The Abbe Museum Educators Take to the High Seas

On a blustery day in March, the Abbe Museum's education team met with Maine Sea Coast Mission's Douglas Cornman in the sunny wheelhouse of the M/V Sunbeam to discuss an exciting opportunity: was there a way to bring a bit of the Abbe to the outer island communities? Yes! Once all the logistics were hammered out, Museum Educators George and Jen grabbed two pack baskets and filled them with all kinds of interesting objects - from fancy baskets to stone arrow heads - and hopped aboard. Destination: Isle au Haut and Frenchboro!


They never expected the huge turnout that greeted them as they set up at the Isle au Haut community center, where George regaled the crowd with legends of Gluskap and how rabbit came to look the way he does today. At the end of the program, Jen and George answered questions about all the objects they brought with them. Later that afternoon, Douglas, George, and Jen searched out the famous Black Dinah Chocolatiers, where they scored some free samples before purchasing some goodies to take home. Isle au Haut residents spent the evening visiting aboard the Sunbeam where Jillian, the ship's steward, cooked a fabulous dinner with help from some eager sous chefs. After visiting well into the night, George and Jen retired to their boat beds.




Early the next morning, George and Jen shoved off for Frenchboro and another great reception at the island's school. They talked about what life was like for the Wabanaki 400 years ago before launching into more storytelling. After George captivated everyone with the feasting song, they all ventured to the Sunbeam for lunch, including cookies for dessert.


Where will the Sunbeam take Jen and George next?