Abbe Museum Hosts a Conversation with Wabanaki Community Members
Thursday, May 17th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm the Abbe Museum,
downtown Bar Harbor, will host a program entitled,
Moving Past Emotional Politics: A
Conversation with Wabanaki Community Members. This free program will feature
a panel of representatives from each of the five Wabanaki communities in Maine - the Maliseet,
Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot – who will discuss projects and programs in
their communities that promote collaborations based specifically on the needs
of their individual communities. The panel discussion will examine the complex
history of relationships between non-Native and Native people, while also
providing an opportunity for audience participation.
Moderated by University of Maine Professor, John Bear
Mitchell, Penobscot, participants will gain a greater understanding of modern
Wabanaki communities and their priorities.
An exploration of opportunities where Native and non-Native people can
work together, guided by the needs and interests of Wabanaki communities will
be an outcome for the discussion, as well as a platform for Wabanaki
representatives to come together and share specific community projects and
programs. “This is a truly unique
opportunity to explore important issues and insights from a variety of perspectives,”
said Mitchell.
This free program is coordinated with the launch of the AbbeMuseum’s online exhibit Headline News:Wabanaki Sovereignty in the 21st Century, which was a featured
exhibit at the Abbe from 2010-2011. The
exhibit dealt with contemporary issues affecting the tribes in Maine, as told through
Wabanaki voices. The online exhibit will continue to evolve as new topics are added
to reflect the current political and cultural environment in Maine. Topics include: environmental
management, the threat of the emerald ash borer beetle, language retention,
identity, gaming, and more. Of special
interest is an overview of the Truth and Reconciliation process unique to Maine, with Esther
Attean, Passamaquoddy Youth & Community Engagement Team at the Cutler
Institute for Health & Social Policy, Muskie School of Public Service.
Other News & Events for May
There is always something happening at the Abbe, and this spring is no exception! Please visit our online calendar for more details.
Up next is a children's workshop led by Passamaquoddy artist David Moses Bridges. David will teach children ages 5 through 18 the art of etching designs into birch bark. David is a master artist who specializes in birch bark canoes and traditional birch bark containers. He is also fluent in Passamaquoddy, and entertains children with oral histories while they work. Participants can use David's stencils to recreate Passamaquoddy designs, or create their own designs. Children may attend either a 11:00-12:00 session or a 1:30-2:30 session, but pre-registration is required. Contact Curator of Education Raney Bench to register your child.
Other events and demonstrations will follow soon thereafter, so make sure to mark your calendar now!
There are also a number of upcoming Wabanaki events that are open to the public. The following links are a sample of some upcoming activities and recent articles that may interest you. Know of more? Feel free to post them to our Facebook or other social pages!
Read a wonderful article about Rhonda Besaw's beaded bags in Native Country Today: Proud to Bead Abenaki: A Conversation with Abenaki Beadworker Rhonda Besaw
Read about the the Boston Marathon team that raised money for the Penobscot River Restoration Project
Last "Redskins" Mascot in Maine School May be Dropped read the article in Indian Country Today
Read about Donald Soctomah's Earth Day message to the students at Berwick Academy in seacoastonline.com
Read about the 30th Annual Native American Fish & Wildlife Society National Conference co-hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, an article in the Cherokee One Feather
Exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum Native Voices: New England Tribal Families
Exhibit at the Hudson Museum Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry on exhibit through May 2012 before traveling to the Abbe Museum.
MIBA Events
Next Up: The Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market in Bar Harbor on July 7th
Tribes of the Dawn Land Cultural and Heritage Days for 2012
Other events and demonstrations will follow soon thereafter, so make sure to mark your calendar now!
There are also a number of upcoming Wabanaki events that are open to the public. The following links are a sample of some upcoming activities and recent articles that may interest you. Know of more? Feel free to post them to our Facebook or other social pages!
 |
| Rhonda Besaw's beaded purse "Rebirth" |
Read about the the Boston Marathon team that raised money for the Penobscot River Restoration Project
Last "Redskins" Mascot in Maine School May be Dropped read the article in Indian Country Today
Read about Donald Soctomah's Earth Day message to the students at Berwick Academy in seacoastonline.com
Read about the 30th Annual Native American Fish & Wildlife Society National Conference co-hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, an article in the Cherokee One Feather
Exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum Native Voices: New England Tribal Families
Exhibit at the Hudson Museum Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry on exhibit through May 2012 before traveling to the Abbe Museum.
MIBA Events
Next Up: The Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market in Bar Harbor on July 7th
Tribes of the Dawn Land Cultural and Heritage Days for 2012
The Abbe Museum Hosts Local Businesses
 |
| Thanks to Chiaolin Korona, owner of Chow Maine, for providing such delicious food! |
On April 26 the Abbe
Museum was the host of
the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.
We had a great turnout of local business owners who were able to check
out the Student Art Show as well as the Indians and Rusticators Exhibit. The
Business After Hours at the Abbe
Museum was generously
supported by a number of our community partners, who donated wine and food to
make the event a success. The Abbe Museum
would like to thank A.B. & J.R. Hodgkins and Pleasant Street Pilates for
their donation of wine for this event, and Chow Maine
of Southwest Harbor for donating a delicious array of
Asian specialties. Additional hors d’oeuvres
were provided by the Abbe
Museum’s Culinary Arts
Committee, a group of volunteers who love to prepare treats for our events. We would also like to thank Bar Harbor Whale
Watch for donating two tickets aboard the Night Sky Festival Cruise to our
lucky raffle winners! Thank you to all
our partners in the Mount Desert Island Community for all their support!
The following week the Abbe
Museum hosted a Hospitality &
Tourism Open House for our partners in the tourism industry, including the many
Bar Harbor inns, B&B’s, and hotels. As the busy season approaches we hope that our
neighbors have the opportunity to visit the Abbe Museum’s
special exhibitions so that they can become advocates for the Abbe, sharing
information about what we have to offer to their interested guests. If you have not been to the Abbe Museum
recently and would like to experience what we have available for your customers
and guests, please contact us to learn how we can help add value to the Bar Harbor experience.
Upcoming Opportunities to Experience Cultural Institutions for FREE!
Friday, May 18, 2012 is International Museum Day! The Abbe will join other institutions around
the globe celebration museums in a changing world by offering free admission
all day. To learn more about
International Museum Day and how others are celebrating, please visit here.
Saturday, May 19, 2012 is Maine Member Day! Museums and Cultural Institutions throughout Maine are partnering for
the second annual Maine Member Day. If
you are a member of the Abbe Museum, you can enjoy FREE admission at these institutions: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine
Discovery Museum, Maine Maritime Museum,
Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Owls
Head Transportation
Museum, and the Portland
Museum of Art. Just don’t forget to pack
your membership card!
And if you happen to be a member of one of those
participating organizations you can visit the Abbe Museum
for free that day! We have a lot
happening that Saturday, so you are sure to enjoy your afternoon in Bar Harbor. From
11:00-12:00 and 1:30-2:30 David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy, will teach
children ages 5-18 the art of etching designs in birch bark. The program is free, but children must be pre-registered as space is limited. As a
bonus, May 19th wraps up a week of dining events and deals as part
of the Taste of Bar Harbor with the Bar Harbor Merchants Association Sidewalk
Stroll & Craft Fair. Visit ourcalendar for more information.
Save the Date for July 18!
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| Photo by Rogier van Bakel |
On July 18th, 2012 the Abbe Museum
will host our annual Gathering Gala Auction & Dinner at the Bar Harbor
Club. This evening of elegance will
begin at 5:00 with cocktails and a silent auction. A presidential style dinner of Prime Rib, Georges Bank Stuffed Haddock, or Vegetarian Carnival Squash will be served at 7:00, and our Live
Auction will begin during dessert. At
the conclusion of the auction, guests will be entertained by the live music of
Jones’n until the party ends at 11 PM.
Join us for this exciting evening of friends, food, art, and fun…all in
support of the Abbe
Museum! Tickets for the evening are $150 per
person. Preview this year’s auction
items or submit an absentee bid by visiting our website, or contact Nora for
more information.
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| Weekend on the Sound by Corrine Carbone |
Spring Garden Tour at the W.P. Stewart Estate June 2 & 9
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| Painting by Sarah Sockbeson, Penobscot |
Please join us on June 2 and 9, 2012 for the 11th
annual Spring Garden Tour at the W.P. Stewart Estate. Come wander this gorgeous
property located at 23 Sargeant
Drive in Northeast Harbor
overlooking Somes Sound. Newly opened paths of rhododendrons and azaleas
promise to amaze as we jump into another beautiful Maine spring!
This year a special basket demonstration by Native artist
Sarah Sockbeson will take place on Saturday, June 2nd. Tickets for
the garden tour are $15 and are available at the gates from 9:30-3:30. Proceeds
benefit the Abbe Museum. For more information please
check out our website springgardentour.org or call Nora at 288-3519.
2012 Waponahki Student Art Show now open!
The Abbe
Museum, in partnership
with Maine Indian Education, is pleased to present the 11th Waponahki Student
Art Show. This annual exhibition demonstrates the strong collaborative
spirit of two institutions devoted to promoting art education and celebrating Waponahki
culture. We are thrilled to have the work of these talented young
Waponahki artists coloring the walls of the Abbe and welcoming the arrival of
spring and summer.
The 35 featured artists are from the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island, and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township and Pleasant Point. They range in age from pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The styles, mediums and images vary throughout the exhibition, but nature and culture clearly have a strong presence in many of these original works.
The 35 featured artists are from the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island, and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township and Pleasant Point. They range in age from pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The styles, mediums and images vary throughout the exhibition, but nature and culture clearly have a strong presence in many of these original works.
As guests of the Waponahki Student Art Show, we are invited
on a unique journey into the imaginations of these young people; through their
expressive works of art we glimpse their lives, culture and natural
surroundings. Watercolor, crayon, pastel and finger-paint are employed
with confidence to bring images to life: a dancing fox, bright red blueberry
bushes, dream catchers, colorful turtles and bears. The words used by the
students to describe the inspiration for their art are straightforward and
simple, but can be both moving and provocative at once.
The 2012 Waponahki Student Art Show opened in late April, and will be on
exhibit through September. This month we
look forward to the private reception for the young artists and their families,
where each student is celebrated with a framed certificate and a package of art
goodies to encourage future creativity.
When the exhibition leaves the Abbe the art will be returned to the
students professionally framed, thanks to the generosity of K.A. McDonald
Picture Framing in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry
Coming to us from the Hudson Museum at the University of Maine, Orono, Transcending Traditions features five contemporary Maine Indian basketmakers who represent the next generation: Jeremy Frey, Ganessa Bryant, Sarah Sockbeson, George Neptune, and Eric "Otter" Bacon. This stunning exhibit will be open to visitors on May 24th at the Downtown Abbe Museum. A formal reception will be held later in the summer.
Each of these artists was commissioned to create a masterwork for their
featured section that showcases their work. This piece along with
other baskets made by the artist from private and institutional
collections traces how his or her work has evolved. Each exhibit
section will also features a basket made by the person who taught the
featured artists how to weave. The goal of this project is to explore
the new directions that these innovative artists are taking the
tradition in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
Transcending Traditions is supported by a grant from the National Museum of the American Indian's Indigenous Contemporary Arts Program. The exhibit was created as a collaboration between the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance and the Hudson Museum, and we are thrilled to be able to share to welcome it here to the Abbe Museum.
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| Ganessa Bryant, Penobscot |
Transcending Traditions is supported by a grant from the National Museum of the American Indian's Indigenous Contemporary Arts Program. The exhibit was created as a collaboration between the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance and the Hudson Museum, and we are thrilled to be able to share to welcome it here to the Abbe Museum.
Call for Trustee Nominations
The
Governance Committee wants to know if you have an interest in engaging
more with the Abbe Museum. Recently, the Trustees adopted a new process
where Abbe Museum members annually elect Trustees. Previously, the Corporators had this duty but in order to streamline functions and make
the election process more transparent, the Trustees dissolved the
Corporator program earlier this year and enabled members with voting
rights.
To be considered for Trustee service, please email Barbara McLeod, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, with your name, contact information, and a brief statement as to why you would like to be nominated for board service. All submissions will be considered in relation to the current needs of the board, e.g. diversity, strategic and business needs, and other needs.
For more information about trustee expectations or the election process, please contact Barbara McLeod or Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, Abbe CEO, for more information. Nominations for the 2012 election cycle will be accepted until May 15, 2012.
The Abbe Underground Twisted Path II Exhibit Closing Party
The launch of the Abbe Underground, a young friends group
for ages 21-40, was a huge success at our kick-off party here at the Museum on
April 13, 2012. With more than 65 guests, we managed to raise over $1000 for
our Abbe Museum Sustainability Initiative.
A fun time was had by all as the Undergrounders explored the exhibits, danced
in the circle and counted down to the closing of our recent exhibit, Twisted
Path II. Many of the guests had never
visited the Museum before and the overwhelming sentiment was that the Abbe Museum
should have more events catered towards the young professionals crowd on Mount Desert Island. Thanks to everyone for coming!
An enormous amount of gratitude is due to Side Street Café for underwriting the event as well as hosting the fabulous
after-party with the Trisha Mason Band.
Thanks to their generosity we were able to throw a fantastic party!
The Abbe on the Road
From time to time, Abbe staff travel throughout Maine, connecting with collaborative partners, visiting with donors, and meeting with Native artists and advisers. On Wednesday, March 28, the Abbe hit the road for some business Downeast. The trip included Abbe Museum CEO Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, Director of Development Hannah Whalen, Manager of Museum Services Astra Haldeman, and Guest Services Associate Whitney Thurston. We thought our readers would like a peek at our travelogue.
7:04 AM
Left Cinnamon's House. It was very early for Astra and Whitney, who are not morning people. Cinnamon and Hannah were ready to go.
7:11 AM
Town Hill Market. Before leaving MDI we had to stop for coffee. And who could resist fresh-baked lemon poppy seed muffins? Not us...mmmmm, they were zesty.
7:43 AM
We passed Sullivan Harbor Farm Smokehouse, our newest Community Partner at the Business Associate Level. Soon after we passed Lunaform and then Hog Bay Pottery, both supporters of the Gathering Gala. Lunaform will be donating a small tulip planter for this year's auction, and Hog Bay's donation is still a surprise!
7:46 AM
A break in the trees allowed us a beautiful view of MDI...
7:52 AM
We passed the turn-off to the location for the 2012 Field School in Archaeology. The Field School has been excavating this particular spot over the past couple of years, and there were some very exciting finds last year!
8:36 AM
With Whitney in the car, we celebrated our passage through Whitneyville!
8:40 AM
We reached Machias, our first destination that day.
8:46 AM
Because we arrived in Machias a bit early, we had time to sit down for coffee. We stopped at the Towne Fryer, where we enjoyed delicious donuts and warm drinks. Astra couldn't resist a strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries and freshly baked biscuits, topped decadently with freshly whipped cream! Delicious!
9:19 AM
We arrived at Machias Savings Bank, where Cinnamon and Hannah met with Ed Hennessy, CEO, and Larry Barker, President, to thank Machias for their generous support of the Abbe's upcoming exhibit N'tolonapemk: Our Ancestors' Place. Machias Savings Bank is sponsoring the exhibit which will be opening in November, and it is co-curated by Donald Soctomah, Passamaquoddy Tribal Historian.
9:19 AM
Meanwhile, in the car, Astra and Whitney discussed their inventory wish-list for the Abbe Shop in 2012 and planned their buying strategy for the year.
10:21 AM
We moved across town to Helen's Restaurant, for a meeting between Maine Office of Tourism and representatives of Maine's Historic Bold Coast, a collaborative group of museums, historic properties, and other cultural organizations from Ellsworth to Compobello. Learn more at historiccoast.net
10:27 AM
Meanwhile, Astra and Whitney were meant to drive the car back into Machias. But there was one problem: What do we do with this strange key?
10:31 AM
A few minutes later, Astra and Whitney were still stuck in the parking lot. Apparently, car keys have evolved.
11:45 AM
Astra and Whitney sat down for lunch at Helen's Restaurant. They began writing this blog post, and realized that so far, it sounded a bit like a food blog. We promise we did more than eat, but we just can't resist sharing these photos of the wonderful foods we found along the way:
12:04 PM
Whitney and Astra ordered sandwiches for Hannah and Cinnamon, who were still busy in their meeting.
12:35 PM
The four of us were back on the road, on our way to Pleasant Point.
1:42 PM
We arrived at Pleasant Point, one of the two Passamaquoddy reservations in Washington County, where we planned to make some purchases for the Shop. Astra and Whitney met with some artists in the Bingo Hall, and afterwards visited Clara Keezer at her home. We have lots of new and exciting baskets, jewelry and more in the Abbe Shop because of this trip...so come by and check it out! Meanwhile, Hannah and Cinnamon enjoyed a tour of the Waponahki Museum with Brenda Moore-Mitchell, one of the new members of the Abbe Museum's Native Advisory Council. Many exciting collaborative ideas were discussed!
4:22 PM
Snow was falling as we left Pleasant Point for the drive back to Bar Harbor.
4:37 PM
We didn't get too far until we needed to fill-up at the gas station. We hoped the unexpected snow wouldn't make our drive home too difficult.
4:43 PM
Whitney enjoyed browsing through Cinnamon's impressive music collection, selecting upbeat tunes to make the journey seem shorter.
4:52 PM
Was it the music, the snow, or the inspiration of our many meetings that day? Whatever the cause, Hannah had a great idea. We don't want to give it away, but if all goes well it may direct first-time Bar Harbor tourists to the Abbe this summer.
4:58 PM
We passed the turn to Roosevelt Campobello International Park, one of the Historic Bold Coast partners.
5:35 PM
We passed another institution on the Bold Coast's cultural tour, the Ruggles House.
5:44 PM
"It looks like November, but I'm really glad it's not." Well stated, Hannah. We all agree.
6:39 PM
We crossed the bridge onto Mount Desert Island.
6:49 PM
We stopped in Somesville, where we split up to travel our separate ways home.
Join us next time!
7:04 AM
Left Cinnamon's House. It was very early for Astra and Whitney, who are not morning people. Cinnamon and Hannah were ready to go.
7:11 AM
Town Hill Market. Before leaving MDI we had to stop for coffee. And who could resist fresh-baked lemon poppy seed muffins? Not us...mmmmm, they were zesty.
7:43 AM
We passed Sullivan Harbor Farm Smokehouse, our newest Community Partner at the Business Associate Level. Soon after we passed Lunaform and then Hog Bay Pottery, both supporters of the Gathering Gala. Lunaform will be donating a small tulip planter for this year's auction, and Hog Bay's donation is still a surprise!
7:46 AM
A break in the trees allowed us a beautiful view of MDI...
7:52 AM
We passed the turn-off to the location for the 2012 Field School in Archaeology. The Field School has been excavating this particular spot over the past couple of years, and there were some very exciting finds last year!
8:36 AM
With Whitney in the car, we celebrated our passage through Whitneyville!
8:40 AM
We reached Machias, our first destination that day.
8:46 AM
Because we arrived in Machias a bit early, we had time to sit down for coffee. We stopped at the Towne Fryer, where we enjoyed delicious donuts and warm drinks. Astra couldn't resist a strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries and freshly baked biscuits, topped decadently with freshly whipped cream! Delicious!
9:19 AM
We arrived at Machias Savings Bank, where Cinnamon and Hannah met with Ed Hennessy, CEO, and Larry Barker, President, to thank Machias for their generous support of the Abbe's upcoming exhibit N'tolonapemk: Our Ancestors' Place. Machias Savings Bank is sponsoring the exhibit which will be opening in November, and it is co-curated by Donald Soctomah, Passamaquoddy Tribal Historian.
9:19 AMMeanwhile, in the car, Astra and Whitney discussed their inventory wish-list for the Abbe Shop in 2012 and planned their buying strategy for the year.
10:21 AM
We moved across town to Helen's Restaurant, for a meeting between Maine Office of Tourism and representatives of Maine's Historic Bold Coast, a collaborative group of museums, historic properties, and other cultural organizations from Ellsworth to Compobello. Learn more at historiccoast.net
10:27 AMMeanwhile, Astra and Whitney were meant to drive the car back into Machias. But there was one problem: What do we do with this strange key?
10:31 AM
A few minutes later, Astra and Whitney were still stuck in the parking lot. Apparently, car keys have evolved.
11:45 AM
Astra and Whitney sat down for lunch at Helen's Restaurant. They began writing this blog post, and realized that so far, it sounded a bit like a food blog. We promise we did more than eat, but we just can't resist sharing these photos of the wonderful foods we found along the way:
Whitney and Astra ordered sandwiches for Hannah and Cinnamon, who were still busy in their meeting.
12:35 PM
The four of us were back on the road, on our way to Pleasant Point.
1:42 PM
We arrived at Pleasant Point, one of the two Passamaquoddy reservations in Washington County, where we planned to make some purchases for the Shop. Astra and Whitney met with some artists in the Bingo Hall, and afterwards visited Clara Keezer at her home. We have lots of new and exciting baskets, jewelry and more in the Abbe Shop because of this trip...so come by and check it out! Meanwhile, Hannah and Cinnamon enjoyed a tour of the Waponahki Museum with Brenda Moore-Mitchell, one of the new members of the Abbe Museum's Native Advisory Council. Many exciting collaborative ideas were discussed!
4:22 PM
Snow was falling as we left Pleasant Point for the drive back to Bar Harbor.
4:37 PM
We didn't get too far until we needed to fill-up at the gas station. We hoped the unexpected snow wouldn't make our drive home too difficult.
4:43 PM
Whitney enjoyed browsing through Cinnamon's impressive music collection, selecting upbeat tunes to make the journey seem shorter.
4:52 PM
Was it the music, the snow, or the inspiration of our many meetings that day? Whatever the cause, Hannah had a great idea. We don't want to give it away, but if all goes well it may direct first-time Bar Harbor tourists to the Abbe this summer.
4:58 PM
We passed the turn to Roosevelt Campobello International Park, one of the Historic Bold Coast partners.
5:35 PM
We passed another institution on the Bold Coast's cultural tour, the Ruggles House.
5:44 PM
"It looks like November, but I'm really glad it's not." Well stated, Hannah. We all agree.
6:39 PM
We crossed the bridge onto Mount Desert Island.
6:49 PM
We stopped in Somesville, where we split up to travel our separate ways home.
Join us next time!
What do YOU think?
Throughout 2012 the Abbe Museum will be evaluating our membership structure. If you have a few minutes to help with this project, please complete our membership survey. The survey is designed for members, non-members, and expired members...every opinion counts!
Click Here to Take the Survey Now
More about the survey:
Thanks to our members, the Abbe Museum is able to fulfill our mission to inspire new learning about the Wabanaki Nations with every visit through education, exhibitions, and innovative programs. Members support the financial well-being of the Abbe Museum, while enjoying exclusive benefits, renewable each year at various levels of support. Membership is popular among museum lovers, families, teachers, students, residents of Mount Desert Island, and frequent visitors to the Acadia Region. Many levels of Abbe Membership include the North American Reciprocal Museums program, allowing our members to enjoy free admission at participating museums across North America.
This year, the Abbe Museum will be evaluating our membership program to make sure our members are satisfied. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions. If you are not a member, you too can help! If you have additional comments you'd like to share, please contact Astra at 207.288.3519 or astra@abbemuseum.org
Survey responses are anonymous. Thanks again!
More about the survey:
Thanks to our members, the Abbe Museum is able to fulfill our mission to inspire new learning about the Wabanaki Nations with every visit through education, exhibitions, and innovative programs. Members support the financial well-being of the Abbe Museum, while enjoying exclusive benefits, renewable each year at various levels of support. Membership is popular among museum lovers, families, teachers, students, residents of Mount Desert Island, and frequent visitors to the Acadia Region. Many levels of Abbe Membership include the North American Reciprocal Museums program, allowing our members to enjoy free admission at participating museums across North America.
This year, the Abbe Museum will be evaluating our membership program to make sure our members are satisfied. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions. If you are not a member, you too can help! If you have additional comments you'd like to share, please contact Astra at 207.288.3519 or astra@abbemuseum.org
Survey responses are anonymous. Thanks again!
The Alvin H. Morrison Collection
By Julia Clark, Curator of Collections
In 2011, anthropologist and historian Alvin H. Morrison
donated his collection of Native American material to the Abbe Museum.
This small but wonderful collection includes pieces from both Wabanaki and
neighboring communities, as well as several objects from further afield. Dr.
Morrison, who graduated from Dartmouth
College and received his PhD from University of Buffalo,
worked with Wabanaki communities in Maine and
eastern Canada,
including working as a consultant on the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act case.
He taught at SUNY-Fredonia for much of his career, but continued to focus his
research on the Wabanaki. Upon his retirement in 1992, he returned to his home
state of Maine, where he continues to research
and write, with a focus on the contact and early interactions between Europeans
and Native Americans in Maine.
 |
| Note card illustrating the “The Legend of the Tidal Bore,”
in which Lobster battles Eel to return the fish to the river, creating a tidal bore that occurs twice a day to this day. Design and legend by Michael Francis. Screen printed by Micmac Indian Craftsmen, Big Cove Reserve, Kent Co., N.B. |
The Wabanaki pieces from Dr. Morrison’s collection begin to
fill a gap in the Abbe’s collection, representing objects made for sale during
the 1960s and 1970s. And of course, since they were collected by an
anthropologist, most of the pieces have a detailed provenance, recording when
and where they were acquired, and who made them. Baskets, root clubs,
moccasins, a model canoe and wigwam, are among the well-documented pieces from
a part of the 20th century not well represented in our collections.
Two really special gems in the collections deserve a little
more attention. One is a set of figures
showing the various stages of making a basket. These were created by Dr.
Morrison working with colleagues at SUNY-Fredonia, where he was a professor of
anthropology. They were made for an exhibit titled “Crafts of the Maliseet
Indians.” Slightly modified military action figures are position with
scaled-down tools and materials, presenting a wonderful visual interpretation
of the basketmaking process. These pieces have wonderful interpretive and
educational potential, and we look forward to using them in exhibits and
educational programs.
A second real treasure in the Alvin H. Morrison collection
is a collection of screen-printed note cards made by Mi’kmaq craftspeople from
the Elsipogtog First Nation (Big Cove Reserve) in New Brunswick, Canada.
The cards were made in the late 1960s and early 1970s, many using designs created
by Mi’kmaq artist Michael Francis, and they illustrate a variety of Mi’kmaq
stories and legends. Like the basketmaking figures, these begin to fill a major
gap in the Abbe’s collection- two-dimensional artwork by Wabanaki artists. They
are visually stunning, and document and important creative and economic venture
among First Nations communities in Canada at this time.
Collections staff and volunteers at the Abbe are in the
process of completing the detailed cataloging of this collection, so expect to
hear more about it in the future!
 |
| Shaving the splints, from "Crafts of the Maliseet Indians" exhibit at SUNY-Fredonia, 1970 |
Images:
Shaving the splints, from “Crafts of the Maliseet Indians”
exhibit at SUNY-Fredonia, 1970
Note card illustrating the “The Legend of the Tidal Bore,”
in which Lobster battles Eel to return the fish to the river, creating a tidal
bore that occurs twice a day to this day. Design and legend by Michael Francis.
Screen printed by Micmac Indian Craftsmen, Big Cove Reserve, Kent Co., N.B
Other News & Events for April
 |
| Next up at the Abbe: Pam Cunningham will teach children ages 6-18 how to weave a simple ash basket with a sweetgrass rim. |
Up next is a children's workshop led by Penobscot basketmaker Pam Cunningham. The workshop is for ages 6-18 and registration is required. Contact Raney Bench for more information, or to register for this workshop.
Other events and demonstrations will follow soon thereafter, so make sure to mark your calendar now!
There are also a number of upcoming Wabanaki events that are open to the public. The following links are a sample of some upcoming activities and recent articles that may interest you. Know of more? Feel free to post them on our Facebook page!
The University of Maine at Farmington Living Language Series Events Set article in the Morning Sentinel
7 pm Tuesday, April 10
“Living Languages: Language Keepers –
an Evening of Native Stories and Language” with Roger Paul,
Passamaquoddy/Maliseet language keeper and educator and Jesse Cruchac, Abenaki
language keeper and author
...and many more!Exhibit at the Boston's Children's Museum Native Voices: New England Tribal Families
Exhibit at the Hudson Museum Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry on exhibit through May 2012 before traveling to the Abbe Museum
Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry Panel Discussion by artists Jeremy Frey, George Neptune, and Sarah Sockbeson moderated by Darren Ranco, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of Native American Research, University of Maine on Tuesday, April 10 from 12:30 - 1:45 at the Hudson Museum
Sponsor Team Penobscot's run in the 2012 Boston Marathon to help bring the Penobscot River Restoration Project to life. Learn more here.
Congratulations to Penobscot artist Tim Shay for being named as one of the eight artists to participate in this year's Schoodic Sculpture Symposium. Read the story in the Bangor Daily News.
MIBA Events
Next Up: The Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market in Bar Harbor on July 7th
See Twisted Path II before it's gone!
By Hannah Whalen, Director of Development
Twisted Path II, which opened in October 2011, will close at the end of the day Saturday, April 14, 2012. Five Wabanaki artists succeeded in pushing the boundaries of what is thought of as traditional methods and materials and by adding their own twist to these pieces, these artists made their audience think "out of the box."
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| Tony McKim and Steven Parady from The First, sponsor of the exhibit, pause to admire George Neptune's sculptural basket. |
George Neptune had us believing that a basket of woven ash
and sweetgrass was a chocolate wedding cake. Rhonda Besaw captured her dream in
the delicate beadwork sewn onto a purple velvet purse. Leon Sockbeson brought his high-fashion
drawings to life in silk and wool, beaded with traditional double curves; Sarah
Sockbeson’s tightly woven ash and sweetgrass baskets with delicately hand-painted
lids and vibrant colors were very popular and Max Romero’s powerful plaster
installation, Assimilation Revisited,
inspired, upset and delighted guests. We can’t wait for Twisted Path III!
To learn more about the exhibit and the artists, please visit our website.
This exhibit was made possible in part by The First and The Fisher Charitable Foundation, with special thanks to Gerry Biron, Diane E. Edgecomb, Indian Township Museum, and Nicholas Halsdorff.
A Weekend of Storytelling & Art!
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| Abenaki Artist Rick Hunt will lead the Dancing with Pen workshops this weekend at the Abbe Museum. |
Rick Hunt is an accomplished pen and ink artist who has also co-curated two contemporary art exhibitions at the Abbe Museum. The first, Twisted Path: Native American Artists Walking in Two Worlds was exhibited from December 2008 through January 2010, and was such a success that it was followed in November of 2011 by Twisted Path II: Contemporary Native American Art Informed by Tradition. About the Twisted Path series Rick has said:
"I am always impressed by how functional pieces can move toward decorative and purposeful design. In this show, it is evident that the pieces reflect a movement away from tradition and become a reflection of the artists' own personal psychology. There are beautiful ash baskets and a Pop Art-type beaded bag, and even contemporary fashion design evolving from traditional northeast Native clothing.
When
the first Twisted Path show was conceived, through a technicolor
dream of mine, it was envisioned as an exhibit that would highlight
the idea of the Native artist evolving and often struggling in this
Westernized society. Questions about Native identity, spirituality,
art, and traditions emerged. What was illustrated by that first show,
and this one, is that Native people and our culture are very much alive
and well and here to stay."
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| Join the Laughing Couple Duo on Sunday March 11 for art & fun! |
Then, from 11:00am- noon on Sunday, March 11, 2012, Rick and his wife, Carolyn Hunt, Abenaki, will perform a combination of traditional Abenaki storytelling and illustration in the Abbe Museum's Circle of Four Directions. Carolyn will share stories, while Rick illustrates them as a live performance with input from the audience. This performance is free open to the public.
We hope you'll join us for these exciting programs!
These programs are made possible through the generous support of the Lynam Trust. Thank you!
Enduring Legacies
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| A sweetgrass basket woven by Theresa Secord in 2000, now in the collections of the Abbe Museum. |
On Thursday, March 15th Theresa Secord, Penobscot Basketmaker and Executive Director of the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance (MIBA), will present a talk entitled Enduring Legacies as the final installment of the Abbe's three-part Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This year's Brown Bag Lunch Series has centered around our current major exhibition Indians & Rusticators: Wabanakis and Summer Visitors on Mount Desert Island, 1840s - 1920s. In
this final lecture of the 2012 series, Theresa will explore the
basketmaking traditions that continued in Wabanaki families after the "rusticator era" and up to the present day. Her talk will also include some highlights from Theresa's 20 years as the Executive Director for MIBA.
In Enduring Legacies, Theresa has shared that she will discuss "how
MIBA not only saved Maine Indian basketry, but also helped to launch
the next generation of artists into the national spotlight," noting
that, "recently, one MIBA artist reached the top of the Indian art world
and is being recognized as among the finest artists in the US today."
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| Theresa Secord at the opening of Indians & Rusticators, pictured by the "Wabanaki Today" display where she is featured as a contemporary voice. |
Theresa Secord has received much recognition for her work, including being named by Maine Arts Commission as the 2011 Traditional Arts Fellow. You can learn more about Theresa's work by following these links:
This hour-long program will take place in the Abbe's Community Gallery. Visitors are welcome to bring lunch and participate in this informative and casual discussion. This
year's brown bag lunch series, made possible by a grant from Lynam
Trust, is designed to complement the Abbe's major exhibit Indians
and Rusticators: Wabanakis and Summer Visitors on Mount Desert Island
1840s-1920s, by exploring what happened next (after 1920). The lecture is free an open to the public...see you there!
Celebrate Women's History!
Celebrate
Wabanaki women's history during Women's History Month! Later this
month Curator of Education, Raney Bench, will lead a talk highlighting
prominent Wabanaki women in Maine, historic and contemporary, and their
contributions to their tribal communities and the state. This exciting
talk will be hosted by the Southwest Harbor Public Library on Thursday,
March 22 from 6:00 - 7:00 and is free and open to the public.
Can't
join us for this special presentation? No worries! There are some
great resources to help you learn more. Here is a sample of just a
few...
Books:
- Women of the Dawn by Bunny McBride
- Molly Spotted Elk by Bunny McBride
- In the Shadow of the Eagle by Donna M. Loring
- Out of the Depths by Isabelle Knockwood
- Princess Watahwaso: Bright Star of the Penobscot by Bunny McBride (also a 2011 exhibition at the Abbe Museum, titled Aunt Lu: The Story of Princess Watahwaso guest curated by the Penobscot Cultural and Historic Preservation Department)
- Florence Nicolar Shay: Penobscot Basketmaker and Tribal Advocate by Kate Kennedy
- Song of Rita Joe: Autobiography of a Mi'kmaq Poet
- Prayers, Poems, & Pathways by ssipsis
Children's Books
- Malian's Song by Marge Bruchac
- Muskrat will be Swimming by Cheryl Savageau
Past eNews Articles: (click on the titles to follow the links)
- The Gabriel Women: A Family Tradition
- Rhonda Frey: A Gift Remembered
- Abbe Museum Women: Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Fannie Hardy Eckstorm
More recommended resources can be found on our Educator's Resources page.
Little Effort...Big Rewards!
If interested, please respond to Debby Messer, Astra or Nora, and we'll add you to our list. We'll simply send you an email requesting donations a few weeks before each event, and you can let us know if you can help. Foods and beverages are needed one hour before the event, and we like to tell the public, on our new fold over cards, some of the ingredients in the food. Please also label your dishware if you intend to leave it for later pick-up. As a final contribution, if you are attending an event for which you are donating food, come early to help set-up or stay late to help clean-up, and the staff will love you even more!
If you are interested in other volunteer opportunities, please contact us so that we can send you our volunteer newsletter listing upcoming volunteer opportunities at the Abbe Museum.Other News & Events for March
There is always something happening at the Abbe, and this winter is no exception! Please visit our online calendar for more details.
If you are a teacher, consider joining us for the 2012 Wabanaki Initiative Free Teacher's Workshop, made possible by a grant from the Maine Community Foundation. This all-day workshop is worth 7 contact hours, and is designed to enhance understanding about topics and resources related to the Wabanaki and Maine Learning Results. For more information or to register, contact our Curator of Education, Raney Bench.
Other events and demonstrations will follow soon thereafter, so make sure to mark your calendar now!
There are also a number of upcoming Wabanaki events that are open to the public. The following links are a sample of some upcoming activities and recent articles that may interest you. Know of more? Feel free to post them on our Facebook page!
CONGRATULATIONS! to Jeremy Frey, Frances Frey Tomah, and Jennifer Sapiel Neptune for their recent awards at the 54th Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market
Abbe Re-Opens for Remainder of Winter article in FenceViewer
The University of Maine at Farmington Living Language Series Events Set article in the Morning Sentinel
Some of the events scheduled include...
Penobscot Nation Receives $1M Federal Grant Toward Wind Development Project in the Bangor Daily News
Exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum Native Voices: New England Tribal Families
Exhibit at the Hudson Museum Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry on exhibit through May 2012 before traveling to the Abbe Museum
Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry Panel Discussion by artists Jeremy Frey, George Neptune, & Sarah Sockbeson moderated by Darren Ranco, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of Native American Research, University of Maine on Tuesday, April 10 from 12:30 - 1:45 at the Hudson Museum
MIBA Events
Tribes of the Dawn Land Cultural and Heritage Days for 2012
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| This year's annual free workshop for teachers will take place on Monday, March 26. |
Other events and demonstrations will follow soon thereafter, so make sure to mark your calendar now!
There are also a number of upcoming Wabanaki events that are open to the public. The following links are a sample of some upcoming activities and recent articles that may interest you. Know of more? Feel free to post them on our Facebook page!
CONGRATULATIONS! to Jeremy Frey, Frances Frey Tomah, and Jennifer Sapiel Neptune for their recent awards at the 54th Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market
Abbe Re-Opens for Remainder of Winter article in FenceViewer
The University of Maine at Farmington Living Language Series Events Set article in the Morning Sentinel
Some of the events scheduled include...
11:45 am, Wednesday, March 14:
“Environmental Justice and the Penobscot River” presented by Barry Dana
“Environmental Justice and the Penobscot River” presented by Barry Dana
7 pm Tuesday, April 10
“Living Languages: Language Keepers –
an Evening of Native Stories and Language” with Roger Paul,
Passamaquoddy/Maliseet language keeper and educator and Jesse Cruchac, Abenaki
language keeper and author
...and many more!Penobscot Nation Receives $1M Federal Grant Toward Wind Development Project in the Bangor Daily News
Exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum Native Voices: New England Tribal Families
Exhibit at the Hudson Museum Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry on exhibit through May 2012 before traveling to the Abbe Museum
Transcending Traditions: The Next Generation and Maine Indian Basketry Panel Discussion by artists Jeremy Frey, George Neptune, & Sarah Sockbeson moderated by Darren Ranco, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of Native American Research, University of Maine on Tuesday, April 10 from 12:30 - 1:45 at the Hudson Museum
MIBA Events
Tribes of the Dawn Land Cultural and Heritage Days for 2012