The land we walk on in Maine is sacred. It has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years and the stories passed down go back further than can be recalled by most people. We exist on Wabanaki Nation land and it’s important to remember that heritage each and every time we step outside and appreciate the outdoors. A great place to understand more about the Wabanaki Nation is through the Abbe Museum, Maine’s only Smithsonian-affiliated museum.

There are four Maine Indian tribes that exist today – the Maliseet, Micmac, Penobscot and Passamaquoddy. Together they’re known as the Wabanaki, or “People of the Dawnland.” Each group has its own tribal government, schools and cultural center and they each oversee their own land and natural resources. While most of the Native population in Maine belongs to one of these federally recognized groups living on tribal lands, there are Native people living in towns across Vacationland.

The mission of The Abbe Museum is to inspire new learning about the Wabanaki Nation every time someone walks through the doors.

James H / TripAdvisor It got its start in 1928, founded by Dr. Robert Abbe from New York City. For many years it was just a small trailside museum inside Acadia National Park, which was at the time called Lafayette National Park.

Dr. Abbe held a collection of early Native American pieces that he had found in nearby Frenchman Bay. In an effort to preserve and protect these objects, he asked others with their own collections to join him in sharing their pieces in this small museum.

James H / TripAdvisor Upon opening, this was the first institution to undertake archaeological research. This work has continued and today it’s the main place to find archaeological collections from the midcoast.

While the focus at the museum was initially on all thing archaeologic, eventually things expanded to include ethnographic materials dating from between the 17th and the 20th centuries.

VinceNewcastle / TripAdvisor

In 1997, the museum moved into the former YMCA building in downtown Bar Harbor, which is where it stands today.

Richard B / TripAdvisor

One thing artifact you’ll find a lot of is baskets. As a result of multiple donations, the Abbe Museum holds the largest and best documented collection of Maine Indian basketry.

Abbe Museum / Facebook Over time, the museum has amassed a collection of Wabanaki crafts in Maine.

It currently houses over 12,000 years of Native American culture and history in Maine.

Abbe Museum / Facebook

In the 1980s and 1990s, the museum began more actively engaging the Native people of Maine, allowing for exhibits that specifically focused on members of the community. Today, members are involved in important policy decisions as members of the board.

Abbe Museum / Facebook

They have a wonderful education program, including a beautiful and fun are for kids to learn.

Abetarda / TripAdvisor

And throughout the year there are many workshops teaching traditional crafts and Wabanaki technology.

Abbe Museum / Facebook

One of the best program is Cultural Connections in the Park, which features demonstrations focused on Wabanaki ways of life. Past programs have included music at the top of Cadillac Mountain as well as an ash pounding demonstration, pictured here.

Abbe Museum / Facebook

This summer also saw special programs teaching visitors about Wabanaki technology and inventions that allowed them to thrive in an environment like Maine.

Abbe Museum / Facebook

The Abbe Museum is located at 26 Mt Desert St., Bar Harbor, Maine. From November through April they’re open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The original Acadia National Park location is at 49 Sweetwater Circle, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. They’re closed for the winter, but open again in May.

James H / TripAdvisor

It got its start in 1928, founded by Dr. Robert Abbe from New York City. For many years it was just a small trailside museum inside Acadia National Park, which was at the time called Lafayette National Park.

Upon opening, this was the first institution to undertake archaeological research. This work has continued and today it’s the main place to find archaeological collections from the midcoast.

VinceNewcastle / TripAdvisor

Richard B / TripAdvisor

Abbe Museum / Facebook

Over time, the museum has amassed a collection of Wabanaki crafts in Maine.

Abetarda / TripAdvisor

You can learn much more on their website, or check them out on Facebook for more timely information on programs. You can call them on 207-288-3519.

We also love the L.C. Bates Natural History Museum in Hinckley, Maine. Learn more about it here.

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