Rutgers Geology Museum Director Can Discuss Large Mastodon Cited in N.J. Report

New Brunswick, N.J. (Dec. 19, 2018) – Rutgers Geology Museum Director Lauren Neitzke Adamo can provide insight on the Mannington Mastodon, which is featured in a N.J. Department of Environmental Protection “Garden State Mastodons” report released this week.

The approximately 13-foot-tall mastodon (Mammut americanum) – found in 1869 – is the only full mastodon skeleton on display in the Garden State. It can be viewed in the Rutgers Geology Museum in Geology Hall at 85 Somerset Street in New Brunswick. Rutgers’ George H. Cook purchased the mastodon in 1872, and it was mounted in 1896 and remounted in 1932, Adamo said.

Beginning in 1869, the Mannington Mastodon was unearthed in Salem County by workers digging for marl, a clayish sand, according to a DEP news release. Visitors paid 10 cents apiece to see the mastodon in a large tent.

“We take great pride in our mastodon as it is the most popular exhibit at the museum and provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the changing landscapes and climate throughout New Jersey’s geological history. It also has great historic value as it was brought to the museum by our founder, George H. Cook, and has been on display for well over 100 years,” said Adamo, an assistant teaching professor at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

Founded in 1872, the Rutgers Geology Museum is the oldest of its kind in America. Its diverse exhibits focus on geology, paleontology and anthropology, highlighting New Jersey’s natural history. Since 1968, the museum (no entrance fee is charged) has held Open House and Mineral Sale events to educate the public about geology, natural history and new discoveries.

Adamo is available to comment at [email protected]

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