CARIBOU, Maine — Members of the Caribou Historical Society were recently presented with a Legislative Sentiment in recognition of the group’s 40th anniversary.
A certificate of the sentiment from the 126th State of Maine Legislature was presented to the Caribou Historical Society members during their Dec. 16 business meeting by the sentiment’s cosponsor, Carol McElwee (R-Caribou); the document was sponsored by State Senator Troy Jackson (D-Allagash).
The Caribou Historical Society was formed in 1974, stated Historical Society Representative Dennis Harris in a press release, by a group of citizens interested in preserving the artifacts and history of the Caribou area. The group initially held meetings in various places where they could find room to do so — like the library, local banks, the Pratt Barn, Rose Acres and the Nylander Museum. Their collection of artifacts was housed at the Nylander Museum, but the collection was moved to its current location following the acquisition of land and the completion of the Caribou Historical Center building in 1986; the group began holding their meetings at the “new” location in 1987.
Since that first structure was erected, others have joined it.
A replica one room schoolhouse was built, and a four-door garage from the former Loring Air Force Base was moved on site and renovated. Most recently, a 40 by 60-foot barn was built to house the society’s increasing collection of artifacts.
The Caribou Historical Center and Museum buildings are located at 1033 Presque Isle Road, just south of the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. Additionally, the site has a perennial garden and a walking/nature trail toward the back of the property. The museum is open every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. throughout the year, and visitors are always welcome.
