Cryptozoology is the study of animals that are not recognized by mainstream science, such as Bigfoot, Nessie, or the Chupacabra. Some people think these creatures are real, while others dismiss them as hoaxes or legends. But what if you could see them for yourself, or at least some evidence of their existence?
That’s what the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, offers to its visitors. Founded in 2003 by Loren Coleman, a renowned cryptozoologist and author, the museum is the only one of its kind in the world. It displays a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, specimens, and memorabilia related to cryptids, or hidden animals.
The museum is located in a former firehouse in the heart of Portland’s Old Port district. As you enter, you are greeted by a life-size model of the Feejee Mermaid, a famous hoax that was exhibited by P.T. Barnum in the 19th century. The mermaid is actually a composite of a monkey and a fish, but it looks convincing enough to fool the unsuspecting.
As you explore the museum, you will encounter many other fascinating and bizarre exhibits, such as:
- A replica of the eight-foot-tall Crookston Bigfoot, which was allegedly shot and killed by a hunter in Minnesota in 1899.
- A cast of a footprint from the Yeti, or Abominable Snowman, which was found in the Himalayas by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
- A hair sample from the Mongolian Death Worm, a venomous creature that can supposedly kill with an electric shock or a spray of acid.
- A skull of a Coelacanth, a prehistoric fish that was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1938.
- A model of the Loch Ness Monster, based on eyewitness accounts and photographs of the elusive beast.
- A display of various cryptid-themed toys, games, books, and movies, showing how popular culture has been influenced by cryptozoology.
The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, film screenings, and special events throughout the year. You can learn more about cryptozoology from experts and enthusiasts, or share your own stories and experiences. You can also browse the gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, and books.
The International Cryptozoology Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves mysteries, myths, and monsters. It will challenge your perception of reality and spark your imagination. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, you will find something to enjoy and learn from this unique museum.
So don’t wait any longer. Grab your camera and your curiosity, and head to Portland to visit the International Cryptozoology Museum. You never know what you might discover!
