The Hart-Fiscella Mastodon is one of Virginia’s most significant Ice Age discoveries — a remarkably complete mastodon unearthed thanks to a chance find in 1983 and fully excavated decades later through a unique community effort. Now housed at the Virginia Living Museum, this specimen offers a rare glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past.
Explore the story behind its discovery, excavation, and preparation in the full blog post.
Have you chatted with our Master of the Mastodon? Learn a few facts from our social post!
If you haven’t gotten a chance, check out our daily Mastodon Talk to learn more about this Virginia discovery and incredible species.
A Mystery Awaits…
There’s more to discover beneath the surface. Join our Mastodon Scavenger Hunt and follow the trail of clues hidden throughout the Museum.
Complete the journey and you’ll be rewarded with a limited-edition Mastodon trading card, perfect for young explorers and collectors alike.
Ask the front desk to get started!
Explore the Collection
Hover over the interactive points on the Mastodon skeleton to see real archival photos. Click on a photo to see it large-scale!
Tusk
Skull Fragment
Cervical (Neck) Vertibrae
Lumbar (Back) Vertebrae
Astragalus (Ankle Bone)
Metatarsal
Pedal Phalanx (Toe Bone)
Metacarpal (Hand Bone)
Pisiform (Wrist Bone)
Nanual Phalanx (Finger Bone)
Rib
Humerus
Molars
Mandibular Tusk
