Beginning this summer of 2019, and into the fall, the International Cryptozoology Museum undertook a series of renovations to upgrade the gift store and the display areas, in line with our long term objectives for improvements.

The fact we will be hosting, in 2020, a West Coast traveling exhibition created by Chris Murphy, was part of the consideration. We thank the Efroymson Family Fund for their generous continuing support ($10,000 in 2019) of the Museum and their assistance in bringing this event to the Museum. Additionally, Loren and Jennifer Coleman gave a bridge loan of $10,000, to assist with Museum expenses.

This summer, we discarded the random shelving and hand-me-down cabinets that were serving as our gift area. Installed in July 2019, were seven uniform open display cases that nicely show the products and books sold to support our nonprofit.

 

Books to the right, and cryptotourism products to the left!

And even a bit of a midcentury modern installation as you enter.

 

During September 2019, we researched whether to install individual display cases or have one massive display unit made. We decided on the creation and construction of an off-site case by carpenter Scott Payson, and it’s on-site assembling at the ICM.

Over the period of two weeks, the 7 ft tall, 24 ft long, fully lockable, wired, lighted, assembled display unit was installed at the museum. I re-curated the entire unit during a Tuesday off, at the beginning of October 2019. While I’m making adjustments to the collection and planning for the traveling exhibition, the addition of the shelving has greatly added to our exhibition areas on the second-floor.

Following are photographs of the evolving process.

The old cases were removed, and the wall is prepared to receive the new.

The second floor location for the shelving is seen from another angle.

From the back of the space, the installation of the 7 ft tall cases will assist in blocking out the neighborhood below.

The case goes in, without plexiglass and lights, first.

With lights and plexiglass installed, a view down the shelves shows the flexibility with placing large artifacts for a great length.

The totes of artifacts are gathered.

And objects are curated.

The extra room allows a more concentrated view of specific artifacts.

Come see, do visit the Museum.

This winter we are open six days a week, all days but Tuesdays.

Next…

More to do…

Such as the upgrading of the First Peoples/Native American/Native Canadian/Native Alaskan areas…

And the renovation of the first floor’s Lake Monsters/Loch Monsters/Sea Serpents area.

If you would like to assist with donations, please consider sending a check to the

International Cryptozoology Museum Attn: Loren Coleman

4 Thompson’s Pt Rd #106

Portland, ME 04102 USA

For your records, the ICM is a 501(c)3, federal and state nonprofit, EIN: 45-3598429.

You may donate online, in multiples of $10 each, via DONATE.