CARIBOU, Maine — When the city of Caribou rejected a funding request for the local Chamber of Commerce in the 2016 budget, many were left wondering about the fate of the Nylander Museum, an historic building where the chamber director once conducted business.
After giving members of the Nylander board a chance to demonstrate that the building is still an important piece of the city, Council members approved funding for the museum in the 2017 budget.
“As the Nylander Museum board is becoming much more active and having the Nylander open on a regular basis,” former City Manager Austin Bleess wrote in Caribou’s 2017 budget document, “we are budgeting for a few items that are necessary for them. Office supplies (003-08) will provide for some paper and other items. This will also cover an update to the museum software and exhibit materials.”
Significant funding increases include building maintenance and janitorial services, which respectively increased by $11,640 and $5,180. The monies will cover repairs to a ramp, and janitorial services that include a $2,300 initial cleaning, $140 monthly cleaning, and a more thorough cleaning every quarter at $300.
This chart, available on the City of Caribou website, breaks down the budget for the Chamber/Nylander building over the years, indicating a slight increase from 2016 to 2017. (City of Caribou)
Nylander board member Gail Hagelstein said the funding will also help with an update to museum software, and improve their exhibits/displays, adding that the board is searching for volunteer help on the access ramp in an effort to reduce costs.
“We’re continuing to broaden the appreciation of what the Nylander is, and what is held within the building,” said Hagelstein. “It’s not just rocks; it’s a truly fascinating building and we have many other things available.”
Regarding the funding, Hagelstein said museum advocates will need to “continue to prove their worth,” a task more easily accomplished with the assistance of another board member.
So far, the Nylander Museum board has been making strides in boosting awareness of the facility. Hagelstein says their Facebook page is seeing exponential growth, and that a woman from a worldwide shell journal recently wrote an article about the museum’s contents.
“There’s a lot more interest than there was a year ago and it’s exciting,” Hagelstein said. “You don’t have to be a science nerd to enjoy the Nylander.”
Local residents are taking notice, too. Kirk Tibbetts recently donated a bald eagle preserved in the 1860s, as well as a pheasant from the same era. Additionally, Hagelstein said the Caribou Rotary Club donated a slanted front glass display case, worth approximately two to three thousand dollars.
Those interested in volunteering to help with the Nylander’s growth can pick up papers at the Caribou City Office, or visit the museum during its regular hours of 1-3 p.m. on Sundays and ask about how they can help.
“We’re looking for someone who is vibrant and enthusiastic,” Hagelstein said, “and willing to spend time and energy continuing to get the Nylander up and running.”
