Friends of the Collections

Supporting Art, Creativity, and Living Culture

The Abbe Museum’s collections are not static holdings—they are living expressions of Wabanaki creativity, knowledge, and cultural continuity. Each new work we acquire strengthens our ability to tell fuller, more nuanced stories and to ensure that Wabanaki voices, artistry, and perspectives are represented for generations to come.

Friends of the Collections is a special way to support the acquisition of new and seminal works for the Abbe Museum’s permanent collection. This circle is for those whose passion lies in art and artistic expression, and who believe that museums play a vital role in honoring, preserving, and advancing Indigenous creativity.

Why Friends of the Collections Matter

Acquisitions require dedicated resources. Through Friends of the Collections, donors directly support the Museum’s ability to:

Acquire contemporary and historic works by Wabanaki artists
Preserve significant cultural materials for future generations
Strengthen exhibitions, research, and interpretation
Respond thoughtfully and responsibly when important works become available - e.g., to bring historical items home to Maine

Many of the works now held in the Abbe Museum’s collection—and on view in our galleries—were made possible through the generosity of Friends of the Collections donors.

Fancy point basket, 2014 by Sarah Sockbeson (Penobscot, b. 1983), Ash, sweetgrass, deer antler, twine, commercial dyes, and lacquer paint (2014-06-004 A-B)

Acorn basket, 2011 by Eric Otter Bacon (Passamaquoddy, b. 1977), Ash, birchbark, and spruce root (2012-05-001 A-C)

Eagle feathers, 2024 by Rick Love (Penobscot), Cedar (2024-26-001 A-E)

Mocuck, 2012 by Eric Otter Bacon (Passamaquoddy, b. 1977), Birchbark, spruce root, antler, and ash (2013-03-001 A-C)

Beaded purse, third quarter of the 19th century by Maliseet or Mi'kmaq Ancestor/s, glass beads and velvet (2025-20-001)

Box, 2013 by David Moses Bridges (Passamaquoddy, 1962–2017), Birchbark and spruce root (2013-01-001 A-B)

Pumpkin basket, 2014 by Ganessa Bryant Frey (Penobscot, b. 1982), Ash sweetgrass, and commercial dyes (2014-08-001 A-B)

Sewing basket, ca. 1990 by Yvonne M'Sadoques (Abenaki), Ash and sweetgrass (2025-32-001 A-B)

Beaded purse, third quarter of the 19th century by Maliseet or Mi'kmaq Ancestor/s, Glass beads and velvet (2026-02-001)

Dish, mid to late 19th century by Passamaquoddy Ancestor/s, Birchbark and spruce root (2026-03-001)

Ways to Participate

Contribute to Friends of the Collections

Gifts to Friends of the Collections provide flexible, mission-driven support that allows the Museum to act when meaningful opportunities arise. Your contribution helps ensure that important works can be acquired at the moment they become available.

Make a Named Acquisition Gift

Donors may also choose to support the acquisition of a specific work in their own name or in honor of someone special. Named acquisition gifts are acknowledged with:

A donor credit line when the work is on view in the galleries
Permanent recognition in the Museum’s collections database

This recognition becomes part of the object’s enduring record—forever linking your generosity to the life of the Abbe’s collections.

A Lasting Impact

Supporting Friends of the Collections is an investment in creativity, cultural knowledge, and the future of Wabanaki art. Your generosity helps ensure that the Abbe Museum can continue to grow a collection that reflects both ancestral knowledge and contemporary artistic expression—today and for generations to come.

Join Friends of the Collections

Whether you are inspired by a particular work, a specific artist, or the broader role of art in cultural vitality, we invite you to join Friends of the Collections and help shape the future of the Abbe Museum.

Click here to make a gift

To learn more about Named Acquisition Gifts contact Dr. Aaron Miller, Curator of Exhibits and Collections, through aaron@abbemuseum.org.