Steve Kaighen is an avocational archaeologist who has been searching for history well over 40 years.  Steve was introduced to this exciting hobby at the age of 13 and has made important Historical discoveries.  He spends many hours pouring over maps, reading documents and researching personal diaries. Many hours have been spent walking fields with metal detector in hand and has made many significant discoveries.  His collection consists of over 8,000 U.S. military and Native American Indian artifacts that date from the late 18th to early 19th century.  Steve also keeps very good records where each camp is found and always asks permission from local (private) land owners. 

Upon requests, Steve continues to give presentations at various museum and historical events for those who have an interest in learning about the artifacts he has discovered.  Steve has never sold any of the artifacts because he feels it is important to keep the records and artifacts together that tell a wonderful story about Kansas History that can be shared for generations to come.