Coleman’s Crisis: Contribute To His Cabinet Of Curiosities!

Over the years, Loren has faced many challenges to this institution, from big-S skeptics to the IRS.

To the IRS, the museum verges on being a hobby (as per Code 183), and it needs more income (even if donations) to support itself, on its own. To me, the merging between my interviews, the book sales that come out of the museum appearances, and the visibility of the museum on the net are all interwoven. I’ve never had a great income since I was laid off from adjunct teaching, but combined together, I live at the cryptozoology poverty level with no complaints. But to the IRS, the museum is a separate entity. I understand now, and must comply with that view. I’ve lost my appeal on my “merge” view.

No fighting this any longer, for I stand fully enlightened about how the IRS is viewing Code 183, as it applies to my life’s career. The museum has to make money, or it ceases to exist.¹

Portland is home to the only museum dedicated to the subject of cryptozoology in the world. There are other exhibitions focusing on Bigfoot and other topics in the field, but Loren’s baby is the only one presenting the full spectrum without sharing space with UFOs, haunted objects, and other fortean artifacts. The polar vortex, and its comcomitant weather, have presented serious challenges to Loren Coleman and this fixture of downtown Portland. Rent’s coming due, and he needs all of our help.

Just before Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of visiting the celebrated International Cryptozoology Museum². My wife and I spent over an hour gawking at the displays, artwork, specimens, and weirdness, making many memories for our scrapbook. We were honored that Loren found the time in his busy schedule to make a brief appearance.

What my friend Greg praised in his article at Roadtrippers³, I hope to do the same with my humble photographs.

♫ How much is that kraken in the window? ♫ Docent Sarah is a zoological expert, and talented seamstress. This life-size kraken adorns the welcome area at the ICM and it can be yours for $2000. Cheap!

Not every featured creature is monstrous. This melanistic squirrel caught my eye, reminding me of the first time I saw one in Colorado and thought “Holy smokes, it’s like finding a shiny pokémon!

Here’s a jackalope, one of the smaller displays at the ICM. This specimen is a gaff, where two critters are mashed up via taxidermy into something new. The jackalope’s origin may stem from sightings of lagomorphs infested with shope papilloma virus, but there are stories much older than 1932.

To everyone who has spiders as a trauma trigger, do not look at this image!

One of the many centerpieces at the ICM. A rite of passage is to have your photo taken with this fine specimen. Sometimes alongside Loren Coleman!

John Keel would be envious of these Mothman-related curiosities.

Remember, carnal! It’s “la chupacabras”, not “la chupacabra”. This monster sucks goats, not just one goat.

I felt like I was right at home. When I saw Loren’s Monsters Of New Jersey in the exhibit, I kicked myself for leaving my copy at home.

The jolly fat guy has a couple skeletons in his closet, some of which are Gigantopithecus blackii. Click to embiggen.

Just one of the many astounding works of art on display at the ICM.

Oh Patty, you’ve always been a heartbreaker. Dream maker. Love taker.

This map of Maine shows all sightings of mystery cats, black panthers, weird canids, out of place animals, hominins, and lake monsters known to Loren.

Within these walls, adults realize the world is still full of mystery and wonders yet to be discovered. Kids get their first taste of forteana, and love for animals of all kinds. Maybe one or two denialists visited, and walked away in horror that the subject was being taken seriously with a solid approach to science, when they were expecting Rick Dyer and a gorilla suit full of ‘possum meat.

As New Jersey, and Maine, are under winter’s gun, again, it’s important people can see what they’re preserving with their financial support. Any donation is welcome, whether it’s $10, $20, or more. There are a few options for your gift.

Help keep the dream alive, because later this summer the Minnesota Ice Man is going to be bunking at the ICM.

Have you been to the International Cryptozoology Museum? Tell us your story at Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.

MORE GREAT STORIES FROM WEEK IN WEIRD:

1. http://www.cryptozoonews.com/museum-move/ ↩

2. http://www.cryptozoologymuseum.com ↩

3. http://roadtrippers.kinja.com/the-worlds-only-international-cryptozoology-museum-nee-1505788200 ↩