guessing that since the first clue looked like the Washington monument. Thanks for the info.

Think it may be the Capital or the Lincoln Memorial. Tonite I just said Washington D.C.

Has anyone found the answer to the place they are looking for yet?

Has anyone noticed that the Jefferson Memorial looks a lot like a Jesus fish. Isn't that an "early symbol?"

Has anybody else noticed that the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GARDEN (the round building) is on the wrong side of the National Air and Space museum on the puzzle piece? At least it is according to the Google and Mapquest maps. Wonder why that would be??

Are they looking for a state or city for the actual answer or the name of a builing or place? Suppose you have the right answer which may be a builing but put the city in instead?

Ok, so just to move things on, I think the last symbol piece will be Capitol Hill,as for the clues if you search the internet for washington history (and you need to search a lot) and get a good page it will tell you how Washington DC was founded, the rest will be luck to piece all the clues together in one building.

An early symbol, that relates to Capitol Hill... Could it be the Statue of Freedom that rests atop the Capitol Building? There is a lot of symbology and history behind the sculpture... What are your thoughts and ideas?

Ok so just looked up statue of freedom and I think we could be on a winner, on the completed challenges there are symbols like the feather and the sword which as you know are on the statue, there is also talk in the history of the statue about freeing slaves and in one of the challenges there was clues about freeing slaves. just researching how the other challenge pieces fit in but go to google and put in statue of freedom and click number one and read tell me your thoughts on that.

No, if you go down a little further you will read that the schedule has changed, and the august the first has been extended.

Does anyone think it could be the US Capitol bulding being it will be the last piece to the puzzle?

That just seems a little too easy, that if I'm right and Capitol Hill is the last clue, a little more research on the Statue of Freedom, on the statue is talk of forts and guns that were in our challenge number three.

Doing some more digging around on the Treasure Hunters site, and found some interesting Masonic symbols in the Genworth book on the board. Click the book and take a look through it, every symbol in it is from the Masons.

The entire set of symbols from the second page, the fifth page has the masonic apron, the sixth page has some sort of archway with an object sitting in it... no idea on what this means, any ideas?

The final page has the same archway as the sixth page, but now has the masonic "G" in the center.

What are the connections between the Masons, Treasure Hunters, and Washington, DC?

After doing some quick searching found out that the architect of the Capitol building, and the designer of the Statue of Freedom, Tomas U. Walter, was a freemason.

Do we have a connection between the mason symbols in the Genworth book, the last piece of the puzzle being the Capitol building, and the symbology behind the Statue of Freedom?

Thoughts? Ideas?

On the Statue of Freedom is a message that says E Pluribus Unum which means out of many, one.

I looked up this phrase and in a picture it shows the all seeing eye and on the Genworth book it shows the all seeing eye plus a sword plus eagle feathers and stars which all are on the Statue of Freedom.

Heres food for thought the motto E PLURIBUS UNIM was proposed by non other than Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson plus John Adams. In our challenges I know that Franklin and Jefferson have come up but not too sure of Adams.

I don't think the treasure is going to be in DC. That seems to obvious. Anyone have any other ideas where it might be? The clues are telling us where, but everyone keeps keying in on DC because of the peices we have been getting. That just seems too easy.

Another thing. There are two more lines left in the notebook but only one more challenge left. Did anyone think that the final entry in the notebook might take you out of DC? But the final location has something to do with something that is at the Mall? Just something to think about. I would love to hear some feedback on it.

This is just a thought... maybe the map of DC is leading us to the US Capitol, which is indirectly telling us to look at one of the three other places the US Capitol has been over the history of our country...

1. Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland 1783–1784)

2. Federal Hall in New York (1789–1790)

3. Congress Hall in Philadelphia (1790–1800).

4. Current location in DC

Just a thought that popped in my head. Thoughts? Ideas?

I still cannot help but think that all the clues point to the star spangled banner (the original flag) and it is being displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Behring Center. There appears to be a huge promotion about it now as well, as the Smithsonian is spending lots of money to build a new display for it?

I don't know... as far as the artifacts - well we know that they are a map of Washington, DC National Mall - and the NMAH is one of those buildings portrayed in the artifacts - but not the last which appears to be the Capitol. We'll see, but it's been fun reading everyone's comments.

I think I'm in sync with the other person who is guessing it's the flag (early symbol) that was flown at Fort McHenry. The same flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem, which is set to a drinking song. My final guess is where the flag is laid to rest in the American History Museum of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. I do wonder though about all the little clues in each week's game.....the watch, feather, cannon, sword, pumpkin and what the heck are the other two????

The symbols for each complete part of the game relate to the basic idea behind each week's "hunt." Such as the pumpkin for Sleepy Hollow (headless horseman's makeshift head was a jack-o-lantern), or the lightbulb referring to Edison.

You could have a point Dave. Last night's clues where in the graveyard. Andrew Carnegie, who spent a huge amount of time in New York, and the clues on the note pad treasure in the water, etc could be the Statue of Liberty also New York.

I found something that interested me...famous Pennsylvanians... Andrew Carnegie, Ben Franklin, Robert Fulton. I don't know but there are very very many references to PA?

What if the early symbol is the constitution? It is laid out in the National archives building which is right next to the last piece. Any thoughts?

Hey guys, after reading all of these comments, sort of confusion in my head is even bigger now!

Is it too early to guess the final answer, and should we wait until next Monday to try to solve the puzzle?

My guess - Capitol Hill! On the other side, the early symbol might have been a cross itself? Any similar thoughts/leads ?

If you look closely at the clues... it appears to not be anything in DC. It could be the statue of Liberty..check it out.

1. Rush to where the treasure stands: Lady liberty is standing.

2. Look on water for its inspiration: She is standing in water.

3. In dark times the words form: Assuming the awe of the statute at night? Or perhaps the hospital, gallows, that were on the island.

4. Match the tune to an early drinking song: National anthem.

5. Mist half covers the symbol: The mist in the harbor.

6. In burning light the plan is laid: The torch.

7. Wipe out the Colour: This is clearly the French spelling of color and the French gave us the statue.

What do you think?

I like Pedja's post. Unfortunately, the clues are very vague and can be interpreted to be almost anything. But, it's possible to use the statue as a starting point...

1. Rush to where the treasure stands: Liberty Island (or maybe the one in Paris).

2. Look on water for its inspiration: Liberty in NY faces East over the water and over Brooklyn (the one in Paris faces West towards NYC) - what is Lady Liberty looking at?

3. In dark times the words form: Perhaps there's a sign in Brooklyn that Liberty faces that lights up at night (or something in Paris that is West of the statue).

4. Match the tune to an early drinking song: ?

5. Mist half covers the symbol: Could be one of the NYC bridges that Liberty faces.

6. In burning light the plan is laid: ?

7. Wipe out the Colour: ?

Anyway, it's all good fun. I'm sure the answer is going to be something completely different.

Good luck, everyone.

Hey it just hit me... for number 2... the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty is the one in Paris on the Seine....

It could be the Star Spangled Banner...the words by Key are the clue.

1. Rush to where the treasure stands: The flag stood at the fort..the British attacked the fort.

2. Look on water for its inspiration: He saw the British war ships attacking the fort and became inspired to write a poem.

3. In dark times the words form: He wrote the Star Spangled Banner while the fort was under attack .

4. Match the tune to an early drinking song: The British Drinking song that it was named after was Anacreon in Heaven.

5. Mist half covers the symbol: He had to wait for the mist and smoke from the cannons (to clear) to see if the flag was still there.

6. In burning light the plan is laid: Bombs bursting in air...

7. Wipe out the Colour: Colour is capitalized...nick name for the British Red Coats.

And if you check this site, you'll find: "The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is the home of an American treasure — the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired our national anthem. "

The one thing that I find curious is that the "early symbol" is "laid out". The SSB is one display in a large glass and plexiglass box for visitors at the NMAH, which seems correct.

However, an earlier symbol was the "Don't Tread on Me" flag which includes letters and symbols in the segmented snake (that might be necessary to use the cryptex on) and it's original lithograph, which accompanies an article written by Benjamin Franklin, is in the LOC - but is loaned out the Smithsonian when needed "for all to see."

I am sure I am reading too much into it, with the key, Baltimore, the ship coin, the star, etc - it all seems to be pointing to the flag, but then again, we've seen how even the most obvious things are often overlooked.

My husband had the idea that the treasure is buried at the point that the Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials line up - since they are all in the National Mall. At this point - I just want to know...

Hey guys...Ive been reading this blog from the outset of NBC's Treasure Hunter game as well as reading some other blogs. I believe the board itself points to the final answer. No question the pieces are showing the National Mall in D.C....Anybody look closely at the shadow from the Washington Monument...its pointing NE or pretty close....Whats NE of monument? Any ideas?

TJ, went to look and see what was NE of the Washington Monument... the closest building NE is the National Museum of American History? That keeps with the theory that I am stuck on (the SSB).

Something a buddy of mine said because I kept thinking the early symbol had to be something that could be "laid out"... he said "laid out in stone?" If so, that totally blows my theory all to pieces. But hey, that's the fun.

Danielle: I thought it was the National Museum bit wanted to have someone confirm my guess. If you google the SSB you are told that Key wrote it while being detained on a British ship during the shelling of Fort McHenry.

Then if you Google Ft. McHenry you find out that the original flag that Key was writing about is located at the National Musuem and not the Smithsonain. But alas this might be a bit too easy...any thoughts?

I need to make a correction to my last post. I guess the full name would be the Smithsonain National Musuem of American History. But I am a bit confused as to th exact location of this musuem. Is it on the National Mall or is it basically North of the Mall, which would be NE of the Washington Monument?

TJ, I went to Google Maps and viewed Washington, DC - all the buildings were labeled. I can't help but to keep betting on the National Museum of American History.
Another note: I was thinking that maybe Genworth is contributing money to the restoration of the flag, but i cannot seem to come up with the donors, benefactors, etc. Has anyone seen anything about this or any "treasure" that has ties with Genworth that they may be promoting? I know that takes some fun out of it, but you know that it's all about the money...

I think the "treasure" is the "Star-Spangled Banner." It is on display at the Smithsonian. Let me rephrase that: [Where is the early symbol laid out?] It is on display at the "National Museum of American History."

Check out this link.

I know you think London has nothing to do with it.. but if you noticed.. Clue 7 says: "Wipe out the COLOUR" and spells it like us Brits do.... mmmmmm.

OK, I've caught up on all the posts. So far I like the theory posted by "A Theory" @ August 2, 2006 2:50 PM. There were a few other similar theories, but one point that has been overlooked is that "Treasure" is capitalized in the first clue. Is it reading too much into the clue to over emphasize that it means something other than "The Treasure" that we're looking for? I mean, what if the symbol we're looking for is not a flag, as I and others have suggested, but a document? Or money?

Also, the fact that the shadow of the Washington Monument is pointing in a NNE direction ... I think it's a reach to believe there is any meaning to that. Look at the graphics on the game board... the shadow effect is globally applied, and it is also in perspective to the relative height of the buildings and the game pieces, and the board itself (such as the relief edges of the shoreline, etc.).

Well thanks Brian, you are completely right! It is all about having fun, and especially in these kind of situations where you're colliding with the opinions of others - it just makes it even more interesting.

To be honest I'm not a TV show person , but when this show started I became completely addicted, lol. I can't remember when was the last time I was this much involved into something of this nature (considering hours and hours of the Internet and literature searching for the clues...).

However , I really like A Theory's interpretation of the 5th - Mist half covers the symbol - clue. Somehow, at least to me, it seems to be straight to the point. And again, there is a million possible combinations, and the time will show the answer!!!

P.S. Today is my birthday, hehe !

In searching other options than my theory that the treasure is on Capitol Hill... I looked into the idea of the SSB being at the NMAHSI, well the Smithsonian seems to be closed on Mondays, which would make it easy for the treasure hunters to navigate without running into people.


Also, has any one recognized the 2,3,5 on the Genworth book when you sign into the game. Not sure, but I don't remember seeing it before. It looks something like:

2
}5
3

Just thought I'd throw it out there.

I am still betting on the treasure being the SSB at the NMAH, however I came across a website that states that the cornerstone of the Capitol Building held a bible, flag, trowel, and some other stuff? Thought it was interesting.

The corner stone of the Capitol building was laid by George Washington in full Masonic regalia.

There has to be some ties to the game and all the masonic symbols we are given.

Well here a new theory not anywhere on these pages.

Treasure hunters has always worked its games around events in American History like freeing the slaves and of course the people like Washington, Jefferson etc. So here's a twist on the scenario.

Someone on one of the pages mentioned that there was a shadow from the Washington Monument plus something like 235 in the Genworth book. Ok so lets say that the shadow from the monument was formed at 2:35 pm. The tip of the shadow falls on a line on the game board.

Looking at the map of Washington I noticed it landed on Constitution Ave and if you dont know The National Archives are on Contitution Ave, twist on that is there are two entrances Constitution being one and Pennslvania Ave the other. But what might we find in this building, well the Charters of Freedom Exhibit, in the exhibit is the Original Declaration of Independence plus the Bill of Rights and to finish it off, the Constitution of the United States.

Now I know this might be nothing, but as an English Guy living in America the thing I notice loads about this game is, most of the games on the board have something to do with freedom and America starting a New Life, and all of the things in the archives building have loads to do with American History.

Anybody have an idea why the last challenge had the link to a head stone with Andrew Carnegie's name on it but nothing else to be found for that weeks puzzle? Simply a filler or does it have some sort of meaning? Other then the blatant commercial for Genworth within challenge 3 (flag pole/bugle) I can not think of any link within a challenge that at didn't give us at least one part of the puzzle for that week. Any thoughts on this? Also, I've been wondering about the image in the fireplace as well. Sure looks like the Liberty Bell. (or the all seeing eye base) Maybe a huge red herring but interesting.

The names that appear in the graveyard are of historical figures who are actually buried in the Sleepy Hollow cemetary.

Does the object in the fireplace look like a keyhole?

As with the movie National Treasure, does "the secret lie with charlotte?"

Dave, I like the thought about Charlotte. Very interesting...hmm. IMO, it looks like a bird (eagle, whatever) in the window. And a keyhole in the fireplace with quite possibly steps (maybe to the all-seeing eye) that closely matches the A in Treasure Hunters.

The genworth book has a picture of a table with a bible, masonic symbols, and candles... Here's a website with that exact picture (or a very close one).

Here is a link to an image that must have been used in the Genworth book, as it looks like it was directly taken from this website (or original book). The image is about 1/4 the way down the page.

What do I do with the puzzle pieces I receive after each challenge - do they move or am I supposed to put them in the board that is there?

I was re-reading the rules from the Genworth book, and was anyone else aware that the contest actually ended on Monday, 8/1? I'm still going to have fun playing, but somehow the last clue has lost a little of it's charm knowing that it's all over already. Chad, thanks for the help, and I'd love to see you get to the live episode!

Alas Rachel, the rules have changed... re read the rules again and you will note a 3rd of the way down you will find this message:
"To be eligible for the Bonus Prize, entrants must participate in a live "Treasure Hunt" currently scheduled for approximately August 11, 2006. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE IN PERSON "TREASURE HUNT" IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR APPROXIMATELY 1-DAY DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 13, 2006."

Well MINNY of course , that's why they're there. It is just another puzzle that you'll need to complete in order to figure out "where is the early symbol laid out". And, yes, you can move them ...

As I just found this forum, I would first like to say that I think this is great. I am addicted to this show and never miss an episode, I actually rebooked plane tickets, so that I landed home in time to watch the show.

On the puzzle, I live in Washington, D.C. and have been playing the game. I also think its the National Museum of American History. Intresting thing to keep in mind, the museum closes for renavations on Sept. 3 for 18 to 24 months. So, if NBC was going to shoot something, this would be the time to do it. Plus, I was there over at the museum this weekend and many of the exhibits were shut off to the public.

When you guess your answer does it tell you wether or not you answered it correctly?

What about the Reflecting Pool?

Brian , if you're talking about the box where it asks "Where is it?" - the answer is no. You would've guessed up to 7 times so far, so that means seven perhaps different answers.

Of course, after the first five challenges it was still too early to make decision simply because of the lack of clues, but after the sixth or seventh challenge you can be a bit closer while guessing the final clue.

Since I did not start playing this online Treasure Hunt until after the seventh episode, I've guessed only once...I hope is right... well we'll see...

Did anyone else notice that when you line up the game pieces a certain way the gray or shadowed parts make different patterns? Is this another clue as to where the treasure can be found?

The flag is no longer in the Museum of American History. They now have the flag that was over the pentagon on Sepotember 11th. I don't know where the original flag is now but it is not on display anymore.

There is a picture on the globe in the game room. I can't figure out what the picture is. Does anyone think it has any relevance?

So I went back through the game to see if there was anything I missed and how there is an issue with the Ghost Town part of the game.

When you weigh the sand/gold it somehow loses the wagon wheel, so you are inevitably stuck in the ghost town when you go out to put the wheel on the wagon...

I noticed that one of the game pieces has a fish shape, and that is "an early symbol" in religion. Perhaps the location is a church in D.C.

Did anyone else notice the faint shape of a building (or something!) in the background on the globe in the graveyard building? There's DEFINITELY something there that doesn't move as the continents move! What do ya think??

Here is the question: Since I have two vouchers collected through the challenges, and if I manage somehow to save them in the eighth/last challenge, will I be able to use them to guess the final answer (I'm thinking of a possibility of revealing a couple of letters from the final destination by using each one of the vouchers, or would it be too naive/easy)?

Anyway, just a thought, so I can see what are you guys thinking about it... but you have to admit, it would be really nice, right?

Check this out: Not even once has anybody mentioned MOUNT RUSHMORE, very well known as one of the biggest "American National Treasures"!

So there it is, another potential hint to think about in this interesting quest of ours...

Don't know about the second insurance policy, Pedja, though I've had the same thought. I've made sure not to use either of them, just in case.

Perhaps the ninth clue will be revealed - at least partially - if you have the insurance policies.

I suspect we'll all know something more tonight.

I'm thinking the 9th clue is just going to be a compilation of the circled words. I'm also thinking we are all getting too analytical (I have that tendency).

The 'research' part of the online game was simple. I don't think they'd push the research up several levels. After all, NBC really wants to draw names. If it is too hard, they won't have a big pool to draw from, and they may lose ratings.

Myself...I'm waiting until this week's challenge