Terry Matheson: Oak Island Geologist and Treasure Hunter – Biography & Career

Terry Robert Matheson is a Canadian geoscientist, senior hydrogeologist, and drilling expert best known for his appearances on the History Channel series The Curse of Oak Island. The show follows brothers Rick and Marty Lagina as they attempt to solve the centuries-old Oak Island mystery — a legend suggesting valuable artifacts or treasures are buried on the island off Nova Scotia’s coast. The team employs various experts like Matheson to analyze historical clues, geological samples, and underground anomalies in search of answers. Other prominent cast members include metal detection expert Gary Drayton, archaeologist Laird Niven, and historian Doug Crowell.

Since joining the show in 2017, Terry has been a key figure in analyzing geological formations, drill cores, and soil samples to support the treasure-hunting efforts on Oak Island. In addition to his role on the show, Matheson has an extensive background in hydrogeology, environmental compliance, and mineral exploration.

Early Life and Background

Terry Matheson was born on April 25 and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. His zodiac sign is Taurus, which is often associated with qualities like practicality, determination, and reliability — traits that seem to align with his methodical and data-driven approach on The Curse of Oak Island. Growing up in a small-town environment, Matheson developed a strong connection to his local community, which would later shape his involvement in public service and volunteer work. His early curiosity about geology and science eventually led him to pursue higher education and a career in environmental engineering and geology.

Education and Professional Background

Terry Matheson earned a BSc Honors in Geology from Acadia University (1981–1986) and later completed a Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) in Environmental Engineering from Dalhousie University (1993–1999). He received the George E. Lewis Scholarship Award for academic excellence during his undergraduate studies.

Matheson’s professional career includes several key roles:

• Senior Hydrogeologist at Purearth Systems Ltd. (2014–Present): Specializes in hydrogeology, environmental site assessment, and capital project development.
• Environmental Compliance/Project Manager at Municipality of East Hants (1999–2014): Managed hydrogeological evaluations, landfill monitoring, and capital project development in Nova Scotia.
• Senior Project Geologist at Ashanti Goldfields Corp., Barrick Gold Corp., International Gold Fields, and Marshall Minerals (1993–1997): Led mineral exploration programs in several African and Canadian locations.
• Hydrogeologist at Washburn Gillis Assoc. and Roy Consulting (1991–1992): Conducted site audits and groundwater evaluations in New Brunswick.

In 2012, Matheson’s leadership in a water resource project earned the Lieutenant Governor General’s Gold Medal Award for Engineering Excellence in Nova Scotia.

Role, Impact, and Expertise on The Curse of Oak Island

Terry Matheson has appeared in over 126 episodes of The Curse of Oak Island from 2017 to 2025 and five episodes of the spin-off series The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down. As a geologist, Terry is often seen inspecting core samples—humorously called “dirt sausages” by viewers—where he methodically examines soil and rock layers to provide data-driven insights.

While Matheson’s focus on evidence and geological data has won him respect from some fans, others have noticed his absence from the show’s high-profile “War Room” discussions. This has led some viewers to speculate that Matheson deliberately avoids speculative theories about Templars, Incas, or extraterrestrial involvement. Instead, he sticks to his pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to geology.

Despite his low-key presence, Matheson’s geological insights have proven essential in identifying underground anomalies like void spaces, wooden beam structures, and tunnel-like formations. His careful analysis has guided the team in determining promising excavation sites tied to Oak Island’s treasure legend.

Fans have described Matheson as intelligent, competent, and professional. While some viewers argue that editing reduces his role to brief comments such as “clay,” “till,” or “wood,” others appreciate his scientific approach and grounded demeanor. On April 25, 2021, Matheson was affectionately dubbed “Master Rockhound” by the Could It Be: An Oak Island Podcast, acknowledging his expertise and dedication. In March 2022, Oak Island Tours praised Matheson for his invaluable contributions to the ongoing Oak Island mystery.

Purearth Systems Ltd. and Environmental Work

In 2022, Matheson’s company, Purearth Systems Ltd., maintained its strong presence in environmental consultancy. That year, the company played a key role in providing geological insights for The Curse of Oak Island. By early 2023, Purearth marked its seventh year of contributing geological oversight and documentation for the Oak Island project.

Alongside its Oak Island involvement, Purearth continued working on various environmental projects, including:

• Conducting audits of wood preservatives in Quebec and Ontario.
• Assisting municipal negotiations with Nova Scotia Environment on well field issues.
• Performing hydrogeological evaluations for municipal water supply developments and subdivision reviews.

While Purearth once engaged in contaminated site clean-up, the company now focuses mainly on environmental monitoring and compliance programs.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Terry Matheson has strong ties to his community and has actively contributed to various organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Parent Teacher Groups, and local sports teams.

In 2019, Matheson joined The Curse of Oak Island star Rick Lagina in supporting the Shares The Dream auction to raise funds for the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society. The auction featured 200 drill core samples collected from Oak Island and 20 original stone-crafted necklaces made by Rick Lagina. The event successfully combined the Oak Island team’s dedication to historical exploration with charitable efforts, supporting healthcare in Nova Scotia.

In 2020, Matheson ran for public office as a candidate for Ward 2 in Truro. Drawing on his extensive municipal governance experience, he aimed to use his skills in budgeting and local operations to help Truro recover from COVID-19 challenges. Matheson also planned to secure federal funding for municipal projects and support local business growth. In the election, Matheson placed third, narrowly losing to Bill Thomas by 25 votes. However, he outperformed Jessica Frenetti (unrelated to the Michigan Frenettis) in the race.

Personal Life

Terry Matheson prefers to keep his personal life private. There is no confirmed information regarding his marital status or children. Despite this, his dedication to both his professional work and his involvement in the Oak Island mystery has earned him recognition among fans of the show. His careful, data-driven approach has been crucial in advancing the search for answers on Oak Island’s long-standing mystery.

Terry Robert Matheson – Quick Facts Table

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Terry Robert Matheson
Date of Birth	April 25
Zodiac Sign	Taurus
Hometown	Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Current Occupation	Senior Hydrogeologist, Drilling Expert, Owner of Purearth Systems Ltd.
Television Appearances	The Curse of Oak Island (2017–2025, 126+ episodes) The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down (5 episodes)
Education	BSc Honors in Geology (Acadia University) Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering (Dalhousie University)
Professional Experience	– Purearth Systems Ltd. (2014–Present) – Senior Hydrogeologist – Municipality of East Hants (1999–2014) – Environmental Compliance/Project Manager – Ashanti Goldfields Corp., Barrick Gold Corp., International Gold Fields, and Marshall Minerals (1993–1997) – Senior Project Geologist – Washburn Gillis Assoc. and Roy Consulting (1991–1992) – Hydrogeologist
Awards	Lieutenant Governor General’s Gold Medal Award for Engineering Excellence (2012)
Community Engagement	Volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Parent Teacher Groups, Mosquito League Minor Baseball, and Truro Centurions Swim Team
Political Involvement	Ran for Ward 2 in Truro in 2020; placed third, narrowly losing to Bill Thomas by 25 votes
Notable Achievements on TV	Known for inspecting drill cores (nicknamed “dirt sausages”) on The Curse of Oak Island; credited for identifying underground anomalies and potential excavation sites
Company Focus	Purearth Systems Ltd. specializes in hydrogeology, environmental site assessments, and capital project development
Geothermal Advocacy	Promotes geothermal heating initiatives for energy cost reduction in Truro
Philanthropy	Participated in the Shares The Dream auction alongside Rick Lagina, raising funds for the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society
Nicknames/Acknowledgments	Dubbed “Master Rockhound” by Could It Be: An Oak Island Podcast in 2021
Personal Life	Prefers to keep his personal life private; limited details available

References:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-matheson-masc-civil-p-geo-11014315/ https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/meet-the-candidate-terry-matheson-truro-497549 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9457295/