Sequim Museum &Arts can now display the famous Manis Mastodon tusks in two new aquarium tanks for its visitors to 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 and are on display at the museum’s center at 175 W. Cedar St.

The Port selects projects to fund throughout the county of nonprofits that are chosen for their ability to bring visitors to the area, support educational programs and community events that promote local resources.

The new tanks would have cost an estimated $8,000-$10,000.

“We are grateful to the Port for recognizing how important the mastodon find is to Sequim,” Judy Reandeau Stipe, executive director for Sequim Museum &Arts, said.

“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.

Bob Stipe built the bases to mount the tanks and the 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 plexiglass 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.

At left, Judy Reandeau Stipe, Executive Director for Sequim Museum & Arts, joins Colleen McAleer, Port of Port Angeles commissioner stand next to one of the mastodon tusks found in 1977 and now on display at the museum. The tusk is displayed in a new aquarium tank purchased through a grant provided by the Port of Port Angeles. Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins. Submitted photo