National Treasure Hunt

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black test their knowledge of National Treasure's heroes by taking Buzzfeed quizzes from the perspectives of Ben Gates, Riley Poole, Abigail Chase, and Patrick Gates. Answering questions as one of these protagonists was a particularly divisive exercise; what does that mean about our understanding of that specific character? (And who do you think it is?) • Listen to our episode on the Ben-Ian relationship, which inspired this episode, on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nTWO3eBfjvhaVNi2mdFqZ?si=aPy0HbKMTCqDU0fyfnt9oA. • Order our latest book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Trea...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black calculate the environmental impact of National Treasure's various exploits. Have you ever considered how much carbon was stored in the Charlotte ship before it was blown to smithereens? Or how much fuel our heroes and villains used when traveling between various U.S. cities and the Arctic tundra? Or how Ian's henchmen left bullet casings scattered throughout Old Pine Churchyard? We're doing the math so you don't have to. • Order our latest book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co...

In this "National Treasure in Real Life" episode, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review The Curse of Oak Island (Seasons 7 and 8) on the History Channel. When do treasure hunt finds begin to feel mundane? And if the nonfiction, many-years-long hunt on Oak Island consistently brings in repeat viewers, is it even remotely surprising that Nicolas Cage's fictional, fast-paced quest has maintained its popularity for two decades? • Order our latest book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Riley-Pooles-Secrets-Aubrey-Paris/dp/1959748394/, and leave a rating and re...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black don their robes and grab their gavels to dole out a prison sentence for National Treasure villain Ian Howe. By breaking down each of Ian's criminal offenses, their analysis determines how much time Ian should have spent behind bars (if he had been convicted of all his illegal acts) and how much prison time he actually received following his arrest in Boston. In the end, Aubrey and Emily answer the big question: could Ian be released in time to torment Ben Gates in National Treasure 3? • It's your last chance to register for the fall 2026 Na...

Jason Earles ("Thomas Gates") joins co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black to discuss his experience filming National Treasure's opening history sequence in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Listen to hear his vivid memories of learning to drive a horse-drawn carriage, acting opposite Terrence Currier ("Charles Carroll of Carrollton"), and getting acting advice at the hotel bar. Plus, why is National Treasure one of Jason's "favorite movies ever"? • It's your last chance to register for the fall 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Washington, D.C., happening on Saturday, October 17th. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Xnhd5d3mJLDXqG8J9 • Order our...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black debate what makes National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets appealing to young and old audiences alike. Is it simply the action-packed nature of the treasure hunt, or is very careful writing (replete with external monologues, audience stand-in characters, and adult humor) the reason for the franchise's intergenerational success? • It's your last chance to register for the fall 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Washington, D.C., happening on Saturday, October 17th. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Xnhd5d3mJLDXqG8J9 • Order our new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Trea...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black compare Netflix's Outer Banks series (seasons 1-3) to the National Treasure franchise, exploring parallels between Ben Gates's and John B.'s treasure hunts and family legacies. Plus, as a young adult-centric show, does Outer Banks exhibit the same downfalls as National Treasure: Edge of History? And why did Outer Banks experience more critical and popular success than its Disney Plus counterpart? • Sign-ups are OPEN for the fall 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Washington, D.C., happening on Saturday, October 17th. Register here before all spots are filled: https://forms.gle/Xnhd5d3mJLDXqG8J9 • Orde...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black identify and overview the history of each commemorative George Washington button in Dr. Abigail Chase's shadow box in her office at the National Archives. Their conversation clarifies the difference between campaign and inaugural buttons while case-studying the Pater Patriae button, affectionately known in National Treasure lore as the "1789 inaugural." • Get your own "1789 inaugural" button from Ranger Rob Artifacts on Etsy! Use code "CHARLOTTE" at checkout: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4566351862/george-washington-1789-inaugural-button • Sign-ups are OPEN for the fall 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Philadelphia happening on Saturday, September 19th. Register here before all spots are...

Welcome to National Treasure News! In this installment, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black break down the massive National Treasure franchise news that director Jon Turteltaub announced on their National Treasure Hunt stage in Philadelphia. In addition to recapping Jon's reveals about progress towards National Treasure 3, they share an estimated timeline for when the threequel could go into production, a historical touchpoint we can expect to see in the movie, and an update on the script's screenwriter. (Spoiler alert: It's not what you think.) Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories from Philadelphia's National Treasure Weekend, including exclusive details Jon shared during screenings...

National Treasure Hunt co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black sit down with National Treasure director Jon Turteltaub for an in-person discussion about the franchise's legacy and his memories of filming in Philadelphia. | "You deserve to have the scoop: it's finally real." | During their conversation, Turteltaub EXCLUSIVELY reveals to National Treasure Hunt the news that fans have anticipated for nearly two decades: National Treasure 3 has a script and "it's happening." | If you've been following media coverage of this major entertainment news, check out this full interview for additional details related to the big announcement. Which cast members are anticipated to return...

In this "National Treasure in Real Life" episode, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review The Curse of Oak Island (Seasons 5 and 6) on the History Channel. Have the Lagina brothers and their team found proof that Europeans visited Oak Island before the time of Columbus? How might the plight of the Gates family in National Treasure foreshadow challenges between the Laginas and the respected historical community? • Join National Treasure Hunt for the first-ever NATIONAL TREASURE WEEKEND in Philadelphia from August 20-22, 2026. Here's where tickets are still available... • LIVE recording of the National Treasure Hunt podcast featuring National Treasure director Jon Turt...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black pitch their "ABCs of National Treasure: Edge of History." In the process, they reflect on what they liked and disliked about the Disney Plus show, as well as which characters, scenes, locations, and clues they found most memorable. How did they justify their picks, and whose list resonates most closely with your impressions of Edge of History? • Join National Treasure Hunt for the first-ever NATIONAL TREASURE WEEKEND in Philadelphia from August 20-22, 2026. Here's what's in store and where you can get tickets... • LIVE recording of the National Treasure Hunt podcast featuring National Treasure director Jon...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black conduct a close-watch of National Treasure scenes featuring Riley Poole's van to glean new backstory about Justin Bartha's fan-favorite character. Their analysis reveals a treasure hunt lead Ben and Riley pursued prior to the timeline of National Treasure and suggests that Riley was conducting research for his book, "The Templar Treasure and Other Myths That Are True," long before National Treasure: Book of Secrets. • Join National Treasure Hunt for the first-ever NATIONAL TREASURE WEEKEND in Philadelphia from August 20-22, 2026. Here's what's in store and where you can get tickets... • LIVE recording of the National Trea...

Welcome to Season 13 of National Treasure Hunt! On the six-year anniversary of their show, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black refresh their recap and commentary on National Treasure (2004), revisiting the best revelations from their research, pointing out nuances they've somehow never clocked before, and identifying their remaining plot-related questions. Have you ever noticed how little Riley seems to know about Ben's plan at the National Archives gala, or how patient the villains are with Patrick when he's being particularly petulant at Trinity Church? • Sign-ups are OPEN for a special summer installment of the Philadelphia National Treasure Hunt Tour happening on Sa...

In their first-ever Fourth of July holiday special, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review the Hallmark Channel original movie, "To Philly with Love" (2026). Does this treasure hunt-inspired romance film capture the magic of historic Philadelphia in the same way that National Treasure does? • Order our new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Riley-Pooles-Secrets-Aubrey-Paris/dp/1959748394/, and leave a rating and review on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246259636-riley-poole-s-book-of-secrets). • Order our first book, "National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy," from Tuck...

Jordan Rodrigues ("Ethan Chao") joins co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black to share memories of his time filming National Treasure: Edge of History for Disney Plus. Learn how Lisette Olivera ("Jess Valenzuela") helped him prepare for the role, how the musically talented cast entertained themselves on set, and what future seasons of the show might have meant for the Jess-Liam-Ethan love triangle. Plus, how did that memorable dance scene at the Louisiana governor's mansion come to be? • Order our new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," from Tucker DS Press or on Amazon at https://ww...

On the Season 12 finale of National Treasure Hunt, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black are joined by Mike McKee, executive director of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, and Stephen Pierce, founder of America's Rising Son, to assess National Treasure's portrayal of Freemasonry. Do these brothers believe Ben Gates is a member of their fraternal organization? Is Agent Sadusky a good representation of the Freemasons? And what treasures can you find at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia? • Plan your visit to the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia at https://pamasonictemple.org/. • Tickets are available for National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT event at the...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review both popular and niche conspiracy theories that Riley Poole may have written about in his book "The Templar Treasure and Other Myths That Are True." In the process, they consider why topics ranging from cryptids to covert government activities are universally appealing and how these legends have had a community-building effect throughout history. • Tickets are available for National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT event at the Westport Museum for History and Culture in Westport, CT, happening Saturday, May 16, at 4:00 PM. Get your tickets here: https://westporthistory.org/event/32869/ • Tickets are available for National Treasure Hunt...

In this "National Treasure in Real Life" episode, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review The Curse of Oak Island (Seasons 3 and 4) on the History Channel. Are the Lagina brothers and their team inching toward an understanding of what could be concealed on the Nova Scotia island? Will that understanding bring them closer to or push them further from National Treasure's Knights Templar lore? • Tickets are available for National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT event at the Westport Museum for History and Culture in Westport, CT, happening Saturday, May 16, at 4:00 PM. Get your tickets here: https://westporthistory.org/event/32869/ • Tickets are avai...

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets is filled with car chases, kidnappings, and fist fights, so how did the majority of the characters make it through their treasure hunt unscathed? Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black diagnose hero and villain injuries in the National Treasure sequel, ultimately concluding whether or not the characters could realistically participate in the rest of the movie. Their prediction about the fate of one character in particular could totally change the way we think about National Treasure 3! • It's your last chance to register for the first-ever National Treasure Hunt Tour in Philadelphia, PA, which will run on...

Jake Austin Walker ("Liam Sadusky") joins co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black to reflect on his experience portraying Agent Sadusky's grandson in National Treasure: Edge of History. Learn about the role of music in the Disney+ show, how Liam and Myles nearly raided Billie's compound, and how a prop disaster threatened filming of the Graceland heist. Plus, how would Jess's relationships with Liam and Ethan have evolved if the show had gotten picked up for a second season? • Registrations are open for the first-ever National Treasure Hunt Tour in Philadelphia, PA, which will run on Saturday, May 9. Sign up here be...

National Treasure: Edge of History ended after a ten-episode run, so what happened to Jess Valenzuela, Tasha Rivers, and their crew after they found the Pan-American treasure? Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black break down the characters' social media posts featured in the show's finale credits. Who achieved their career goals, who is stuck in the past, and which couples are still together? • It's your last chance to register for the spring 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Washington, D.C., which will run on Saturday, April 25. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/X8GQzdvjpoqgeA9H7 • Registrations are now open for the...

In this "National Treasure in Real Life" episode, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review The Curse of Oak Island (Seasons 1 and 2) on the History Channel. Does the show's proposed Templar connection to Oak Island in Nova Scotia make this docuseries mandatory viewing for National Treasure fans? Were National Treasure's screenwriters influenced by the "money pit" when imagining the pit beneath Parkington Lane? • Registrations are now open for the spring 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Washington, D.C., which will run on Saturday, April 25. Sign up here before all spots are filled: https://forms.gle/X8GQzdvjpoqgeA9H7 • Registrations are now...

Attachment styles are all the rage when it comes to assessing how people engage in their relationships, so what happens if you apply attachment theory to popular film characters? Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black analyze the psychologies of the heroes and villains featured in the National Treasure movies and discover trends that add depth to the characters' interpersonal dynamics. Could Ben's romantic relationship with Abigail represent a subconscious effort to mend a troubled familial relationship with his father? • Take the attachment style quiz here: https://quiz.attachmentproject.com/ • Registrations are now open for the spring 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in W...

Michael Singer, a longtime unit publicist for Jerry Bruckheimer, joins co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black to share memories of working on the National Treasure: Book of Secrets set. Which scene was interrupted by a U.S. president addressing the media, at which national landmark was production given exactly 13 minutes to film, and which Hollywood heavyweight was particularly impressed by National Treasure 2's elaborate sets? • Registrations are now open for the spring 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Washington, D.C., which will run on Saturday, April 25. Sign up here before all spots are filled: https://forms.gle/X8GQzdvjpoqgeA9H7 • Regi...

National Treasure: Edge of History sets the scene of a major hero-villain showdown at the USS Kidd in Baton Rouge, a creative decision that served as a subtle yet intentional nod to the USS Intrepid's role in the first National Treasure film. Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black tell the war-filled, pirate-adjacent tale of the USS Kidd and how it came to be a Louisiana memorial and tourist attraction. Did the Disney Plus spinoff series do the battleship justice? • Registrations are now open for the spring 2026 National Treasure Hunt Tour in Washington, D.C., which will run on Saturday, April 25. Si...

Welcome to National Treasure News! In this installment, Aubrey Paris sits down with her co-host Emily Black to discuss the inspiration behind her new edutainment history book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters." While Riley's fictional National Treasure 2-featured text "The Templar Treasure and Other Myths That Are True" does not exist in real life, Aubrey aims to scratch the itch for any National Treasure fan who has ever wondered what historical topics could possibly pique the interests of individuals who, like Riley, are uninterested in history as it's traditionally taught. Don't miss a thought-provoking foreword...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black create the ultimate National Treasure playlist inspired by the personalities, motivations, and backstories of the films' key characters. Can you guess the Taylor Swift song they assign to Abigail Chase, or the Lady Gaga hit that best represents Ben Gates? • Listen to the full playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1sfXT0q4iCJzMXGYNLR4QH?si=0EhU7ApkRe2giwQSPDrlCA • Tickets are now available for National Treasure Hunt's first event of 2026! Join Aubrey at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Houston, TX) on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 PM for an interactive lecture and book signing you won...

Lisette Olivera, better known by National Treasure fans as "Jess Valenzuela," joins co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black to reflect on her time in the lead role of National Treasure: Edge of History for Disney Plus. Lisette shares memorable moments from filming, which range from haunted locations to bug encounters, as well as hot takes about the villains of the National Treasure franchise. Plus, is she Team Liam or Team Ethan? • Tickets are now available for National Treasure Hunt's first event of 2026! Join Aubrey at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Houston, TX) on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 PM for an in...

By popular demand, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black discuss similarities and differences between Nicolas Cage's National Treasure (2004) and Ben Stiller's Night at the Museum (2006). Could National Treasure's popularity have influenced its successor's greenlighting? • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, subscribe at www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Aubrey's new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," is now shipping! Get your copy from Tucker DS Press (https://www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page/riley-poole-s-book-of-secrets) or Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Riley-Pooles-Secrets-Aubrey-Paris/dp/1959748394/) today. • National Treasure Hunt is hit...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black conduct a close watch of the two National Treasure scenes featuring Dr. Abigail Chase's office at the U.S. National Archives, ultimately predicting what her personal items might reveal about her backstory. (Tune in to hear the real-time creation of new National Treasure lore about one of the franchise's most mysterious characters!) • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, subscribe at www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Pre-orders of Aubrey's new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," are now ship...

Welcome to Season 12 of National Treasure Hunt! Did you know that Disney once commissioned educational short films to include on their DVDs? Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black break down the ten special features created for the National Treasure DVD, explaining what each video teaches us about the franchise as a whole. • Watch the full suite of National Treasure special features here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNdLnlif-BO9wRBpXKQuy2knf79hSnJi • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, subscribe at www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Aubrey's new book, "Riley...

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves! Welcome to National Treasure Hunt, the award-winning podcast, books, biannual tour, and community event series examining the National Treasure film and television franchise through an interdisciplinary lens. Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black bring fans edutaining conversations about history, science, ethics, and more while sharing exclusive interviews with National Treasure's cast and creative team. The National Treasure Hunt podcast returns for its twelfth season in January 2026. • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, subscribe at www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Aubrey's new book, "Riley Pool...

In their second annual holiday special, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review the Lifetime original movie, "A Christmas to Treasure" (2022). Does this chosen family-centric, glorified scavenger hunt flick exhibit any similarities to National Treasure? • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, subscribe at www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Aubrey's new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," is coming in May 2026! Pre-order the book from Tucker DS Press at https://www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page/riley-poole-s-book-of-secrets. • National Treasure Hunt is hitting the road for our Americ...

Actor Mark Pellegrino ("Agent Johnson") returns to National Treasure Hunt to review National Treasure: Book of Secrets with co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black. Why wasn't Agent Johnson in the sequel, what questions does Mark have about the movie, and what does he hope to see maintained or adjusted in National Treasure 3? • National Treasure Hunt is now available as a video podcast! To watch video versions of this and future episodes, subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/@NTHuntPodcast. • Aubrey's new book, "Riley Poole's Book of Secrets: History for National Treasure Hunters," is coming in May 2026! Pre-order the book from Tucker DS P...

On the Season 11 finale of National Treasure Hunt, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black are joined by Olivia Cacchione of Old Pine Conservancy to reveal how National Treasure filmed Nicolas Cage's foot chase through the historic graveyard at Old Pine Street Church. Plus, learn the real-life story of Phil McCracken, a man interred in the graveyard who accidentally inspired the name of a National Treasure villain. • Want to own a piece of National Treasure history? We're partnering with Old Pine Conservancy to give away one of the gravestone props used in the filming of National Treasure's Philadelphia foot chase scene. En...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black are joined by actor, author, and adventurer Wells "Tad" Jones to explore how historically inspired, fictional treasure hunts in film, television, and literature can enhance cross-cultural understanding and bolster feelings of community. • Find Wells Jones' novel, "A Line in the Sand," on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Line-Sand-Novel-Miles-Spencer/dp/1917185820. • Want to own a piece of National Treasure history? We're partnering with Old Pine Conservancy to give away one of the gravestone props used in the filming of National Treasure's Philadelphia foot chase scene. Enter the giveaway before November 30 here: https://givebutter.com/oldpine • Aubrey...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black share the architectural and cultural history of Boston's Old North Church and determine which elements of Patrick Gates's "fake clue" at the end of National Treasure are based in reality. • Located in or near Central New Jersey? Join the Historical Society of Princeton (Princeton, NJ) for an afternoon installment of National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Tickets are available at https://princetonhistory.org/events/heist-night-in-the-afternoon/. • Want to own a piece of National Treasure history? We're partnering with Old Pine Conservancy to give away one of the gravestone props used in the filming of N...

In this "National Treasure in Real Life" episode, co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black review Lost Gold of the Aztecs on the History Channel. Which of the show's three treasure hunting teams parallels the Gates family, which is reminiscent of National Treasure's villains, and whose approach to finding Montezuma's gold seems most promising? • Located in or near Central New Jersey? Join the Historical Society of Princeton (Princeton, NJ) for an afternoon installment of National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Tickets are available at https://princetonhistory.org/events/heist-night-in-the-afternoon/. • Want to own a piece of National Treasure history? We're part...

Co-hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black compare Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) to the National Treasure franchise. After deciding whether to consider Greek mythology akin to legends or the supernatural, their conversation considers family dynamics, character roles, and the wild decision for a kids' movie to depict teenagers being accidentally drugged in a Las Vegas casino. • It's your last chance to get tickets to this week's DEBUT of National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT on October 9 and 10, 2025, at President Lincoln's Cottage (Washington, DC). Get your tickets at www.lincolncottage.org/event/heist-night/, and learn more about HEIST NIGHT at nt...