I am a small donor to the Abbe, but also a friend of the Director and many staff members. It has become a powerful member of culture on Mount Desert Island and nationally. The staff is a joy to work with on collaborative efforts. They deserve lots of credit.
The Abbe draws on more than 80 years of curatorial and archeological effort and a deep relationship with the Wabanaki to create a 21st century resource for Mount Desert Island, Maine, America and the wider world. Its gifted leadership and staff know that "place" is at once historical, cultural, physical and emotional. Those who enter the Abbe environment discover the deep history, vibrant present, and promising future of the First People of this place.
This is an award-winning museum dedicated to informing the public about the Wabanaki cultures of Maine, from the ancient past to the present day. Its exhibits reflect a close working relationship with the contemporary Wabanaki nations of Maine. Dr. William A. Haviland Professor Emeritus of Anthropolgy The University of Vermont
The Abbe Museum is a wonderful non-profit. The museum is well-done with lots of Native American artifacts, art, and history. They do a great job of illustrating the role that Native Americans played in our early history and the impact that they have in Bar Harbor today. The Abbe is more than a museum, it is a community center where they have school programs and public programs geared toward educating all about our rich Native American culture. We are very fortunate to have this great resource in our community.
The Abbe is over 80 years old, and has a story to tell that is timeless, but the staff is youthful, creative and up-to-the-minute in terms of museum management and interpretation. There is a wonderful team spirit and genuine desire to learn among the Board, staff and volunteers that make this a very satisfying place to serve as a Trustee. Outreach to the community, both tribal and nontribal, is vibrant and continues to keep the mission front and center so that the Abbe's place as a unique resource for the State of Maine, the entire Northeast U.S. and the country, is clear.
Visited the Abbe Museum this past summer. I found the Abbe to be a top-flight museum that met or exceeded my expectations. They treated the stories of the native populations of Mount Desert Island with dignity and respect and it is clear that they care deeply about their relationship with these peoples as well. I also enjoyed thoroughly my visit to the Abbe facility in Acadia National park. A truly wonderful nonprofit that deserves its accolades and support.