Article Source: San Mateo County Historical Association
Redwood City, CA — June 5, 2025 –
The San Mateo County Historical Association (SMCHA) is honored to be
part of a prestigious multi-institutional research effort alongside the La Brea Tar Pits and L.A. County Museum of Natural History to investigate the extinction of Ice Age megafauna—including the Columbian Mammoth.
This
collaboration was catalyzed by a visit from a researcher at the La Brea
Tar Pits, who requested to study a specimen from our own collection of
Columbian Mammoth teeth. These teeth, which had been securely housed in
museum storage, are now being considered for scientific dating and
analysis.
“This
remarkable collection has always been ours,” said Mitch Postel,
President of SMCHA. “But until now, these specimens had not been
publicly displayed. That changes with the opening of our new Natural History Gallery in 2026, part of a transformative expansion of our museum campus.”
The
teeth will be featured as a cornerstone of the Natural History Gallery
when it opens in tandem with the Taube Family Carriage House &
Automobile Gallery expansion. Together, these projects represent a bold
step forward in the museum’s mission to connect the public with the
rich natural and cultural history of San Mateo County.
Being
included in this collaborative research effort not only affirms the
scientific significance of SMCHA’s collection—it elevates the museum’s
visibility on a national scale and supports its fundraising momentum as
the institution prepares for this major public debut.
About the San Mateo County Historical Association
Founded in 1935, SMCHA operates the San Mateo County History Museum,
Sánchez Adobe, and Woodside Store. With more than 60,000 annual
visitors, including 20,000 students, the Association serves as a
vibrant center for education, preservation, and discovery.
For Media Inquiries or to Support the Expansion:
Mitch Postel, President
San Mateo County History Museum
mitch@historysmc.org
650-299-0104
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