Submitted by Melody Land, CAC Coordinator
There are some stories that become part of a community's identity. They are passed down through generations, told around kitchen tables, shared in local classrooms, and remembered with pride. Nearly 90 years after an extraordinary discovery on a farm near Hillsborough captured the attention of scientists across Canada, that story has found a new home. In fact, many would say it has finally found its true home.
The rain held off just long enough for the Albert County Museum to welcome invited guests and members of the community to celebrate the official opening of its newest exhibit, featuring the life-sized recreation of the Hillsborough Mastodon (affectionately known as Marmaduke). More than the unveiling of a new display, the evening celebrated one of New Brunswick's most remarkable paleontological discoveries and the many people who have worked to preserve its story for future generations.
There are some stories that become part of a community's identity. They are passed down through generations, told around kitchen tables, shared in local classrooms, and remembered with pride. Nearly 90 years after an extraordinary discovery on a farm near Hillsborough captured the attention of scientists across Canada, that story has found a new home. In fact, many would say it has finally found its true home.
The rain held off just long enough for the Albert County Museum to welcome invited guests and members of the community to celebrate the official opening of its newest exhibit, featuring the life-sized recreation of the Hillsborough Mastodon (affectionately known as Marmaduke). More than the unveiling of a new display, the evening celebrated one of New Brunswick's most remarkable paleontological discoveries and the many people who have worked to preserve its story for future generations.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense of excitement throughout the museum grounds. Folks explored the exhibits, children (and some adults!) took part in a scavenger hunt organized by museum volunteer Isobel MacLean, and conversations filled the gallery as everyone gathered in anticipation of seeing the new exhibit. Albert County Historical Society Past Chair Stuart Liptay welcomed guests on behalf of the Society, recognizing the volunteers, sponsors, donors and community partners whose support made the project possible.
The exhibit received partial funding from the Province of New Brunswick's Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. Liptay, along with Albert County Historical Society Chair Dawne MacLean, also acknowledged the long-standing partnership with the New Brunswick Museum, whose loan of a replica mastodon skull, tusk and interpretive displays helps tell the story of one of Atlantic Canada's greatest prehistoric discoveries. The Fundy Biosphere Region and Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark also played important roles in bringing the exhibit to life, highlighting the Albert County Museum's place in sharing the province's natural and cultural history.
Messages of congratulations were shared throughout the evening.
MLA Sherry Wilson congratulated the Albert County Historical Society, museum staff and volunteers for continuing to preserve local history while creating a destination that will attract visitors from across New Brunswick and beyond. Fundy Albert Mayor Jim Campbell also brought greetings on behalf of the municipality.
In his own understated and humorous way, Campbell drew smiles from the audience, proving that even someone who jokingly claims to be "really shy" can appreciate the significance of the occasion. Campbell reflected on the museum's growing impact.
"What they are doing for us in Albert County is marvelous," he said. "The leadership here is awesome. The exhibits they share, the Acadian exhibit, the exhibit to our military people. The mastodon is just a whole other level. To see it and stand alongside it, and the bones the New Brunswick Museum has brought, is amazing."
Eric Lawson, Chair of the Albert County Chamber of Commerce, sent congratulations, noting that the museum continues to "stack success upon success" while strengthening tourism throughout the region. His message reflected what many in attendance already knew: the Albert County Museum has become one of Albert County's cultural cornerstones, continually finding new ways to preserve and share local history.
Among those recognized during the evening was Connecting Albert County for helping promote community events and local stories, another example of the partnerships that help celebrate and preserve Albert County's heritage.
The evening's guest of honour was conservationist, artist, sculptor and author Robin Hanson.
Introduced by Dawne McLean as "a man with a mission who is dedicated to protecting nature and bringing people to the great outdoors," Hanson has spent decades inspiring people to appreciate the natural world through his artwork, writing and the Hanson Nature Preserve. He is also a long-time friend of the Albert County Museum and created the bronze bust of former Prime Minister R.B. Bennett displayed inside the museum's historic courthouse.
When asked to recreate the Hillsborough Mastodon, Hanson didn't hesitate. "When Dawne called and asked if I was interested, I said, 'Oh my God, I can't wait to get at it.'" Hanson was impressed by the committee’s focus on how central historical accuracy was central to the project. "The committee wanted this recreation to be accurate. Over the years the research has changed multiple times, and what we have here is the result of the most recent research."
He was equally enthusiastic in praising McLean and the Historical Society. "I have to mention that Dawne is just exceptional, and it is an honour to work with her," he said. "Thank you to the Albert County Historical Society for their efforts to preserve and protect this national treasure."
Creating Marmaduke was no small task.
"The mastodon was created using massive amounts of Styrofoam blocks glued together, and special epoxy that costs $250 a gallon! It was great fun to make!"
His remarkable recreation now gives visitors a chance to stand beside an Ice Age giant and imagine what life in Albert County looked like nearly 80,000 years ago.
Adding a light-hearted moment to the celebration was Marvin the Mastodon, brought to life by Dawn Chase. A long-time friend and self-described "partner in crime" of Dawne McLean, Chase delighted children and adults alike with her handcrafted costume, reminding everyone that learning history can be both educational and fun. However, the evening ultimately belonged to the Hillsborough Mastodon itself.
The story began in July 1936 when local men Thomas Greer and Conrad Osman were working on farmland owned by the Liptay family near Hillsborough. What first appeared to be an old tree trunk quickly became something far more extraordinary when large teeth emerged from the ground.
Recognizing the significance of the discovery, the New Brunswick Museum became involved. Museum paleontologist William MacIntosh identified the remains as those of a mastodon, and further excavation revealed one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever discovered along Canada's eastern seaboard, with more than 300 bones recovered.
Scientists believe the animal lived approximately 80,000 years ago, long before the Bay of Fundy existed as we know it today. Unlike mammoths, which grazed on grasses, mastodons browsed through forests, feeding on spruce, hemlock, pine cones and other woody vegetation common during the Ice Age.
Research also revealed that this particular mastodon had endured a difficult life. Evidence suggests it suffered injuries, including damage to its feet, and may even have been affected by tuberculosis before becoming trapped in a gypsum sinkhole. Ironically, the same sinkhole that claimed its life also preserved its remains for tens of thousands of years until they were uncovered in 1936. Scientists estimate the mastodon was about 18 years old when it died, still relatively young considering the species may have lived to around 60 years of age.
Throughout the evening, visitors learned fascinating details about these prehistoric giants through an interactive trivia session. Many were surprised to discover that while mammoths were generally taller, mastodons were often heavier and more powerfully built. Guests also learned how mastodons used their straighter tusks to strip bark from trees, how thick double coats helped them survive harsh winters, and that some of their ancient ancestors possessed four tusks rather than two.
The exhibit encourages visitors to see the Hillsborough Mastodon not simply as a collection of ancient bones, but as a living animal that once wandered the forests of what would become Albert County.
The evening concluded with a fundraising auction featuring exclusive mastodon-themed merchandise, including sweaters, tote bags and golf packages. Guests enthusiastically supported the fundraiser, once again demonstrating how deeply the community values its museum and its history.
Museum Curator and Manager Janet Clouston reflected on what the exhibit means for the museum's future.
"What do we replace last year's special exhibit of the Albertosaurus? Something special, something major, that comes from here," she said. "The mastodon makes this building complete. This building could now be a museum on its own."
She also reminded guests why preserving history matters.
"As history keepers, what we do is so important in this community and this province. Thank you for being here, for your contributions. It is you that helps keep this museum going."
Looking ahead, Clouston hinted there is already excitement surrounding two significant milestones.
"Next year is the 65th anniversary of the Albert County Museum and the 70th anniversary of the Albert County Historical Society. I don't know how we'll top this, but I guess we'll find out!"
The excitement extended well beyond the organizers.
Fundy Albert Ward 2 Councillor and Deputy Mayor Loretta Elderkin praised the collaboration behind the exhibit. "What a great evening here at the Albert County Museum. It was great to see the whole board of directors here and all of the support from the community and provincial partners. The mastodon is HUGE and a great asset to our community. Everyone needs to come experience it!"
Ward 6 Councillor Rebecca Davis was already planning another visit. " I can't wait to bring my children here. My little guy will be blown away. I didn't win the scavenger hunt, but I will still come back, I promise! I can't wait."
As the evening came to a close, there was a shared sense that this exhibit represents far more than an impressive sculpture or a collection of ancient bones. It tells the story of curiosity, discovery and preservation. It honours the local people who first recognized that something remarkable had emerged from the ground. It celebrates the scientists who carefully studied one of Atlantic Canada's most important Ice Age discoveries, while recognizing the artists, volunteers, donors, museum staff and community partners who have worked tirelessly to ensure its story continues to be told.
Most importantly, it reminds us that extraordinary stories sometimes begin in the most ordinary places.
Nearly ninety years ago, someone thought they had found an old tree trunk in a farmer's field. Instead, Albert County uncovered one of New Brunswick's greatest prehistoric discoveries.
Today, thanks to the vision and dedication of the Albert County Historical Society, museum staff, volunteers, donors and community partners, Marmaduke has finally come home—ready to inspire curiosity, spark imaginations and remind every visitor that some of Canada's most remarkable stories began right here in Albert County.
CAC is a proud in-kind sponsor of the ACM.
The exhibit received partial funding from the Province of New Brunswick's Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. Liptay, along with Albert County Historical Society Chair Dawne MacLean, also acknowledged the long-standing partnership with the New Brunswick Museum, whose loan of a replica mastodon skull, tusk and interpretive displays helps tell the story of one of Atlantic Canada's greatest prehistoric discoveries. The Fundy Biosphere Region and Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark also played important roles in bringing the exhibit to life, highlighting the Albert County Museum's place in sharing the province's natural and cultural history.
Messages of congratulations were shared throughout the evening.
MLA Sherry Wilson congratulated the Albert County Historical Society, museum staff and volunteers for continuing to preserve local history while creating a destination that will attract visitors from across New Brunswick and beyond. Fundy Albert Mayor Jim Campbell also brought greetings on behalf of the municipality.
In his own understated and humorous way, Campbell drew smiles from the audience, proving that even someone who jokingly claims to be "really shy" can appreciate the significance of the occasion. Campbell reflected on the museum's growing impact.
"What they are doing for us in Albert County is marvelous," he said. "The leadership here is awesome. The exhibits they share, the Acadian exhibit, the exhibit to our military people. The mastodon is just a whole other level. To see it and stand alongside it, and the bones the New Brunswick Museum has brought, is amazing."
Eric Lawson, Chair of the Albert County Chamber of Commerce, sent congratulations, noting that the museum continues to "stack success upon success" while strengthening tourism throughout the region. His message reflected what many in attendance already knew: the Albert County Museum has become one of Albert County's cultural cornerstones, continually finding new ways to preserve and share local history.
Among those recognized during the evening was Connecting Albert County for helping promote community events and local stories, another example of the partnerships that help celebrate and preserve Albert County's heritage.
The evening's guest of honour was conservationist, artist, sculptor and author Robin Hanson.
Introduced by Dawne McLean as "a man with a mission who is dedicated to protecting nature and bringing people to the great outdoors," Hanson has spent decades inspiring people to appreciate the natural world through his artwork, writing and the Hanson Nature Preserve. He is also a long-time friend of the Albert County Museum and created the bronze bust of former Prime Minister R.B. Bennett displayed inside the museum's historic courthouse.
When asked to recreate the Hillsborough Mastodon, Hanson didn't hesitate. "When Dawne called and asked if I was interested, I said, 'Oh my God, I can't wait to get at it.'" Hanson was impressed by the committee’s focus on how central historical accuracy was central to the project. "The committee wanted this recreation to be accurate. Over the years the research has changed multiple times, and what we have here is the result of the most recent research."
He was equally enthusiastic in praising McLean and the Historical Society. "I have to mention that Dawne is just exceptional, and it is an honour to work with her," he said. "Thank you to the Albert County Historical Society for their efforts to preserve and protect this national treasure."
Creating Marmaduke was no small task.
"The mastodon was created using massive amounts of Styrofoam blocks glued together, and special epoxy that costs $250 a gallon! It was great fun to make!"
His remarkable recreation now gives visitors a chance to stand beside an Ice Age giant and imagine what life in Albert County looked like nearly 80,000 years ago.
Adding a light-hearted moment to the celebration was Marvin the Mastodon, brought to life by Dawn Chase. A long-time friend and self-described "partner in crime" of Dawne McLean, Chase delighted children and adults alike with her handcrafted costume, reminding everyone that learning history can be both educational and fun. However, the evening ultimately belonged to the Hillsborough Mastodon itself.
The story began in July 1936 when local men Thomas Greer and Conrad Osman were working on farmland owned by the Liptay family near Hillsborough. What first appeared to be an old tree trunk quickly became something far more extraordinary when large teeth emerged from the ground.
Recognizing the significance of the discovery, the New Brunswick Museum became involved. Museum paleontologist William MacIntosh identified the remains as those of a mastodon, and further excavation revealed one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever discovered along Canada's eastern seaboard, with more than 300 bones recovered.
Scientists believe the animal lived approximately 80,000 years ago, long before the Bay of Fundy existed as we know it today. Unlike mammoths, which grazed on grasses, mastodons browsed through forests, feeding on spruce, hemlock, pine cones and other woody vegetation common during the Ice Age.
Research also revealed that this particular mastodon had endured a difficult life. Evidence suggests it suffered injuries, including damage to its feet, and may even have been affected by tuberculosis before becoming trapped in a gypsum sinkhole. Ironically, the same sinkhole that claimed its life also preserved its remains for tens of thousands of years until they were uncovered in 1936. Scientists estimate the mastodon was about 18 years old when it died, still relatively young considering the species may have lived to around 60 years of age.
Throughout the evening, visitors learned fascinating details about these prehistoric giants through an interactive trivia session. Many were surprised to discover that while mammoths were generally taller, mastodons were often heavier and more powerfully built. Guests also learned how mastodons used their straighter tusks to strip bark from trees, how thick double coats helped them survive harsh winters, and that some of their ancient ancestors possessed four tusks rather than two.
The exhibit encourages visitors to see the Hillsborough Mastodon not simply as a collection of ancient bones, but as a living animal that once wandered the forests of what would become Albert County.
The evening concluded with a fundraising auction featuring exclusive mastodon-themed merchandise, including sweaters, tote bags and golf packages. Guests enthusiastically supported the fundraiser, once again demonstrating how deeply the community values its museum and its history.
Museum Curator and Manager Janet Clouston reflected on what the exhibit means for the museum's future.
"What do we replace last year's special exhibit of the Albertosaurus? Something special, something major, that comes from here," she said. "The mastodon makes this building complete. This building could now be a museum on its own."
She also reminded guests why preserving history matters.
"As history keepers, what we do is so important in this community and this province. Thank you for being here, for your contributions. It is you that helps keep this museum going."
Looking ahead, Clouston hinted there is already excitement surrounding two significant milestones.
"Next year is the 65th anniversary of the Albert County Museum and the 70th anniversary of the Albert County Historical Society. I don't know how we'll top this, but I guess we'll find out!"
The excitement extended well beyond the organizers.
Fundy Albert Ward 2 Councillor and Deputy Mayor Loretta Elderkin praised the collaboration behind the exhibit. "What a great evening here at the Albert County Museum. It was great to see the whole board of directors here and all of the support from the community and provincial partners. The mastodon is HUGE and a great asset to our community. Everyone needs to come experience it!"
Ward 6 Councillor Rebecca Davis was already planning another visit. " I can't wait to bring my children here. My little guy will be blown away. I didn't win the scavenger hunt, but I will still come back, I promise! I can't wait."
As the evening came to a close, there was a shared sense that this exhibit represents far more than an impressive sculpture or a collection of ancient bones. It tells the story of curiosity, discovery and preservation. It honours the local people who first recognized that something remarkable had emerged from the ground. It celebrates the scientists who carefully studied one of Atlantic Canada's most important Ice Age discoveries, while recognizing the artists, volunteers, donors, museum staff and community partners who have worked tirelessly to ensure its story continues to be told.
Most importantly, it reminds us that extraordinary stories sometimes begin in the most ordinary places.
Nearly ninety years ago, someone thought they had found an old tree trunk in a farmer's field. Instead, Albert County uncovered one of New Brunswick's greatest prehistoric discoveries.
Today, thanks to the vision and dedication of the Albert County Historical Society, museum staff, volunteers, donors and community partners, Marmaduke has finally come home—ready to inspire curiosity, spark imaginations and remind every visitor that some of Canada's most remarkable stories began right here in Albert County.
CAC is a proud in-kind sponsor of the ACM.
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