This archive is primarily a list of all Abbe Museum exhibits, though we have included additional content wherever possible. Exhibits are organized alphabetically by title, though you may also browse by the closing date or any associated keywords using the search tools below. Don't see something that you're looking for? Get in touch with us at info@abbemuseum.org.
A-C / D-F / G-J / K-M / N-P / Q-S / T-V / W-Z
150th Thoreau-Wabanaki Canoe Tour (2014)
During May 2014, an epic journey took place commemorating the travels of Henry David Thoreau and his Wabanaki Guide, Joe Polis, in the Maine Woods in July of 1857. This exhibit…
During May 2014, an epic journey took place commemorating the travels of Henry David Thoreau and his Wabanaki Guide, Joe Polis, in the Maine Woods in July of 1857. This exhibit, created by Chris Sockalexis, Penobscot Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, featured photographs Chris and others took during the trip, giving a glimpse into the beauty and wild nature of the Maine Woods and the Penobscot Nation's homeland.
The 150th Anniversary Thoreau-Wabanaki Tour was organized as part of Maine Woods Discovery, a project of the Maine Woods Consortium.
Learn More: The Maine Thing Quarterly Issue No. 4 (Thoreau-Wabanaki 150th Anniversary)
Aunt Lu: The Story of Princess Watahwaso (2010-2011)
In this exhibit, you met Lucy Nicolar, a Penobscot performer known by her stage name, Princess Watahwaso, but affectionately referred to by everyone as Aunt Lu. Born in 1882 on Indian…
In this exhibit, you met Lucy Nicolar, a Penobscot performer known by her stage name, Princess Watahwaso, but affectionately referred to by everyone as Aunt Lu. Born in 1882 on Indian Island, Nicolar was a renowned performer and activist. She was also part of an important family in the Penobscot Nation. Her father, Joseph Nicolar, was author of the book, The Life and Traditions of the Red Man, her sister, Florence Nicolar Shay, was a basketmaker and activist, and her nephew Charles Shay was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his heroic service in WWII. The show was curated by the Penobscot Cultural and Historic Preservation Department and the exhibit traces the legacy of Nicolar and her influence on the Penobscot community. Through the story of Nicolar and her family, visitors also learned more about the 20th century history of the Penobscot Nation.
Learn More: Lucy Nicolar: A Bright Star Exhibit Panel
Coming Home (2015)
From baskets to beadwork, woodcarvings to birchbark canoes, tools or artwork, objects are an important expression of Wabanaki culture. Since the arrival of the first European explorers more than 400 years…
From baskets to beadwork, woodcarvings to birchbark canoes, tools or artwork, objects are an important expression of Wabanaki culture. Since the arrival of the first European explorers more than 400 years ago, objects made and used by the Wabanaki have made their way into museums around the world. Coming Home featured an exciting and beautiful array of material culture, selected and interpreted by Wabanaki community curators. This exhibit shared cultural and traditional knowledge, revealing a greater depth of information about the Wabanaki objects, and provided a unique opportunity to see these pieces back in the Wabanaki homeland.
Learn More: Coming Home Gallery Guide