"Cryptozoology is a pseudoscience and subculture that searches for and studies unknown, legendary, or extinct animals whose present existence is disputed or unsubstantiated, particularly those popular in folklore, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Yeti, the chupacabra, the Jersey Devil, or the Mokele-mbembe.

"Scholars have noted that the subculture rejected mainstream approaches from an early date, and that adherents often express hostility to mainstream science. Scholars have studied cryptozoologists and their influence (including cryptozoology's association with Young Earth creationism), noted parallels in cryptozoology and other pseudosciences such as ghost hunting and ufology, and highlighted uncritical media propagation of cryptozoologist claims.

"While biologists regularly identify new species, cryptozoologists often focus on creatures from the folkloric record. Most famously, these include the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, the chupacabra, as well as other "imposing beasts that could be labeled as monsters". In their search for these entities, cryptozoologists may employ devices such as motion-sensitive cameras, night-vision equipment, and audio-recording equipment."  (Wikipedia)

"Throughout the years, Coleman has amassed an unrivaled collection of specimens, replicas, and artifacts relating to famous and lesser-known cryptids, including the eight-and-a-half-foot tall, 300-pound “Crookston Bigfoot,” a life-size coelacanth, a replica of P. T. Barnum’s Feejee Mermaid, and much more. The exhibits also include cryptid hair samples, fecal material, photographs, and footprint casts," the Atlas Obscura says.

"Coleman’s International Cryptozoology Museum preserves and presents the collection to the public in a fun and educational manner while acknowledging that cryptozoology is a “gateway science”. Cryptozoology is capable of sparking the next generation’s interest in more popularly-accepted exploratory and research-oriented disciplines like biology and anthropology.

"Besides, as Coleman asserts, it’s not really an issue of whether or not one “believes” in Yetis or the Montauk Monster; for belief “belongs in the providence of religion.” Coleman focuses on exploring the unexplainable with an open mind, gathering evidence before accepting or denying any larger theory."

"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," the official website says.

"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 its 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 International Cryptozoology Museum is filling a needed educational, scientific, and natural history niche in learning."

"It’s easy to mock the people who decide to devote their lives to chasing the Abominable Snowman, but as I was reminded upon entering the museum, the colossal squid and duck-billed platypus were once believed to be folklore until their discovery. So was the okapi and giant panda. Komodo dragons and mountain gorillas were believed to be a myth up until the early 1900’s.

"It’s that fact that convinced me to hold my judgment and see what the museum had in store for me. I was more than willing to be convinced there were plenty of other cryptids (the name given to animals who have not yet been proven to exist) waiting to be uncovered," the Never Ending Footsteps says.

"I was excited to study the scientific evidence the museum presents to its visitors and come to my own, non-biased-by-my-science-background conclusion."

"The founder of a Portland museum that tells the stories of “cryptids” like Bigfoot, the Yeti and the Loch Ness Monster intends to move all operations for the museum and its associated nonprofit to Bangor by 2024," the WGME says.

"Loren Coleman said he’ll move the International Cryptozoology Museum, which has become an offbeat Portland tourist attraction, to a building on Broadway in Bangor that he called a “hidden treasure.” The announcement comes less than a year after he opened a bookstore in Bangor.

"Coleman, a world-renowned expert on cryptids — animals whose existence is unsubstantiated — intends to purchase the building at 490 Broadway in Bangor, the former site of Bangor Redemption and Beverage Center, and consolidate all his locations into one spot in Bangor."

"The International Cryptozoology Museum is the only museum of its kind in the world. Owner Loren Coleman opened the museum out of the first floor of his home about 10 years ago, but has since moved to a more central location in downtown Portland, Maine, where up to 10,000 visitors flock each year to examine evidence of Bigfoot and other cryptids – the general term for animals whose existences has yet to be substantiated," the Live Science says.

"Several cases in the front room of the museum contain sets of Bigfoot prints casted from molds of prints discovered in the field. The casts vary in shape and size, and some appear more realistic than others.

"Orang Pendek is a bipedal hominid that physically resembles Bigfoot, but is thought to be much shorter, reaching only several feet tall. Orang Pendek sightings occur in Indonesia, home to the Sumatran orangutan which is thought to be distantly related to the cryptid. The museum sells casts of this and various other prints for visitors to take home and analyze on their own."

"Maine has more than its fair share of quirky museums, but the quirkiest of the lot has to be The International Cryptozoology Museum, in Portland. Say what? Cryptozoology: the story of hidden animals, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Abominable Snowman," the Maine Travel Maven says.

"Loren Coleman is the big kahuna of cryptozoology experts. A collector since 1960, the former university professor is the author of 15 books, including The Field Guide to Bigfoot, Yeti, and Other Mystery Primates Worldwide, Mysterious America, and Lake Monsters, Sea Serpents, and Other Mystery Denizens of the Deep.

"The museum began in his Portland home. Now, Coleman’s impressive collection of artifacts and kitsch is housed at Thompson’s Point. What’s to see? For starters, an 8-foot-tall likeness of Big Foot; skulls and footprint castings, that lend credence to the existence of these rumored beasts; movie props and souvenir memorabilia. Consider it a perfect place to take the kids during school break."

"Expect the unexpected: Starting in 1960, Loren Coleman, the founder of the International Cryptozoology Museum, began amassing an unrivaled assortment of evidence, ephemera and art related to the sort of creatures you believed in as a child.

"Curious collection: If you feel the need to examine hair samples, foot casts, and fecal matter from the supposed Crookston Bigfoot — or to have your picture taken in front of a hairy, 8-foot model of the creature — Coleman's museum is the place to do it," the NBC NEWS says.

"While lake monsters, abominable snowmen and other yet-to-be-discovered animals are the main event here, there are also movie props, notable fakes (such as P. T. Barnum's Feejee Mermaid, made from a monkey and a fish sewn together) and replicas of peculiar creatures (like the coelacanth and megamouth shark) that really do exist."

"Cryptozoology: The study of hidden or unknown animals such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and Yeti. The ICM holds exhibits on these unknown animals and much more," the Visit Maine says.

"Fifty years of collecting is displayed in the museum as well as ever-changing exhibits and displays. Let the museum be your gateway to adventure."

"International Cryptozoology Museum is at 4 Thompson's Point Rd. Bigfoot, Abominable Snowmen, chupacabras and the Loch Ness monster are just a few of the mysterious creatures covered at this museum, dedicated to the field of cryptozoology, or the study of hidden or unknown animals," the AAA says.

"Among the 10,000 items on display are hair samples, models, footprint casts, replicas, artwork and film props from all over the world that are sure to pique the interest of believers and non-believers alike."

"Loren Coleman (born July 12, 1947) is an American cryptozoologist who has written over 40 books on a number of topics, including the pseudoscience and subculture of cryptozoology. Coleman was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and grew up in Decatur, Illinois. He was the oldest of four children. His father was a firefighter and his mother a homemaker. He graduated in 1965 from MacArthur High School. He studied anthropology and zoology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

"Coleman established a Cryptozoology Museum in 2003 in Portland, Maine. The first downtown location for the museum opened in November 2009, occupying the rear of The Green Hand Bookshop, a Portland general used bookshop specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and other forms of Gothic fiction.

"On October 30, 2011, two years after moving onto Congress Street, it re-opened in a much larger space around the corner at 11 Avon Street, although it was still located in the Trelawny Building. The museum then moved again in the summer of 2016, opening in July on Thompson's Point, where it resides now. Artwork by University of Southern Maine students, Coleman's former workplace, were installed in 2019."  (Wikipedia)