This field school offers first-hand experience in an archeological dig. The 2010 Field School will be excavating the Tranquility farm site, first explored by the Abbe Museum in the1930s, and again during a series of field school excavations in the 1990s. This year’s excavations will build on the previous discoveries at the site. Some exciting discoveries from the Tranquility Farm site include a house floor and hearth feature with a radiocarbon date of 1240 + 70 BP; the identification of burned plant remains from the hearth including raspberry, chenopodium, smartweed, wild rye and dewberry; and an assemblage of dentate-stamped pottery assigned to the Middle Ceramic Period, 2,100 - 800 years ago.

Fieldwork will be complimented by lab sessions and lectures to give participants a broad understanding of archaeology and Maine's Native American heritage.

Visit with artist and musician Hawk Henries, as he tells stories and plays his hand made flutes. Hawk is a world-renowned musician and storyteller who has performed at such venues as Quebec’s 400th Anniversary, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the New Orleans Jazz Festival and most recently in the United Kingdom with the London Mozart Players.Sponsored by the Maine Arts Commission

The Abbe Museum is going on the road and the first stop is Northeast Harbor!  On Thursday, August 19 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., the Abbe Museum will host a program at the Northeast Harbor Library titled Tell Me More!   This program is the first in a series of interactive experiences where participants can meet with museum staff and learn more about the Abbe’s permanent collections.  If you have examples of Wabanaki art and artifacts in your personal collection, bring them with you and the Abbe staff would be happy to help you learn more. 

For this first program, the Abbe’s Curator of Collections, Julia Clark, will be the expert in residence.  Ms. Clark is a seasoned archaeologist and specialist in Maine Native American material culture who has been on the Abbe staff since 2000. Ms. Clark will bring a selection of objects from the collections of the Abbe Museum that exemplify traditions unique to Maine and integral to Island history and life today.  Joining her will be Astra Haldeman, Abbe educator, who will engage participants of all ages in hands on learning activities.  Guests can try their hands at one of several weaving styles commonly used by Wabanaki basketmakers, past and present, or see what it would be like to etch delicate double curves into birch bark with our reproduction paper. 

This special event will take place at the Northeast Harbor Library and is free to the public.  Light refreshments will be served.

Museums provide memories that stick with you for a lifetime. 

In light of our new mission, strategic goals, and recent exhibitions, we need the help of Abbe Corporators to create ideas for future programming that address traditional arts, archaeology, and contemporary Native issues.  Your experiences and affinity for the Abbe will help us generate “sticky ideas” to sustain us into the future.  All you need to bring is an empty stomach and your thinking cap!

POSTPONED

Make an ash and sweetgrass prayer basket with Pam Cunningham, Penobscot.  This small basket has a square bottom and a round top and will include a shell, prayer braid, and smudger.  Participants can use dyed ash and curls to decorate their baskets.  Space is limited. To register, contact Astra Haldeman, Museum Educator, at (207)288-3519 or astra@abbemuseum.org.

Interested in Beaded Jewelry?

Join Passamaquoddy artist Gal Frey and learn how she creates her beaded jewelry!

Gal will be demonstrating her beading techniques in the Abbe Museum’s Circle of the Four Directions, and visitors are encouraged to ask questions as Gal completes her artwork. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with an artist well-known for her beadwork.