Excal 1000, Excal II, Sovereign GT, CZ-20, Tiger Shark, Tejon, GTI 1500, Surfmaster Pulse, CZ6a, DFX, AT PRO, Fisher 1235, Surf PI Pro, 1280-X, many more because I enjoy learning them. New Garrett Ca
Gypsy is right. You should place yourself back in time and visulize were people then went and how they lived. The dirt was always there, you should look for where people played, went to church socials, had picnics, etc. The oldest parks are a good place to look, but they will also hold the most trash. Read all you can about the place near where you live, talk to old timey people.
Welcome to TreasureNet, you're going to be amazed at all the information you'll get from the people here.
First thing I'd do, go to the local library and ask the reference librarian for history books and maps of your area - old ones. Then I'd take a few notes and make a call to the county historical society to see if anybody there can add any additional information - to narrow down your search area. Then I'd try to determine who owns the lands today - and seek their permission to hunt it IF it's private property. If it's public property, just call the local law enforcement office and inquire about the legality of metal detecting on public lands. Then get out and go!
I notice alot of stacked rock fences all around NY,those are pretty old and worth searching around as well.Ive seen some old pilings of old structures around them as well possibly some great things around them too.
good luck