Article Submitted by Janet Clouston, Manager, Albert County Museum
HOPEWELL CAPE, NB
Imagine standing eye-to-eye with a towering 80,000-year-old mastodon that once roamed the forests of Albert County.
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Albert County Historical Society invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of the Hillsborough Mastodon Exhibit at the Albert County Museum’s Exhibition Hall. Tickets for the Opening Celebration and Fundraising Evening are $50 and include food, beverages, live music, and prize draws.
Proceeds will support the creation of a permanent, museum-quality exhibit that brings one of New Brunswick’s most important palaeontological discoveries back to its home county. In 1936, workers on Conrad Osman’s property in Hillsborough uncovered one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever found in North America. Nicknamed “Marmaduke,” the young adult mastodon (estimated 15–18 years old) left behind 312 fossils.
For nearly 90 years, these remains have been housed at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John. Now, the Albert County Historical Society is commissioning a stunning, life-sized, scientifically accurate replica to be displayed for the first time in Albert County. The new exhibit will feature the full mastodon replica, standing over 8 feet tall, set within a detailed diorama of its ancient forested habitat, along with replica fossils and artifacts on loan from the New Brunswick Museum.
Local artist and sculptor Robin Hanson of French Lake has been commissioned to create the mastodon. Hanson, whose bust of Prime Minister R.B. Bennett is already on display at the museum’s Court House, said: “I’m deeply honoured to help bring this piece of New Brunswick’s ancient story back to life, right here at home with local hands and hearts.”
ACHS President, Dawne McLean, explains “the Mastodon natural history exhibit will take Museum visitors back in time in Earth’s history to learn about the climate, landscape and life of Ice-Age giants roaming where we live today. A fascinating learning experience for everyone.”
The project has received partial funding from the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, with support from the New Brunswick Museum for its important loan, and the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Region & Stonehammer Geopark.
June 6th Event Tickets and Support
Tickets can be purchased, and donations made, by contacting the Albert County Museum at 506-734-2003 or [email protected]. Charitable tax receipts are available for donations. ACHS memberships and season passes are also for sale. The museum opens on May 16th.
Media Contact: Janet Clouston - Albert County Museum 506-588-4508 - [email protected] www.albertcountymuseum.com Albert County Museum, 3940 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB
HOPEWELL CAPE, NB
Imagine standing eye-to-eye with a towering 80,000-year-old mastodon that once roamed the forests of Albert County.
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Albert County Historical Society invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of the Hillsborough Mastodon Exhibit at the Albert County Museum’s Exhibition Hall. Tickets for the Opening Celebration and Fundraising Evening are $50 and include food, beverages, live music, and prize draws.
Proceeds will support the creation of a permanent, museum-quality exhibit that brings one of New Brunswick’s most important palaeontological discoveries back to its home county. In 1936, workers on Conrad Osman’s property in Hillsborough uncovered one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever found in North America. Nicknamed “Marmaduke,” the young adult mastodon (estimated 15–18 years old) left behind 312 fossils.
For nearly 90 years, these remains have been housed at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John. Now, the Albert County Historical Society is commissioning a stunning, life-sized, scientifically accurate replica to be displayed for the first time in Albert County. The new exhibit will feature the full mastodon replica, standing over 8 feet tall, set within a detailed diorama of its ancient forested habitat, along with replica fossils and artifacts on loan from the New Brunswick Museum.
Local artist and sculptor Robin Hanson of French Lake has been commissioned to create the mastodon. Hanson, whose bust of Prime Minister R.B. Bennett is already on display at the museum’s Court House, said: “I’m deeply honoured to help bring this piece of New Brunswick’s ancient story back to life, right here at home with local hands and hearts.”
ACHS President, Dawne McLean, explains “the Mastodon natural history exhibit will take Museum visitors back in time in Earth’s history to learn about the climate, landscape and life of Ice-Age giants roaming where we live today. A fascinating learning experience for everyone.”
The project has received partial funding from the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, with support from the New Brunswick Museum for its important loan, and the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Region & Stonehammer Geopark.
June 6th Event Tickets and Support
Tickets can be purchased, and donations made, by contacting the Albert County Museum at 506-734-2003 or [email protected]. Charitable tax receipts are available for donations. ACHS memberships and season passes are also for sale. The museum opens on May 16th.
Media Contact: Janet Clouston - Albert County Museum 506-588-4508 - [email protected] www.albertcountymuseum.com Albert County Museum, 3940 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB
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