SEQUIM — Sequim Museum & Arts can now display the famous Manis Mastodon tusks in two new aquarium tanks so its visitors can see a three-dimensional display of the 13,000-year-old remains.
The two new aquarium tanks, base units and other supplies were purchased through a grant provided by the Port of Port Angeles through its Community Partnership Program.
The new tanks would have cost an estimated $8,000 to $10,000.
“We are grateful to the port for recognizing how important the mastodon find is to Sequim,” said Judy Reandeau Stipe, museum executive director.
“Visitors come from around the world to see these ancient bones that stunned the scientists when the age was determined.”
The mastodon tusks were found in 1977 by “Manny” Manis and his wife, Clare Manis, when Manny was digging a pond in the couple’s yard with his backhoe in Happy Valley.
Now, 40 years later, the two tusks remain on display at Sequim Museum & Arts, 175 W. Cedar St.
Bob Stipe built the bases to mount the tanks, and the Clallam Co-op Farm & Garden store offered its help and discounts.
“This entire project was completed without any cost to the museum, and for that, we thank everyone involved,” Stipe said.
The tusks previously were stored in a stock tank that was replaced once before. These new Plexiglas tanks allow guests to see a magnified view of the tusks displayed in the tanks filled with water.
The tusks have been on display at Sequim Museum & Arts since 1985.
