Enjoy it while visiting Bar Harbor in Maine
The Abbe Museum in Maine is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. As the only Smithsonian-affiliated organization in the state, it holds a special place for its focus on the Wabanaki Nations, the indigenous population of Maine. The museum owes its existence to Dr. Robert Abbe, a summer resident whose name it proudly bears. During his visits to Bar Harbor, Dr. Abbe collected numerous artifacts belonging to the Wabanaki people, which he discovered around the bay. Inspired by his findings, Dr. Abbe encouraged others with similar collections to join forces and establish a museum dedicated to educating the public about Maine’s Native Americans. Over time, more artifacts were uncovered, enriching the museum’s collection. Today, the Abbe Museum boasts ethnographic materials spanning from the 17th to 20th centuries, contemporary works by the Wabanaki people, and the largest collection of Maine Indian basketry in the country.
The museum features a main exhibit called “People of the First Light” that explores the rich history of the Wabanaki people spanning over 12,000 years. This exhibit beautifully showcases their language, traditions, cultural attire, and personal anecdotes, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of their heritage. In addition to this captivating display, the museum hosts temporary exhibits, including ones highlighting the work of native artists. While some recent visitors expressed disappointment with either the content or the age of the artifacts on display (as they found some items to be too modern), others were delighted by the informative nature of the exhibits and stated that they gained valuable knowledge during their museum visit.