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.
- Week 1: Golden Spruce
- Week 2: Abraham Lincoln
- Week 3: West Point
- Week 4: Thomas Edison
- Week 5: Fulton Paddleboat
- Week 6: Ghost Town
- Week 7: Sleepy Hollow
- Week 8: Spanish Doubloon (and Fireplace)
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!
Comments
144 responses to “Treasure Hunters Challenge”
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.
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.
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 !
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.).
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.
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.
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 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?
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?
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.