Mission Statement of the
International Cryptozoology Museum
Cryptozoology is the study of hidden or unknown animals. These are usually larger zoological species that, to date, remain unverified by science, such as Yetis, Bigfoot, Lake Monsters, and Sea Serpents, as well as hundreds of other yet-to-be-found animals (cryptids) worldwide, but which compelling ethnoknown evidence has been collected for their possible existence. It also encompasses the study of animals of recent discovery, such as the coelacanth, okapi, megamouth shark, giant panda, and mountain gorilla.
The International Cryptozoology Museum has as its primary mission to educate, inform, and share cryptozoological evidence, artifacts, replicas, and popular cultural items with the general public, media, students, scholars, and cryptozoologists from around the world.
This museum is the result of more than five decades of field research, travel, and dedication to gathering representative materials, native art, footcasts, hair samples, models, and other cryptozoological samples. Its director, Loren Coleman has moved his cabinet-of-curiosities home museum collection to a more formal foundation establishment in a planned, secure fashion. He and a dedicated battery of volunteers opened the museum, first in 2003, and then moved to the downtown public location on November 1, 2009, as the world’s first cryptozoology museum. On September 15, 2011, the next step was the nonprofit incorporation of the Museum in the State of Maine, and then moving into a larger venue for our broad mission purposes.
Realizing that cryptozoology is a “gateway science” for many young people’s future interest in biology, zoology, wildlife studies, paleoanthropology, paleontology, anthropology, ecology, marine sciences, and conservation, the Museum is filling a needed educational, scientific, and natural history niche in learning.
Local
Eat and Drink
- BaoBao Dumpling House - Portland (1.4 miles) - BaoBao is the second restaurant from award-winning Executive Chef Cara Stadler and her mother, Cecil...
- Maine Foodie Tours - Portland (1.9 miles) - Welcome to Maine Foodie Tours! We specialize in creating culinary tasting tours that give you a local...
- UNO Pizzeria & Grill - South Portland (2.4 miles) - Uno has been committed to the craft of pizza since inventing the "Deep Dish" in 1943. From o...
- Cape Porpoise Lobster Co., Inc. - Cape Porpoise (20.6 miles) - We are a full line Lobster and Seafood online store. We also have a Restaurant called Cape Pier Chow...
- Rococo Artisan Ice Cream - Kennebunkport (22.0 miles) - Rococo Ice Cream was founded in Kennebunkport, Maine in 2012 by Lauren Guptill. A 10th-generation Ma...
See and Do
- International Cryptozoology Museum Portland (0.0 miles) - Mission Statement of the International Cryptozoology Museum Cryptozoology is the study of hidden or ...
- SPACE Gallery Portland (1.6 miles) - SPACE IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS CONTEMPORARY ARTS PROJECTS, CHAMPIONS ARTISTS, AND E...
- Maine Foodie Tours Portland (1.9 miles) - Welcome to Maine Foodie Tours! We specialize in creating culinary tasting tours that give you a local...
- The Maine Brew Bus Portland (2.1 miles) - Join us on The Maine Brew Bus for a unique experience showcasing Maine's booming craft alcohol s...
- Wine Wise Portland (2.2 miles) - Wine and food pairing education at its best! You’ll be joining Sommelier Erica Archer for our high...
Shopping
- Trina Dinnar Photography - Old Orchard Beach (11.5 miles) - Trina Dinnar is a Maine wedding photographer who specializes in capturing love stories throughout Ne...
- Engine - Biddeford (13.7 miles) - Contemporary and community art exhibitions and a design and craft retail store, Handmade on Main, fo...
- Cape Porpoise Lobster Co., Inc. - Cape Porpoise (20.6 miles) - We are a full line Lobster and Seafood online store. We also have a Restaurant called Cape Pier Chow...
