College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Terrapin Memorial

"Testudo"

— McKeldin Library, University of Maryland —

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 27, 2013

1. Terrapin Memorial marker on reverse of "Testudo's" pedestal

Inscription.
Gift of the Class of 1933.
Official mascot of the
University of Maryland
at College Park

Presented on Class Day, May 1933

Base presented by the
1933 Student Government Association
and the 1933 Reveille Student Yearbook

Aristide B. Cianfarani, sculptor

Gorham Manufacturing Company, Casting
Howard W. Cutler, AIA, Base Design

Rededicated October 16, 1993
in celebration of the 60th reunion of the
Class of 1933

Restoration of the statue and base in 1993
was funded by gifts from the Class of Class of 1933,
the Maryland Association of Midshipmen,
and the Terrapin Tag Team

Erected 1993 by Class of 1933.

Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1933.

Location. 38° 59.158′ N, 76° 56.662′ W. Marker is in College Park, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker can be reached from McKeldin Mall. Marker is on the west face of the statue's pedestal, in front of the University's McKeldin Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: west end, College Park MD 20742, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Juan Ramón Jiménez (within shouting distance of this marker); Millard E. Tydings

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Morrill Hall (about 600 feet away); Woods Hall Rain Garden (about 600 feet away); In Honor and Remembrance (about 600 feet away); Rosemary (about 700 feet away); Sage (about 700 feet away); Oregano (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in College Park.

Also see . . .
1. The Diamondback Terrapin. (Submitted on May 2, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. McKeldin Mall. (Submitted on May 11, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. alma mater; mascot; Diamondback Tortoise; "Fear the Turtle"; McKeldin Mall

"Testudo" - on his pedestal, outside the entrance to the UM's McKeldin Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 27, 2013

2. "Testudo" - on his pedestal, outside the entrance to the UM's McKeldin Library

McKeldin Mall on "Maryland Day 2013" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 27, 2012

3. McKeldin Mall on "Maryland Day 2013"

Note visitors posing on and around the Terrapin Memorial, lower left.

The Terrapin Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, December 18, 2018

4. The Terrapin Memorial

During finals "offerings" are left for Testudo in exchange for good luck. Some years, furniture such as wooden pianos and couches have been left. Typically, students will leave alcohol. In recent years, campus police keep watch to ensure "offerings" do not get out of hand. In 2013, the statue caught on fire.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, August 27, 2018

5. The Terrapin Memorial

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 523 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 30, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on May 2, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on January 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.