Kick off the Abbe’s 2022 season with the Burnurwurbskek Singers, a men’s drum group from the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island, Maine. This group has been performing traditional Wabanaki songs for audiences across Maine and other states for many years. This engaging performance features music and dancing that will captivate audience members of all ages.

Cost: Free with Admission

Location: Abbe Museum Downtown - 26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor

New Location: Abbe Museum Downtown, 26 Mount Desert Street / Bar Harbor, ME

Jennifer Pictou is from Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle, Maine and is a storyteller, artist, and educator. In her work, Jennifer bridges her studies of history, oral traditions, and culture together for a tour company she owns locally. Jennifer invites visitors to hear traditional Mi’kmaq stories some of which will be spooky to mark the season and learn more about Mi’kmaq history and culture.

The Cultural Connections in the Park programs are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

We are pleased that the Burnurwurbskek Singers will be joining us again this season to celebrate Cultural Connections in the Park. The Burnurwurbskek Singers, a men’s drum group from the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island, have been performing traditional Wabanaki songs for audiences across Maine and other states for decades. This engaging performance features music and dancing that will captivate audience members of all ages.

 Location: Sieur De Monts Field (behind the Nature Center), Acadia National Park

All Cultural Connections in the Park programs are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs on occasional Wednesdays from late June through October. Please check the Abbe Museum website for upcoming programs.

 Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

Chris Sockalexis, Penobscot, is the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Penobscot Nation. Join him as he demonstrates and shares knowledge of the ancient art and technique of stone and bone tool production.

Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Maine with his primary focus being on Maine Archaeology. He is currently conducting research for his Masters of Science degree at the University of Maine Climate Change Institute with his thesis work focusing on Cultural Identity and Maritime Adaptation in Frenchman Bay, Maine. Chris is one of the lead singers of the RezDogs, an intertribal powwow drum group based out of Indian Island, Maine. He serves on the Abbe Museum board and is also an avid canoe/kayak paddler who loves being out in the Maine woods and on the waterways that his ancestors have traveled for thousands of years.

 Location: Sieur De Monts Field (behind the Nature Center), Acadia National Park

All Cultural Connections in the Park programs are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs on occasional Wednesdays from late June through October. Please check the Abbe Museum website for upcoming programs.

 Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

John Dennis of the Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Nation is truly a keeper of tradition. A musician and storyteller, John invites visitors to hear hand drum songs and the stories he has learned throughout his life. In his work in cultural preservation and youth and recreation, John strives to pass on his knowledge to the youth of the Mi’kmaq and other Wabanaki Communities.

Location: Sieur De Monts Field (behind the Nature Center), Acadia National Park

The Cultural Connections in the Park programs are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs on occasional Wednesdays from late June through October. Please check the Abbe Museum website for upcoming programs.

Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

Sarah Sockbeson is an award-winning basketmaker who takes Wabanaki traditions to new levels with her unique styling and dye patterns. A member of the Penobscot Indian Nation, Sarah apprenticed with basketmaker Jennifer Neptune. Her baskets include signature elements such as painting and bone carving. Sarah will demonstrate the various steps in her artistic process during this informational program.

Location: Sieur De Monts Field (behind the Nature Center), Acadia National Park

The Cultural Connections in the Park programs are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs on occasional Wednesdays from late June through October. Please check the Abbe Museum website for upcoming programs.

Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

Gabriel Frey, Passamaquoddy, comes from a long line of fancy and utility basketmakers. He uses his family’s traditional knowledge and styles to create beautiful, sturdy baskets that are used for a variety of purposes. Join Gabriel as he demonstrates the labor-intensive process of preparing ash, and see firsthand how his beautiful and functional art is created.

Location: Sieur De Monts Field (behind the Nature Center), Acadia National Park

The Cultural Connections in the Park programs are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs on occasional Wednesdays from late June through October. Please check the Abbe Museum website for upcoming programs.

Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

Kick-off the 2021 Cultural Connections in the Park program series with the Burnurwurbskek Singers, a men’s drum group from the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island, Maine. This group has been performing traditional Wabanaki songs for audiences across Maine and other states for many years. This engaging performance features music and dancing that will captivate audience members of all ages.

Location: Sieur De Monts Field (behind the Nature Center), Acadia National Park

Cultural Connections in the Park programs are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs on occasional Wednesdays from late June through September. Please check the Abbe Museum website for upcoming programs.

Rain Location: Abbe Museum Downtown (26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor)

Following our Digital AMIM Kick-Off Party join us for the Digital Abbe Museum Indian Market on Saturday, May 15th from 12 to 6 pm!

Event-goers will have the chance to meet some of the 2021 Abbe Museum Indian Market artists, learning more about them, their process, and their body of work. Allowing artists to connect directly with the community to educate and also sell their wares. In addition to spotlighting artists, Digital AMIM will include performances (ranging from dancers to singers, and everything in between) and educational programming.

Ways to connect:
We will be going live at 5 pm on Friday, May 14th. The event can be viewed either through the Zoom platform or through the Abbe’s YouTube or Facebook Live.

We invite you to join us at the Digital AMIM Kick-Off Party! This new for 2021 event invites you to celebrate the weekend's activities through a welcome from our Executive Director, Chris Newell, and two performances from some amazing Wabanaki artists, Firefly the Hybrid (Penobscot) and Jennifer Pictou (Mi'kmaq)!

Ways to connect:
We will be going live at 5 pm on Friday, May 14th. The event can be viewed either through the Zoom platform or through the Abbe’s YouTube or Facebook Live.

Digital AMIM will be a one-day online event scheduled from 2 - 9 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Event-goers will have the chance to meet some of the 2020 Abbe Museum Indian Market artists, learning more about them, their process, and their body of work. Allowing artists to connect directly with the community to educate and also sell their wares. In addition to spotlighting artists, Digital AMIM will include performances (ranging from dancers to singers, and everything in between) and educational programming. At the end of the evening, from 8 - 9 pm, there will be a film screening and panel discussion.

For additional information and updates about the event, click here >

In partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch, we are proud to present several exciting Night Sky Cruises during Acadia Night Sky Festival featuring Wabanaki storytelling.

Departs at 7 PM (boarding begins at 6:15PM)

Trip time: 2.5 hours, returns at 9:30PM

Prices – All tickets $45

Join us on the 130’ jet -powered catamaran Atlanticat for a night-time boat cruise. As the sun sets we will travel out among the islands of the bay and along the shores of what the Wabanaki Indians called “Pesamkuk” (MDI). From using constellations in navigation and storytelling, to the supernatural healing powers of the elusive Star People, the Wabanaki have worked with the stars for over 12,000 years. John Bear Mitchell, University of Maine professor of Wabanaki and Multicultural studies, will share Maine native stories about the relationship to and beliefs about the night sky. BHWW naturalist Zack Klyver will provide a short presentation on the “Celestial Navigation”. After these spoken presentations, we will cruise over the ocean looking up at the darkening night sky while listening to a selection of enjoyable celestial themed music pieces including the theme to Superman, ET, Bolero by Ravel and Star Wars by John Williams. We then turn our attention to the night sky from the top and bow of the boat with local expert naturalist and amateur astronomer Lynn Havsall. We will learn stories behind the constellations and many wonderful facts about the amazing universe we live in. Lynn will use a laser pointer to call out and describe constellations, planets, stars, and distant galaxies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Trips are weather dependent – please call after 3:00pm on the day of the tour to make sure the trip is still going out.

• Please know these tours are popular and often sell out early. We limit the number of passengers to provide ample viewing. Please make your reservation as early as possible.

In partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch, we are proud to present several exciting Night Sky Cruises during Acadia Night Sky Festival featuring Wabanaki storytelling.

Departs at 7 PM (boarding begins at 6:15PM)

Trip time: 2.5 hours, returns at 9:30PM

Prices – All tickets $45

Join us on the 130’ jet -powered catamaran Atlanticat for a night-time boat cruise. As the sun sets we will travel out among the islands of the bay and along the shores of what the Wabanaki Indians called “Pesamkuk” (MDI). From using constellations in navigation and storytelling, to the supernatural healing powers of the elusive Star People, the Wabanaki have worked with the stars for over 12,000 years. John Bear Mitchell, University of Maine professor of Wabanaki and Multicultural studies, will share Maine native stories about the relationship to and beliefs about the night sky. BHWW naturalist Zack Klyver will provide a short presentation on the “Celestial Navigation”. After these spoken presentations, we will cruise over the ocean looking up at the darkening night sky while listening to a selection of enjoyable celestial themed music pieces including the theme to Superman, ET, Bolero by Ravel and Star Wars by John Williams. We then turn our attention to the night sky from the top and bow of the boat with local expert naturalist and amateur astronomer Lynn Havsall. We will learn stories behind the constellations and many wonderful facts about the amazing universe we live in. Lynn will use a laser pointer to call out and describe constellations, planets, stars, and distant galaxies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Trips are weather dependent – please call after 3:00pm on the day of the tour to make sure the trip is still going out.

• Please know these tours are popular and often sell out early. We limit the number of passengers to provide ample viewing. Please make your reservation as early as possible.

In partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch, we are proud to present several exciting Night Sky Cruises during Acadia Night Sky Festival featuring Wabanaki storytelling.

Departs at 7 PM (boarding begins at 6:15PM)

Trip time: 2.5 hours, returns at 9:30PM

Prices – All tickets $45

Join us on the 130’ jet -powered catamaran Atlanticat for a night-time boat cruise. As the sun sets we will travel out among the islands of the bay and along the shores of what the Wabanaki Indians called “Pesamkuk” (MDI). From using constellations in navigation and storytelling, to the supernatural healing powers of the elusive Star People, the Wabanaki have worked with the stars for over 12,000 years. John Bear Mitchell, University of Maine professor of Wabanaki and Multicultural studies, will share Maine native stories about the relationship to and beliefs about the night sky. BHWW naturalist Zack Klyver will provide a short presentation on the “Celestial Navigation”. After these spoken presentations, we will cruise over the ocean looking up at the darkening night sky while listening to a selection of enjoyable celestial themed music pieces including the theme to Superman, ET, Bolero by Ravel and Star Wars by John Williams. We then turn our attention to the night sky from the top and bow of the boat with local expert naturalist and amateur astronomer Lynn Havsall. We will learn stories behind the constellations and many wonderful facts about the amazing universe we live in. Lynn will use a laser pointer to call out and describe constellations, planets, stars, and distant galaxies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Trips are weather dependent – please call after 3:00pm on the day of the tour to make sure the trip is still going out.

• Please know these tours are popular and often sell out early. We limit the number of passengers to provide ample viewing. Please make your reservation as early as possible.

In partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch, we are proud to present several exciting Night Sky Cruises during Acadia Night Sky Festival featuring Wabanaki storytelling.

Departs at 7 PM (boarding begins at 6:15PM)

Trip time: 2.5 hours, returns at 9:30PM

Prices – All tickets $45

Join us on the 130’ jet -powered catamaran Atlanticat for a night-time boat cruise. As the sun sets we will travel out among the islands of the bay and along the shores of what the Wabanaki Indians called “Pesamkuk” (MDI). From using constellations in navigation and storytelling, to the supernatural healing powers of the elusive Star People, the Wabanaki have worked with the stars for over 12,000 years. John Bear Mitchell, University of Maine professor of Wabanaki and Multicultural studies, will share Maine native stories about the relationship to and beliefs about the night sky. BHWW naturalist Zack Klyver will provide a short presentation on the “Celestial Navigation”. After these spoken presentations, we will cruise over the ocean looking up at the darkening night sky while listening to a selection of enjoyable celestial themed music pieces including the theme to Superman, ET, Bolero by Ravel and Star Wars by John Williams. We then turn our attention to the night sky from the top and bow of the boat with local expert naturalist and amateur astronomer Lynn Havsall. We will learn stories behind the constellations and many wonderful facts about the amazing universe we live in. Lynn will use a laser pointer to call out and describe constellations, planets, stars, and distant galaxies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Trips are weather dependent – please call after 3:00pm on the day of the tour to make sure the trip is still going out.

• Please know these tours are popular and often sell out early. We limit the number of passengers to provide ample viewing. Please make your reservation as early as possible.

In partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch, we are proud to present several exciting Night Sky Cruises during Acadia Night Sky Festival featuring Wabanaki storytelling.

Departs at 7 PM (boarding begins at 6:15PM)

Trip time: 2.5 hours, returns at 9:30PM

Prices – All tickets $45

Join us on the 130’ jet -powered catamaran Atlanticat for a night-time boat cruise. As the sun sets we will travel out among the islands of the bay and along the shores of what the Wabanaki Indians called “Pesamkuk” (MDI). From using constellations in navigation and storytelling, to the supernatural healing powers of the elusive Star People, the Wabanaki have worked with the stars for over 12,000 years. John Bear Mitchell, University of Maine professor of Wabanaki and Multicultural studies, will share Maine native stories about the relationship to and beliefs about the night sky. BHWW naturalist Zack Klyver will provide a short presentation on the “Celestial Navigation”. After these spoken presentations, we will cruise over the ocean looking up at the darkening night sky while listening to a selection of enjoyable celestial themed music pieces including the theme to Superman, ET, Bolero by Ravel and Star Wars by John Williams. We then turn our attention to the night sky from the top and bow of the boat with local expert naturalist and amateur astronomer Lynn Havsall. We will learn stories behind the constellations and many wonderful facts about the amazing universe we live in. Lynn will use a laser pointer to call out and describe constellations, planets, stars, and distant galaxies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Trips are weather dependent – please call after 3:00pm on the day of the tour to make sure the trip is still going out.

• Please know these tours are popular and often sell out early. We limit the number of passengers to provide ample viewing. Please make your reservation as early as possible.

BUY TICKETS HERE

The Abbe is hosting a unique drop in workshop for visitors to learn more about sea glass art with Ann Pollard-Ranco, Penobscot. Ann invites you to sit and chat with her about her art while she gives guests a demonstration of her process. You are also welcome to try your hand at making a pendant of your own to take home!

This program is being offered in conjunction with the Abbe’s new temporary art exhibit wolankeyutomon: Take Care of Everything. Wolanketutomon, a collaboration between Maritime Indigenous Artists, Inc. (MIA) and the Abbe Museum, explores the protection of waters sacred to the Wabanaki and the conservation of sea-life living in those waters. It will feature original artwork created by indigenous artists living in the New England region of the United States and the Canadian Maritimes (from Connecticut to Labrador).

This program is free with the price of regular admission. No need to reserve a spot, this is a drop in program. Questions? Email us at educator@abbemuseum.org

The Abbe is hosting a unique drop in workshop for visitors to learn more about sea glass art with Ann Pollard-Ranco, Penobscot. Ann invites you to sit and chat with her about her art while she gives guests a demonstration of her process. You are also welcome to try your hand at making a pendant of your own to take home!

This program is being offered in conjunction with the Abbe’s new temporary art exhibit wolankeyutomon: Take Care of Everything. Wolanketutomon, a collaboration between Maritime Indigenous Artists, Inc. (MIA) and the Abbe Museum, explores the protection of waters sacred to the Wabanaki and the conservation of sea-life living in those waters. It will feature original artwork created by indigenous artists living in the New England region of the United States and the Canadian Maritimes (from Connecticut to Labrador).

This program is free with the price of regular admission. No need to reserve a spot, this is a drop in program. Questions? Email us at educator@abbemuseum.org.

A special treat for our visitors! John from Northern Stars Planetarium will have his portable planetarium on site to teach us about the night sky and its importance to peoples across the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to sit inside an inflatable planetarium to hear stories and learn more about the cosmos. This program is geared toward families with young children.

Stick around after the program and make your own constellation viewer with an Abbe Educator in our Community Gallery!

Participation in this program is $10 per person and is free for Abbe Museum members. Space is limited, reservations are required. To reserve a spot please contact educator@abbemuseum.org.

If you’re looking to end the summer on a high note, join us from August 19-23 for the Abbe Museum Summer Camp! Our experienced educators have crafted an action-packed session full of games, stories, crafts, songs, and learning opportunities, all centered around Wabanaki culture. This educational, immersive camp is wonderful for ages 7-12.

This year we will be highlighting astrophotography and archeoastronomy with our campers through the week of camp. Science, culture, and art all in one space!

Limited space available. Costs vary, click here for more details and the application.

For more information contact Abbe Museum Curator of Education Starr Kelly, at (207) 288-3519 or starr@abbemuseum.org.

John Dennis of the Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Nation is truly a keeper of tradition. A musician and storyteller, John will entrance visitors with songs from his hand drum and the stories and teachings he has learned throughout his life. In his work in cultural preservation and youth and recreation, John strives to pass on his knowledge to the youth of the Mi’kmaq and other Wabanaki Communities.

John will have two sets on this day, the first from 11 am- 12 pm and again at 1 pm- 2 pm.

Location: Nature Center Patio, Acadia National Park

All Cultural Connections in the Park programs are sponsored by Dawnland, LLC, are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs every Wednesday from late June through September.

Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

If you’re looking to end the summer on a high note, join us from August 19-23 for the Abbe Museum Summer Camp! Our experienced educators have crafted an action-packed session full of games, stories, crafts, songs, and learning opportunities, all centered around Wabanaki culture. This educational, immersive camp is wonderful for ages 7-12.

This year we will be highlighting astrophotography and archeoastronomy with our campers through the week of camp. Science, culture, and art all in one space!

Limited space available. Costs vary, click here for more details and the application.

For more information contact Abbe Museum Curator of Education Starr Kelly, at (207) 288-3519 or starr@abbemuseum.org.

If you’re looking to end the summer on a high note, join us from August 19-23 for the Abbe Museum Summer Camp! Our experienced educators have crafted an action-packed session full of games, stories, crafts, songs, and learning opportunities, all centered around Wabanaki culture. This educational, immersive camp is wonderful for ages 7-12.

This year we will be highlighting astrophotography and archeoastronomy with our campers through the week of camp. Science, culture, and art all in one space!

Limited space available. Costs vary, click here for more details and the application.

For more information contact Abbe Museum Curator of Education Starr Kelly, at (207) 288-3519 or starr@abbemuseum.org.

If you’re looking to end the summer on a high note, join us from August 19-23 for the Abbe Museum Summer Camp! Our experienced educators have crafted an action-packed session full of games, stories, crafts, songs, and learning opportunities, all centered around Wabanaki culture. This educational, immersive camp is wonderful for ages 7-12.

This year we will be highlighting astrophotography and archeoastronomy with our campers through the week of camp. Science, culture, and art all in one space!

Limited space available. Costs vary, click here for more details and the application.

For more information contact Abbe Museum Curator of Education Starr Kelly, at (207) 288-3519 or starr@abbemuseum.org.

Emma Hassencahl-Perley, visiting Wolastoqiyik artist, will host a two-day art demonstration from August 14 to 15. She will be presenting and working on her regalia, while simultaneously talking about her craft and approach to dance.

Hassencahl-Perley has exhibited in venues such as the Aberdeen Cultural Centre in Moncton, the Government House in Fredericton, Start Gallery in Sackville, the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg and the Roundhouse Gallery in Vancouver, BC

This program is free with the cost of admission and is open to the public at the Abbe Museum’s downtown location. Questions? Please contact us at educator@abbemuseum.org

Allan Saulis, Maliseet, is a well-established artist from Tobique First Nation and specializes in paintings that evoke emotion and look at difficult issues facing Wabanaki people today.  Norma Saulis, Penobscot and Mi’kmaq, is Allan’s partner, culture keeper, and beadworker. Together, Norma and Allan run Maritime Indigenous Artist Inc. which seeks to uplift and support Indigenous artists from Cape Cod to Labrador, the traditional lands of Wabanaki peoples. Both Allan and Norma will be demonstrating their arts for visitors and available to talk about their inspirations as artists today.

 Location: Nature Center Patio, Acadia National Park

All Cultural Connections in the Park programs are sponsored by Dawnland, LLC, are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs every Wednesday from late June through September.

Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

Emma Hassencahl-Perley, visiting Wolastoqiyik artist, will host a two-day art demonstration from August 14 to 15. She will be presenting and working on her regalia, while simultaneously talking about her craft and approach to dance.

Emma Hassencahl-Perley has exhibited in venues such as the Aberdeen Cultural Centre in Moncton, the Government House in Fredericton, Start Gallery in Sackville, the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg and the Roundhouse Gallery in Vancouver, BC

This program is free with the cost of admission and is open to the public at the Abbe Museum’s downtown location. Questions? Please contact us at educator@abbemuseum.org

Gabriel Frey, Passamaquoddy, comes from a long line of fancy and utility basketmakers. He uses his family’s traditional knowledge and style to create beautifully woven, sturdily built utility baskets that can be used for a variety of purposes. Join Gabriel as he demonstrates the labor intensive process of preparing ash and see firsthand how his beautiful and functional art is created.

Location: Wigwam at Sieur de Monts, Acadia National Park

All Cultural Connections in the Park programs are sponsored by Dawnland, LLC, are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.

The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs every Wednesday from late June through September.

Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

Eldon Hanning of the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians is well known for his utility baskets.  A master of ash preparation, Eldon will demonstrate the traditional Micmac method of pounding and splitting ash, which differs greatly from the techniques of the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy ash-pounders.  A board member of the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance, Eldon has taught hundreds of members of each of the Wabanaki tribes how to weave potato baskets—a basket which the Wabanaki are well known for. 

Location: Jordan Pond House Lawn, Acadia National Park

 All of these programs are sponsored by Dawnland, LLC, are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public. The Cultural Connections in the Park series occurs every Wednesday from June through August and on select dates in September

Rain Location: Abbe Museum, downtown

This annual event is a summertime favorite! Come visit Sieur de Monts to enjoy a few hours of family fun with the Abbe Education Staff. We’ve got games, crafts, activities, and face painting to share with you! All are welcome to join in the fun, rain or shine.

These activities are free with admission to the Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts,. For more information, contact Abbe Museum Education at educator@abbemuseum.org.