BANGOR — The International Cryptozoology Museum in Bangor is just a few months old, but is already making a name for itself.
The museum is the second location opened by famed cryptozoologist Loren Coleman, who is affectionately called the “Godfather of cryptozoology.”
Cryptozoology is the study and search of unknown, legendary, or hidden animals.
“He thought that it would be nice to bring a little bit of the museum up here because a lot of people can’t travel all the way to Portland to see that one,” said Jean Tewksbury, operations curator of the International Cryptozoology Museum. “And then we were able to throw in some of the Stephen King stuff that goes along with the Bangor culture,” she said.
Tewksbury said the museum offers a wide array of wonders, including her personal favorite, the legendary Bigfoot.
“When I was 7-years-old I saw the documentary they did, “Sasquatch: The Legend of Bigfoot.” It had the Patterson-Gimlin footage in it, and I was hooked ever since,” said Tewksbury.
Tewksbury said there are several fun events on the horizon, including a conference in Portland which is scheduled for next spring.
She said the Bangor and Portland museums are all-encompassing, which sets them apart from similar attractions around the world.
“There’s a ton of different Bigfoot museums all over the country, there’s a Mothman museum in West Virginia and…there’s an Icelandic sea serpent museum in Iceland as well. So, everything has kind of got it’s own little thing, but this brings them all together,” she said.
The Bangor location is located at 585 Hammond St, offers free admission and is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
For more information about the oddities of the International Cryptozoology Museum, visit cryptozoologymuseum.com.
