To Whom It May Concern
 
Apparently earlier this week the Big Springs Historical Society in  
Caledonia was "hit" by a thief again. I don't have a description of all that was  
taken and photos of the items. Some of that will be available later today I  
think. But I thought it best to get out information on the way the theft was 
 conducted as soon as possible as the thief may still be working some of 
the  museums in the area.
 
A single white male came into the museum, where there was only a  single 
docent working. He had a story of a lost dog and a flyer to match the  loss. 
While he was there he asked if he could look around. The museum is two  
floors. While he was on the second floor, alone, he cut the lock off one or more  
of the cases and took several items. The only item I know of...so far...was 
a  Nazi helmet and a Civil War era surgeon's kit. We may have more details 
and  perhaps photos to send around later.
 
Be aware if you are connected to a small museum that this is going  on. 
From what I am told it is not wise to try to stop the person yourself.  
However, be a good witness. Is someone like this comes in, while they are  touring 
call you local police agency. Try to remember a good description of the  
individual that will help police, glasses, beard/clean shaven, perhaps a 
tattoo,  the color and logos that might be on their clothing...and best of all a 
car  license number.
 
I will send out more descriptive wise as soon as it comes my  way.
 
Ok, here is the statement from the museum.
 
 
On Sunday afternoon this past weekend, the Big  Springs Museum in Caledonia 
(20 miles southwest of Rochester) was the victim of  a  theft which was 
discovered last night.  The museum was robbed while  staffed, of several 
military objects including a Civil War Era surgical Kit  (Wade and Ford Set C 
1861), a Nazi helmet, several WWII era medals, and two  Hitler Youth knives.  We 
are trying to locate photographs to  share.

The perpetrator distracted our docent.  The objects were in  locked cases, 
and the locks were cut.

Please be on the alert for this  type of event in your museum.

Thank you.

Jean Guthrie, Big Springs  Museum

 
Les Buell
315-589-9776
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