By Thomas Ross, Superintendent
March 09, 2010

The National Park Service and local authorities are investigating the theft of a 15-inch-long walrus tusk that belonged to Theodore Roosevelt and was taken from his historic home at Sagamore Hill. The tusk, a valued part of the home’s collection, was apparently removed from the fireplace mantel in the second floor guest room of the house in the sometime between February 9th and February 22nd. Park staff immediately notified law enforcement authorities in the regional office in Philadelphia, who are collaborating with the Old Brookville Police Department on the investigation. The walrus tusk, one of a pair of tusks that was exhibited in a bedroom on the second floor of the home, is 15 inches long, with a circumference of 5.5 inches. The rough outer surface has been polished and the tip has been carved and sharpened. The NPS is working with the FBI to have the tusk added to the FBI’s national stolen art list. A reward of $1,000 is being offered to anyone with information leading to the return of the tusk. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the tusk is asked to contact NPS special agent Jeffrey Pascale at 215-597-9978.