Found something curious? Let’s take a closer look.

Have you uncovered something unusual in your garden? Picked up a possible archaeological find while walking the dog? Or made an exciting discovery while out metal detecting?

Bring your object along to Carmarthenshire Museum on Saturday 2 August, where specialists Nicola Kelly (Portable Antiquities Scheme Cymru) and Jenna Smith (Heneb – the Trust for Welsh Archaeology) will be on hand to examine, identify, and record your find.

Whether it’s a fragment of pottery, a mysterious metal object, or something you think could be Treasure, this is your chance to learn more—and possibly contribute to our understanding of the past.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is a national programme that records archaeological finds made by the public, helping to build a richer picture of history and heritage. The Scheme is managed by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and also handles potential Treasure finds.

If you think you’ve found something that might qualify as Treasure, this is the perfect opportunity to get expert advice on what to do next. For more information about Treasure, visit the Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds website.

All welcome – from seasoned detectorists to curious families. Come and discover the story behind your find.

History of the PAS
The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) was founded in response to the growth of metal detecting, the lack of provision to record these finds, and in the context of the reform of Treasure legislation.

In 1997, the Treasure Act 1996, came into force and with it new protection for archaeological finds.
Although archaeologists welcomed the reform of the law, they expressed concern that many significant items were not covered by the Act, especially those that were not precious metal.

As a result pilot 'schemes' for the voluntary recording of archaeological finds was set up in six areas. A further five post and an Outreach Officer were established in 1999.
Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund the PAS was expanded to the whole of England and Wales in 2003, and thereafter (from 2006) funded by the DCMS.

In 2007 the management of the PAS transferred to the British Museum, and is now funded through its grant-in-aid with local partner contributions.

Its network includes 40 locally based Finds Liaison Officers whose role it is to liaise with the public and record their discoveries on the PAS database.