CARIBOU, Maine — Santa Claus took a few hours out of his busy schedule to visit the people of Caribou at the Nylander Museum on Thursday night for a special event organized by Friends of the Nylander, a non-profit branch of the Nylander dedicated to directing donations toward new programs and activities.
Friends of the Nylander President Andrew Ketch said it took the group, which consists of four board members, about a week to set up the event, which included coffee courtesy of Red Devil Roast of Fort Kent; an assortment of treats; and toys for visiting children. Even a life-sized wax figure of museum namesake Olof Nylander appeared to be getting in the spirit of the holiday, sporting reindeer antlers and holding a copy of Frosty the Snowman.
Ketch said Friends of the Nylander events coordinator Brandi Makepeace-Cote in particular was responsible for baking many of the refreshments and decorating.
Even a wax statue of Nylander Museum namesake Olof Nylander got in the Christmas spirit during Santa Claus’ first visit to the Caribou museum on Dec. 20.
(Chris Bouchard)
Dec. 20 marked Santa’s first visit to the Nylander, and Ketch said the event provided a great opportunity to encourage parents, children and more guests to visit the museum.
“We figured we’d do something to get some more parents in here so they can see what we really have,” he said. “Otherwise we’d be closed tonight.”
Throughout the year, the Nylander Museum has seen significant growth in terms of visitors, and Friends of the Nylander even raised $10,000 in community donations, which was matched by an anonymous donor. Among the first purchases was a large, flat screen TV which will replace an antiquated projector that guest speakers had been using for presentations at the museum.
Ketch said the next big goal for the Nylander is to replace the displays, which are currently on tables, with glass cabinets to allow small children and handicapped guests in wheelchairs easier access when viewing materials at the museum.
The museum began holding special presentations every month, which Ketch said has inspired more guests to visit.
“I’d say we usually have 20 or 30 people come in at a time now,” he said, “and the reaction is pretty positive.”
Appearances by museum board members during Caribou’s bi-weekly summer event “Thursdays on Sweden” with displays from the museum, according to Ketch, have significantly drummed up excitement for the Nylander.
“Thursdays on Sweden was huge,” he said. “Kids were loving it, and they couldn’t wait until next Thursday to see what the museum was going to do.”
Friends of the Nylander is currently “pushing hard for more members and volunteers,” according to Ketch, who said anyone interested in helping out can come to the museum and fill out membership forms or email nylandermuseum@gmail.com.
