J.G. Follansbee

The Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor, Wash., has welcomed a new traveling exhibit on prehistoric life in the sea. Savage Ancient Seas features more than 14 complete specimens of large prehistoric marine creatures. The exhibit reconstructs the aquatic world of the late Cretaceous period more than 70 million years ago. It is a world of huge carnivorous marine reptiles with double-hinged jaws and teeth in the middle of their palates, gigantic flesh-eating fish big enough to swallow an adult human whole, flying reptiles with three-foot skulls, and the biggest sea turtles to have ever lived.

Many of the specimens are suspended from the museum’s ceiling, while other parts of the exhibit include smaller specimens and hands-on learning stations. Large specimens include the largest aquatic reptile ever discovered, the 45-foot-long Tylosaurus. Other species include Megalodon, the largest of the sharks, and Archelon, a sea turtle whose shell was 17 feet in diameter.

The Harbor History Museum is collaborating with local marine and environmental organization Harbor WildWatch to create special exhibit programs for Savage Ancient Seas. K-12 schools are invited for special tours and hands-on workshops. Lectures, workshops, and youth programming are also available. Savage Ancient Seas is open through July 14, 2013 at the Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, Wash. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.