If we're talking public parks, schools, beaches, forests, etc.... (that don't have an express "no md'ing" rule), then no need to have an entity behind you. I had the feeling that you were thinking that you needed to "have an entity behind you" to help deflect busy-bodies . That might walk up to you at a school, and gripe (as if you were facing constant ire ?)
But if you meant for that @ door-knocking (yards of homes, etc...), then : Sure, if you have a cover-story, as an ice-breaker, sure. For example, as noted, I docent at 2 different museums. Leading 4th grade tours, manning a desk, etc.. Each of them asks for 6 hrs. p/month. Where you might man a kiosk or desk, answer tourist questions, lead 4th graders around on a tour, etc.... It's a lot of fun ! And it got me a cool name-badge on a lanyard
And yes, I sometimes (not many) "flashed that badge" when md'ing. And explain I'm a historian from such & such museum. And as such, am doing a study. And was "... wondering if they knew anything about the stage stop that was supposed to be back in the canyon off yonder ?", etc....
I haven't done that ruse for knocking on individual home doors (that would be sort of odd). But all I'm saying is, that: If you think that such credentials would aid you, then I suggest becoming a docent. Historical societies, museums, etc... are always looking for volunteers. You get to rub shoulders with other history buffs. You get "white glove access" to behind the desk basement archives. You get a namebadge to give you an heir of officiality to why you're asking pointed questions to a farmer or whatever. It's gotten me "letters of introduction" if I need to crack into the archie-trinomial white-glove stuff. Plus it's kind of fun to meet visitors, tourists, be civically involved, etc...
I would do it that way. Instead of just walking in as a non-member, and non-docent, non-volunteer. Your notions will go a LOT further with powers-that-be of those entities, if you are an actual contributor/member. And naturally, you don't mention your *true* intentions (metal detecting), until you are a long-established member (a year perhaps ?). And are at the point where you know the folk on a first-name basis. Otherwise, it's highly unlikely that someone's gonna waltz in off-the-street and say "Hi, can you please sanction me to go dig @ such & such ?". And trust me, most museums do not need more artifact donations (if you think you're going to sway them by saying "... and I'll give you all that I find"). In fact, a lot of museums have, on their boards of directors, archie -minded people. And if they so much as HEAR the word "metal detector", you might fizzle. Contrast to if you're a member in good standing, you can feel your way around, see how the "prevailing mood" is there (are they purist archies or not).
yeah yeah, fox guarding the hen-house. I know
