Engage with the Abbe Museum on a deeper level through our Touch Tables, carefully curated hands-on displays that dive into a variety of themes with visitors of all ages. Themes like: QUILLWORK!

Mi'kmaq porcupine quill embroidery is an ancient tradition. Quillwork was once so integral to the Mi'kmaq culture that colonists called the Mi’kmaq “the porcupine people”. Their methods included weaving quills into strips worn as armbands or headdresses; wrapping or plaiting quills around bows, knife handles, and other tools; and stitching quills onto leather clothing. Mi'kmaq women also decorated birchbark bowls, boxes, and other objects by laying the quills over the back and inserting the ends into holes.

***Touch tables are available on select days throughout the season. Please check our website (abbemuseum.org) or call to confirm.