Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Hatcher Childress |
| Born | June 1, 1957 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Author; Publisher; Explorer |
| Known For | Ancient Aliens; Lost Cities series |
| Net Worth | Approximately $5 million |
Early Life
David Hatcher Childress, born in France on June 1, 1957, to American expats, spent his childhood exploring Colorado and western Montana’s mountains. His early interest in ancient cultures and inexplicable historical puzzles led him to study archaeology at the University of Montana–Missoula. He left academia at 19 to go on a six-year global expedition to remote archeological sites in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific in 1976.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | June 1, 1957 |
| Birthplace | France |
| Raised In | Colorado; Montana |
| Education | University of Montana–Missoula (archaeology; left 1976) |
| Early Travel | Asia, Africa, South Pacific (1976–1982) |
Career
Childress founded Kempton, Illinois-based Adventures Unlimited Press in 1984 to pursue his unorthodox history passion. His publishing firm quickly became known for alternative archaeology, unexplained phenomena, and problematic historical revisionism. Childress, known as the “rogue archaeologist,” has challenged academic orthodoxy by claiming that mainstream institutions hide evidence of advanced ancient civilizations and lost technologies. Lay audiences have supported her, but scholars have criticized her.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Press Founded | Adventures Unlimited Press (1984) |
| Location | Kempton, Illinois |
| Focus | Ancient mysteries; pseudohistory; unexplained phenomena |
| Industry Standing | Niche publisher; often labeled “pseudoarchaeological” |
| Scholarly Reaction | Popular among enthusiasts; criticized by academics |
Publications & Media
Throughout his prolific career, Childress has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books, notably the multi-volume Lost Cities series, which delves into purportedly vanished civilizations and their supposed advanced technological achievements. In 1992, he expanded his influence by founding the World Explorers Club and launching the quarterly World Explorer magazine, dedicated to field reports, expedition accounts, and speculative archaeology. His visibility expanded further in 2009 when he began appearing as a featured expert on the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, providing commentary on extraterrestrial theories and alternative historical narratives.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Books Authored | 25+ volumes, including Lost Cities series |
| Magazine | World Explorer (quarterly; since 1992) |
| Explorers Club Founded | World Explorers Club (1992) |
| TV Appearances | Ancient Aliens (History Channel; since 2009) |
| Other Media | Guest lectures; conference presentations |
Net Worth
Industry analysts and biographical profiles estimate David Hatcher Childress’s net worth at $5 million. This estimate includes earnings from his book collection, sales of hallmark titles like the Lost Cities series, and speaking engagements at conferences and symposia. His televised appearances, including Ancient Aliens, greatly increase his annual revenue and public visibility.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$5 million |
| Income Sources | Book royalties; TV fees; speaking engagements |
| Major Revenue Driver | Ancient Aliens appearances; best-selling titles |
Family
Despite his public persona, Childress has maintained rigorous discretion regarding his personal and family life. Available biographical snippets suggest he is married to Jennifer M. Bolm and that the couple has children, though their names and details remain unpublished to respect their privacy. No immediate family members have achieved public prominence, and Childress’s deliberate omission of personal anecdotes from his published works underscores his commitment to keeping his private life distinct from his professional endeavors.
| Relation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Jennifer M. Bolm (private details) |
| Children | Yes (names and ages undisclosed) |
| Public Role | None reported |
FAQ
When and where was David Hatcher Childress born?
He was born on June 1, 1957, in France to American parents.
What is Adventures Unlimited Press?
It is the publishing company Childress founded in 1984 in Kempton, Illinois, focusing on alternative archaeology and unexplained phenomena.
How many books has he written?
He has authored or co-authored over twenty-five books, including the popular Lost Cities series.
What is his estimated net worth?
His net worth is approximately $5 million, derived from book royalties, television appearances, and speaking fees.
Does he have a family?
He is married to Jennifer M. Bolm and has children, but he keeps their details private to protect their privacy.
