John “JT” Taylor Shark Diver

John “JT” Taylor is an Underwater Commercial Paleontologist and former Navy Diver with over 33 years-experience in collecting, studying, and selling Megalodon shark teeth. His journey began in 1991 while serving as a US Navy Deep Sea Diver, when a recreational dive in the Tailrace Canal led to the discovery of fossilized shark teeth. This ignited his passion for paleontology, leading him to dive extensively in search of various shark species’ teeth, including the larger Megalodon teeth. After his Navy service, he continued his exploration, expanding his dives from South Carolina to Maryland and offshore locations. Today, he dives regularly to study fossil deterioration and coloration, offering a range of authentic Megalodon teeth and related products for sale.

Schedule of events:

Meet JT in the Museum Store
Monday, July 8 – Wednesday, July 10

JT will be in the Museum Store all day answering questions about shark teeth and his experiences diving to recover them! Stop by and purchase a tooth to take home with you.

Meet JT in the Sharks! Exhibit!
Thursday, July 11 – Friday, July 12
9 – 11 am and 2 – 4 pm Thursday
9 – 11 am Friday

JT will be at the Shark Tooth Table in the exhibit to answer all your questions about sharks and their teeth! All visitors to the exhibition can choose a shark tooth to take home — or visit the exhibit shop for teeth JT has recovered!

Shark Week! Second Saturday Member Event
Saturday, July 13, 2024
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Come make a splash this summer with Sharks! The Meg, the Monsters & the Myths. As a member, you’ll get exclusive early access to explore the exhibit without the crowds. Meet the legendary shark tooth diver John  “JT” Taylor, a retired Navy Diver and underwater commercial paleontologist with over 30 years of experience. Snap a picture with him and ask all your burning questions. And if you need a breather, join us in Glassell Hall for a shark-themed craft activity and if you are one of the first 100 members, you will receive* a Shark tooth necklace to show off. Don’t miss out on the fun!

*Must show member card to receive shark tooth necklace
**Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances

Embark on a Jawsome Adventure with Live Sharks, Ancient Behemoths, and Fascinating Shark Facts. Debuting on a floor all to itself is Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths. We’re making your dreams come true and bringing you up close and personal with live sharks for a hands-on experience that will be – dare we say – jawsome. You’ll get a chance to touch a shark and discover what makes these creatures unique – from bait balls to bioluminescence.

Prepare to meet some of the ocean’s strangest and most spectacular creatures in the new film Secrets of the Sea, narrated by Joelle Carter, for IMAX® and giant screen theaters! From adorable pygmy seahorses and opalescent squid, to manta rays, tiger sharks, a coconut octopus, and much more, Secrets of the Sea takes you face-to-face with an astonishing array of marine critters, showing the fascinating ways they interact with each other and their environment.

Experience the awe-inspiring world of sharks like never before with SHARKS 3D, a groundbreaking film presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau. Immerse yourself in a breathtaking three-dimensional journey that brings you face-to-face with the true kings and queens of the ocean.