North Country This Week

POTSDAM -- A Potsdam teacher was featured on a recent episode of “The Curse of Oak Island,” which airs on the History Channel.

Chris Donah, an A.A. Kingston Middle School teacher and baseball coach, shared his theory that astronomy plays a role in the secret to unlocking the treasure of Oak Island.

For those who don’t know the history, Oak Island is off the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada. Since the late 1700s it has attracted treasure hunters who believe valuables are buried there. Some believe it to be pirate treasure, while others like Donah think it could be much older.

Donah says the story goes that explorers came across a depression in the ground near an oak tree and from the tree hung block and tackle. Upon digging, planks and other structures were found every 10 feet to a depth of 90 feet. A stone was allegedly found at that depth, which was marked with symbols and upon removing the stone, the pit was flooded.

Over the past 200 years treasure hunters have worked to uncover the secrets. “The Curse of Oak Island” follows the exploits Rick and Marty Lagina, the latest treasure hunters, who own the land.

“Oak Island, a small wooded island just off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, is said to be the hiding place of a mysterious buried treasure. An ominous legend says that seven people must die in pursuit of the treasure before Oak Island will reveal her secrets. So far, the body count stands at six,” a description on the show’s website says.

Donah became interested in the subject around 2003, long before the show existed.

“It was before Facebook, so it was on forums,” he said. “I started reading and I learned a lot,” he said.

Donah said he eventually came into regular contact with a leading researcher on the island. Over time he developed his own theory that the secret to unlocking the Oak Island mystery was in the stars. He points out that until recently stars and solstices were used for ancient navigation and deeply imbedded in many cultures.

He believes astronomy may serve as a map.

Donah theorizes that whatever’s buried there is likely older than treasure from any pirates.

According to the description from the episode, his theory is that the constellation Virgo is a map revealing the Oak Island treasure.

Donah said he is restricted from sharing details on his theory due to a contract signed with the show. He has also agreed to give up any profits gained by his theory, should it help lead to the discovery of treasure.

Originally Donah shared his theory with the television show’s producers in 2016. At that time he went to Oak Island and presented to the show’ss stars.

Donah said he was filmed, but that footage never aired. He was then contacted by the show a second time, August of 2018, and was asked to appear again.

This time his theory was used by the show and aired on episode 21 of season 6 titled “Seismic Matters.”

Donah said the experience was great. He got to visit the island, which he has spent a lot of time researching, and was able to see the sites he read so much about. He said everyone from the show was very friendly.

“I’d go back in a heartbeat if they asked me,” he said.

Donah said it was also interesting to see how reality shows work. He said they aren’t scripted, but they are directed and filming days are long.

“When you go there it’s a 12-hour day. They are pretty tired,” he said.

He said the experience was nerve racking, but also exciting.

“It’s always weird seeing yourself on television. And when you are filmed you really don’t know what they are going to use, but I think they did a great job,” he said.

For those interested in the island, but without a theory to gain access, Donah said it’s still worth a visit. He was able to access restricted areas, but said there is a museum on the island for those interested.

“It’s really a beautiful place,” he said.