2011-08-23 Albany expedition.

Tunkamoose Mastodon Tusks' discover, Glenn (left), listens to Doctor Robert Feranec,  Curator of Pleistocene Vertebrate Paleontology and our host for this visit to the New York State Museum (center) discussing details of the restoration along with chapter member, Cindy (right).

The large tusk, by Lisa Catalano

Museum staffer, Lisa Catalano, who is conserving and doing an awesome job piecing together the thousands of tusk bits.

Glenn with Gary, his proud father.

Here is the center portion of the large tusk, fragmented by the weight of the other tusk resting upon this section for over fourteen thousand years, in addition to the weight of six feet of overburden.

Bob Feranec, Cindy, Clif, Lori, by Lisa Catalano

Our band undergoing scrutiny of Museum security before heading upstairs to the stacks.

This entire cabinet, holds just a portion of the faunal remains recovered from the 1960s Dutchess Quarry Caves excavations.

This deer jaw is embedded in stone!

Remember, when on an archaeological expedition, one most always be alert to one's surroundings - even in a museum!

In Rob's office, Glenn examines this specimen collected in 1885 from Billings Co., Dakota Territory.

Comparing an adult sabretooth canine to "babytooth" canine (note the adult tooth budding through the gum line).

Rob concluded our official tour in the pubic exhibits that have just opened featuring many Orange County specimens.  As we took a break for lunch on the fourth floor dining area, the building shook enough for the overhead lights and signs to sway back and forth! 

Luckily, they waited until we finished eating before evacuating the structure for the earthquake of August 23rd! Since they were expecting aftershocks and not likely to quickly reopen the museum, we headed home early, but very pleased with such a wonderful exploration and thoroughly enjoyable experience hosted by such diligent and gracious hosts!