2001 ABBE USEUM Bar Harbor, Maine A supplement to the Bar Harbor Times Page 2 The Abbe Museum 2001 Abbe Museum's history dates back 75 years he Abbe Museum has a unique Philadelphia to design the and Library Services, the project returned to meet the need for space to store the T mission: to further the under- Mediterranean-style structure. The muse- the Abbe to pristine condition. collections and provide educational pro- standing and appreciation of um opened on Aug. 14, 1928, and was gramming, as well as year-round accessi- Maine's Native American cul- dedicated to the memory of Dr. Abbe, Bursting at the seams bility. The Abbe began considering a tures, history and archaeology. who had died five months earlier. But by the early 1990s, although the number of options for expansion. The The opening of the new, year-round The same year it opened, the Abbe Abbe was nationally recognized for its construction of a new MDI YMCA left Abbe marks a major expansion for the became the first institution in Maine to outstanding conservation and preserva- the old Y building in downtown Bar museum, which recently celebrated its sponsor archaeological research. Since tion programs, the collections storage Harbor vacant, giving the Abbe the 73rd birthday. then, the Abbe's extensive surveys and area was bursting at the seams. The size opportunity to acquire this important part The museum is named for Dr. Robert excavations throughout the state have and variety of the collections had created of the town's history and preserve it for Abbe (1851-1928), an eminent New added significantly to our knowledge a dramatic need for additional storage public use. The Abbe concluded that the York surgeon, medical pioneer of native cultures dating space in a conservationally sound envi- Y building, on an .89-acre downtown site, and beloved summer resident back as far as 10,000 years. ronment. Also, with only 2,000 square offered the best solution for expanding of Bar Harbor. Dr. Abbe's The museum has become feet, the 1928 building had limited space the museum into a location that would be medical career included the main repository for for exhibits and no space for educational accessible year-round. courageous and some- archaeological collec- programs or research. Because of its loca- The Abbe purchased the building in times controversial mea- tions from Maine's tion, it could operate only from late 1997. On Aug. 14, 1998, the museum cel- sures such as the early use Midcoast region. While spring to early fall. ebrated its 70th birthday by launching the of radium therapy, which the Abbe's earliest collec- In 1994 a strategic planning process Campaign to Bring the Abbe Museum to brought him in close col- tions focused on archaeol- outlined the vision of two Abbe museums see HISTORY on page 8 laboration with Marie and ogy, the museum soon Pierre Curie. His scientific expanded its holdings to interests were complemented by include objects from historic peri- THE NEW ABBE MUSEUM his work as a gifted artist, photographer ods and, more recently, contemporary and mapmaker. crafts. Over the decades the collections A supplement to the Bar Harbor Times September 2001 In the 1920s, Dr. Abbe began collecting grew to more than 50,000 objects, with Earl D. Brechlin Editor early Native American artifacts found in materials such as textiles, birchbark and this area. ash baskets joining the original collections Cathy MacDonald Advertising Manager Along with a small group of people of stone and bone artifacts. ixacium Havens who shared his interest, he raised funds Copy Editor in 1986 a conservation survey indicat- to build a permanent, fireproof museum ed some severe problems with the condi- Nikita Simmons Graphic Design to house and display these objects. Dr. tion of the Abbe at Sieur de Monts Abbe wrote that his aim was "to engage Spring. From 1987 to 1998, the Abbe Special thanks to Sharon Broom, development director at the Abbe, the visitor in the human dimension that implemented an ambitious conservation for all her help in producing this special section. shaped and gave meaning to Northern program including extensive renovation Maine for millennia." A site near Sieur of the 1928 building. Funded by a variety The Bar Harbor Times de Monts Spring was chosen for the of sources including a grant from the 76 Cottage Street, P.O. Box 68, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 museum, and Dr. Abbe worked with Maine Historic Preservation Commission 207-288-3311 www.barharbortimes.com noted architect Edmund Gilchrist of and grants from the Institute for Museum Bar Harbor's fine dining establishments welcome the Abbe Museum to its new downtown location the the Rose Garden Restaurant Reading Room Restaurant at the Bluenose Inn at the Bar Harbor Inn Contemporary, American Regional Cuisine Panoramic Ocean Views Four Diamond Dining Traditional Fine Dining Three Course Selections - Prix Fixe Dazzling Sunday Brunch Executive Chef Fredric Link Serving lunch, dinner & traditional Downeast Before and after dinner, enjoy classical entertainment lobster bakes on our outdoor, oceanfront terrace in the magnificent Great Room. Fine Dining & Relaxed Atmosphere Four Diamond Dining BH 288-3348 90 Eden Street (Rte. 3, across from College of the Atlantic) 288-3351 For Reservations www.bluenoseinn.com Newport Drive (Adjacent to Municipal Pier) Reservations Requested . Dressy Casual Attire www.barharborinn.com 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 3 New Abbe reflects Wabanaki themes by Laurie Schreiber way of life that is too little explored by people from other backgrounds. Then I was standing on the highest The new Abbe purposefully cultivates mountain of them all, and round about that long-missing sense of exploration, by beneath me was the whole hoop of the creating a site plan that seems to take the world. And while I stood there I saw more visitor from the threshold of the present than I can tell, and I understood more deep into the past. The front portion of the than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred museum itself has historic significance for manner the shapes of all things in the local folks. Dating from the late 1800s, spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they extensive renovations have wrought an must live together like one being. And I amazing transformation. Most recently, of saw that the sacred hoop of my people course, this was the MDI YMCA, and in was one of many hoops that made one cir- that incarnation, sweaty gym-goers per- cle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and haps didn't bother to notice the fancy in the center grew one mighty flowering molding and panelled walls, probably tree to shelter all the children of one chipped, cracked, and many times painted mother and one father. And I saw that it over. That's precisely the original wood was holy. - from "Black Elk Speaks," panelling, sills and Dutch doors that have quoted in The Sacred Tree been sanded down and dressed up for such a handsome look now. n the traditional Native American Working with the Maine Historic Diane Kopec, Abbe Museum Director in the new museum space on Mount view of life, the circle represents Preservation Commission, the Abbe was Desert Street in Bar Harbor. PETER TRAVERS PHOTO wholeness, the cycles of nature, bal- able to ensure that anything done to the ance. A perfect shape, without top or existing building met historic standards, National Registry of Historic Buildings, a color - gold, red and blue panels support bottom, length or width, the circle is pre- said the museum's director, Diane Kopec. distinction already awarded to the original the exhibition cases, and birchbark screen sent everywhere in the physical and spiri- Thus, where the wall was broken through trailside Abbe at Sieur de Monts Spring. prints run in a long, russet-colored ribbon. tual world. It is an ancient symbol repre- to join what had been offices and a hair The museum experience begins before "This room serves two purposes," says senting the four winds, the four directions, salon to the main body of the building, the you've even entered. Among the guidelines Ms. Kopec, "to welcome people and to the four stages of life. addition of sliding pocket doors lend a offered through focus groups, Maine's introduce them to the Native Americans. The centerpiece of the new Abbe classic feel to the change. Monstrous fluo- Micmac, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and We hear people say SO many times that Museum is the Circle of Four Directions rescent lights were removed and tasteful Penobscot folks put the spotlight not only they didn't know Native Americans live building, a magnificent, three-story struc- track lighting installed, state-of-the-art on circles, but color. The front door is here in Maine. We're going to let them ture spiralling up to the sky. The building illumination throughout the museum that is painted a goldish yellow, and spiral mold- know that." is only one piece of an overall renovation controlled through a computerized system. ing on each side is multiple hues. Inside to The orientation gallery is designed to and construction project. But for the An existing walk-in safe and brick fire- the left is the orientation room, original show people as they live today, with a Native American communities consulted place - complete with plaster bas-relief wainscoting intact and painted white, com- mural, photographs, video and other on the design of the project from day one, ribbons and urn below the mantel - only plementing the light-colored ash flooring exhibits. One wall has been scribed with it is a central concept that echoes their add to the perks. This respectful treatment that has been installed throughout the welcome messages in Maine's four tribal deepest beliefs, ancient traditions and a will make the building eligible for the museum, as well as the decorous use of see BUILDING on page 4 Abbe's real treasure is legacy of a people by Nan Lincoln purist, really." As a teenager, Mr. Akins recalls One of Watie Akins' most enduring helping his grandmother sell her bas- memories of living at his grandmoth- kets from the back of a station wagon, er's house on Indian Island when he for $30 or $40 apiece. "I'd sure like to was a small boy is the basket-making have some of those back now," he sessions held there every weekend in says, knowing that those Philamene the fall and winter. Soulis baskets would now sell for hun- His grandmother, Philamene Soulis dreds of dollars each. Nelson, her sister Malijian (Mary Actually, Mr. Akins did get some of Jean) and several other women friends them back. While still in his 20s he would gather around the big, kitchen began collecting his grandmother's table with all the materials spread out work and eventually the work of other in front of them. "Some would be weaving or braid- ing sweetgrass," Mr. Akins recalls. "I don't care what race "Others would be sizing lengths of ash, which the men had split for them you come from. Seeing earlier. It was my job to keep the and learning about woodbox filled and to bring tobacco another culture is relevant for their pipes." By summer, Mr. Akins says, there to anyone." would be a room full of baskets to sell. Watie Akins Mr. Akins and his family are Penobscot with a little Maliseet in the mix. The basket-making ritual was Native American basketmakers that not an unusual thing in the Native caught his fancy. He acquired quite a American community where he grew collection. up. But as he grew older, he started As a young man just beginning a paying more attention to the objects career in structural engineering, Mr. that were being created in his grand- Akins' life was somewhat peripatetic mother's kitchen, learning to distin- back than, but each time he moved to a guish the good weavers in the group. new job site he packed up his baskets His grandmother was the best. into boxes and took them along. "Her baskets weren't showy, with a "When I'd get to a new place I'd lot of extra decoration - very simple, take them out and set them around really, using traditional patterns," he me," he says. "Then I'd reminisce says. "But the tightness and uniformity about my grandmother and my life of her weave, the colors she chose and back home." the graceful shapes made her work Penobscot Watie Akins is a trustee of the Abbe and grandson of master basket- stand out from the rest. She was a see LEGACY on page 6 'maker Philamene Soulis Nelson. PHOTO COURTESY ABBE MUSEUM Page 4 The Abbe Museum 2001 BUILDING from page 3 them. Both have dual protective over- hangs, sloped on the old, angled on the languages. Three generations of basket- new. The diamond-paned windows of the making is displayed. original are reinterpreted in the new "Visitors will see and hear the native through the use of slats. The effect is of a people," Ms. Kopec says. "They can't seamless melding from past to present, possibly leave this room and not know honoring both - an architectural rendi- they live in Maine." tion of the institution's overall mission. A timeline also begins in this room, Farther down the passage is a multi-use starting inversely, from the present and gallery, for educational programs and leading backward. Most timelines start in exhibits. This space and others represent the distant past and lead to modern life. the first time the Abbe will be able to offer But once you step out into the hallway, indoor programs and workshops. The you get a distinct rush of clarity as to why exhibit hall, of course, gives an even bet- it's the other way around here. The long ter idea of the wealth of space now at the passage seems to lead deeper into the ages, Abbe's disposal. Designed as one large and the timeline, mounted along the wall, room that can be divided into two gal- is like a meditation that helps you under- leries with a moveable wall, the 3,000 stand where you're going - 12,000 years square feet is by itself half again as large back, eventually. The little signals to being as the old Abbe in its entirety. in another element are present even in the The view from the window at the end signage, created in three-dimensional half- of the hall takes advantage of the slope of circles printed with a symbol for each the land; entering at street level in front, space - an owl, of course, for the educa- you find yourself above another, lower tion gallery, a fiddlehead for the courtyard. level in the rear. The main courtyard, out Plenty of glazing and whitewashing back, is edged by a head-height wood create a light-filled effect. The view from fence; it will be developed into an activi- one window shows a small courtyard, ties garden. This is also your first glimpse where granite blocks, taken from the orig- of the Circle of Four Directions. inal foundation where the old part of the "Governor King stood here and said, gym was torn down, form a semi-circle, 'Oh, a basket, Ms. Kopec related of the surrounded by a slate and shrubbery land- dignitary's recent visit, as he was viewing scaping scheme. This is where small- the round building's shingle pattern, group talks can be held, along with work- which slopes upward and around the shops, flute-playing, storytelling and other building's tapering shape. "The idea for it museum offerings. The east side of the came from what's called a porcupine quill courtyard is faced by the back of the origi- basket, which is woven on an angle." nal building and the west side by the front The circular building itself is a pro- of the new construction. This is where it's gram space but, more than that, it has a easy to see how faithful the new design is kind of hushed, meditative quality. The to the old, echoing a sense of its curves fir-panelled walls taper up a couple of sto- The exterior of the new Abbe Museum's Circle of Four Directions. and angles without actually duplicating see BUILDING on page 18 PETER TRAVERS PHOTO Congratulations Abbe, on your well-deserved opening and Congratulations Thank You to the workers who faithfully ate here during the construction. Abbe Museum on your opening. Rika's Open Daily 5AM-10PM 101 Cottage St. Bar Harbor FAMILY 288-8902 RESTAURANT We have enjoyed being a part of the Alternative your expansion A COMMUNITY MARKET CONGRATULATIONS ABBE! C C Electric BenBow's - Featuring Fine Estate, Organic and Fair Trade Coffees and Teas 30 Freedom Park Hermon, Maine 04401 207-848-2922 Fax 848-2902 ccelect@mint.net COME BY FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH WHEN YOU VISIT THE MUSEUM 16 Mt. Desert Street 288-8225 Open 7 Days 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 5 Design key for success of building by James Hickey streets retained the structure's traditional The designers of the new Abbe shingle style, which dates back to 1893. Museum were faced with a dilemma: Until recently, the building was the site of They wanted to maintain the integrity of the YMCA, and resonates in the memories the historic Victorian building on Mount of area residents, many of whom played Desert Street where the museum would be sports in its facilities. housed, but they also wanted to display The building fronts the village green, the essence of the Native American cul- and the rear abuts a residential neighbor- ture that was showcased within. hood. "It was kind of challenging," said The goal of supplementing the muse- architect Jon Traficonte of um with a facility situated closer to Schwartz/Silver Architects of Boston, the mainstream social activities was under- firm assigned the task of designing the stood as both supporting and extending new Abbe. "We were given a beautiful, the original museum's goal, Mr. old Victorian building with the task of Traficonte said. putting a Native American museum in it, Designers also were careful to maintain so we had to respect both sides of the elements from the original building, while equation." at the same time coming up with exciting, To the advantage of the design team new ways to incorporate Native American was the fact that the new downtown muse- style into the design. um is considerably larger than its prede- The historic significance of the original cessor, the original Abbe Museum at the building - and concerns about disrupting Sieur de Monts entrance to Acadia the character of the neighborhood - led National Park. This was important to a design strategy which engaged the because it allows for additional space to typical massings and finish of the building exhibit more of the expansive Native true to its historical roots. American collection and also to run edu- The building was a notable example of cational programs. the eclectic shingle style widely used dur- The entire Abbe Museum's collections ing the period. It featured over-hanging comprise more than 50,000 objects, repre- second and third floors and a long group- senting 10,000 years of Native American ing of windows on the facade with dia- culture and history in Maine. mond panes on the second- and third-floor The collection includes artifacts from windows. the state's four federally recognized tribes: The oldest part of the building was the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy constructed in 1893 by Edward B. Mears, and Penobscot peoples. to serve as a legal and real estate office. The main building on the .89-acre site When Mr. Mears became founding direc- Native American flute music, by David Sanipass, fills the interior of the Abbe on the corner of Mount Desert and School DESIGN Museum's Circle of Four Directions. PETER TRAVERS PHOTO see on page 10 ROSS & FERM, LLC We support the Attorneys at Law Abbe Museum- 204 Main Street - P.O. Box 1123 the key to Ellsworth, Maine 04605 discovering Telephone (207) 667-1373 Maine's history Michael L. Ross William N. Ferm Mary G. Cline Residential Commercial Land Waterfront Property Vacation Rentals We Congratulate the Year-Round Rentals Abbe Museum on its opening and appreciate the contribution to our community Lynam REAL ESTATE Sherman's Bookstore www.lynams.com www.lsrobinson.com 207 288.3334 207 244.5563 56 Main St., Bar Harbor 227 Main Street POBox C 337 Main Street POBox 1480 Bar Harbor Southwest Harbor 288-3161 Maine 04609 Maine 04679 LSRobinson REAL ESTATE Page 6 The Abbe Museum 2001 LEGACY from page 3 "Truth is, it was hard when they building when it became clear the become one of the country's finest drove off with them," Mr. Akins Abbe would have to expand. And he resources for learning about a Native Forty-five years later Mr. Akins was recalls. "I just sat there, heartbro- has frequently been consulted about American society past and present. packing up more than 100 baskets in ken." construction and design elements in "I don't care what race you come 20 boxes to make his moves. But neither then nor now, he says, the new building. Recently, he joined from. Seeing and learning about another About six years ago, after making a has he harbored any regrets about his the Abbe's board of trustees, which culture is relevant to anyone," Mr. rather hasty move from Lucerne to decision. Since, he has not only been includes three other Native American Akins says. "The Abbe is a friend out Bangor, Mr. Akins says he became included in discussions of how to best members and two advisors. there. It supports the tribes, preserves a concerned about damaging his collec- manage his collection, in his capacity Mr. Akins believes his grandmoth- way of life, and respects us as a distinct tion, which he knew had become valu- as a structural engineer he was er's baskets have found a good home people in the way we were and in the able both historically and monetarily. involved with the search for a new here, and that the Abbe Museum will way we exist today." "I began thinking about donating them to a museum, but which one," he says. "I was seriously thinking about Dartmouth." Before sending his collection off to New Hampshire, however, Mr. Akins recalled something else from his child- hood. He remembered family summer excursions to Bar Harbor, and being taken to visit the Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts Spring. "Most of all, I recall being fascinated by the displays that showed the early Penobscot and Passamaquoddy culture. The hunting, fishing, camping-out-of-doors. I loved to go camping, but I guess I hadn't really understood until then what it must have been like." He called the Abbe. He believes it was Abbe director Diane Kopec whom he first spoke to about his baskets. Mr. Akins says she not only showed great interest in the collection, she also seemed to "get" how important they were, and included him in discussions about how they should be cared for and displayed. He decided to donate 69 of his grand- mother's best baskets to the Abbe. Still, it was no easy thing parting with these old friends. Basketmaker Philamene Soulis Nelson. PHOTO COURTESY ABBE MUSEUM Honoring the Abbe because furnishing the mind is just as important as furnishing the home FURNISHINGS FURNITURE Kitchen Beds & Bureaus Bed & Bath Tables & Chairs Tabletop Lighting Garden Furniture Floor Coverings Candles Couches & Armchairs Mirrors Occasional Tables window Baskets panes FURNISHINGS: 166 MAIN STREET Rugs 207 288 9550 Open Daily FURNITURE 74 COTTAGE STREET 207 288. 9555 Open Mon-Sat BAR HARBOR 800 519.4889 HOME GARDEN GALLERY FURNITURE www.windowpanesbarharbor.com 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 7 Volunteering at the Abbe is enriching experience isitors to the Abbe Museum receive a V warm welcome and essential information, thanks to the volunteers who help staff the Become an Abbe seasonal facility at Sieur de Monts Spring. In turn, the volunteers who contribute their time volunteer! and talents to the Abbe find that the rewards are sig- nificant. Harriette Mitchell, who has volunteered Beginning Sept. 29, the new with the Abbe since the mid-1980s, is enthusiastic and much larger Abbe Museum about her volunteer role with the museum. "I love in downtown Bar Harbor will to greet people from all over the world!" she said, noting that the Abbe's guest register includes visi- need volunteers year-round. tors from every state in the U.S. and dozens of Volunteers will serve as gallery countries. "I especially enjoy talking with the many docents and greet visitors at the visitors we get from Germany and from South American countries." admissions desk. They will Ms. Mitchell, who is 80, said working at the assist in the museum shop and Abbe is a continuing education. "I'm all for learn- museum offices and help with ing more and more," she said. She recalls that when educational programs. she was a youngster in Thomaston, "Native Volunteers will receive train- Americans were still selling their baskets and other wares door-to-door. So it has been very interesting ing about the Abbe including its to me, as an Abbe volunteer, to learn so much about history, collections and archaeo- Maine Native Americans." logical research. For information For example, the Abbe's exhibition of etched about volunteering, contact birchbark by Tomah Joseph, a turn-of-the-century Passamaquoddy chief and artist, inspired Ms. museum manager Cynthia Crow Mitchell to look at a family heirloom in a new light. at 288-3519 or e-mail her at "I realized that my grandmother's birchbark basket abbecc@midmaine.com. The was more than just a wastebasket," said Ms. Mitchell, Abbe's Web site is www.abbe- who donated the piece to the Abbe's collections. Harriette Mitchell of Bar Harbor has made friends with people from The museum shop is another source of enjoy- museum.org. all across Maine and around the world by volunteering at the Abbe ment for Ms. Mitchell, who says with a laugh, "My Museum. MEREDITH STAPLES PHOTO family knows what they will get for their birth- days!' Hospital. Each winter she spends two weeks doing medical mission Ms. Mitchell has a full schedule apart from her work in South America. But she always returns to the Abbe. commitment to the Abbe. A licensed nurse, she vol- "I would encourage anyone to volunteer with the museum, whether unteers 20 hours a week as a senior companion and they work at Sieur de Monts or at the new, downtown museum," she also volunteers at Mount Desert Island Community says emphatically. "It's a wonderfully enriching experience." WG KG Congratulations Abbe Museum! We are proud to have taken part in the construction of your new building John W. Goodwin Jr. and Crew 244-7805 Page 8 The Abbe Museum 2001 HISTORY from page 2 the Community, a project to renovate and expand the old Y as a year-round comple- ment to the seasonal museum at Sieur de Monts. Because of a generous challenge grant from Maine philanthropist Elizabeth B. Noyce, the Abbe had already raised more than $1 million for the new museum. Speaking at the event, Robert C. Abbe, grand-nephew of the museum's founder, said, "If Dr. Abbe were with us today, he would be amazed and pleased to observe the vigor with which the staff and support- ers of the museum have, through the ensu- ing decades, carried his vision into a new dimension of community service." Plans for the renovation were approved by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, which consid- ers the building eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places - a distinction also held by the original Abbe. By April 2000 the capital campaign had raised sufficient funds for the museum to break ground and begin construction. The campaign was completed in December 2000, having secured $6 million for the new building, exhibitions and endow- ment. Among these gifts were two presti- gious grants that served as endorsements of the Abbe project on the national level: The Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts Spring, opened in 1928, will continue to operate seasonally, Memorial Day weekend a $375,000 challenge grant from the through mid-October. PHOTO COURTESY THE ABBE MUSEUM National Endowment for the Humanities and a $400,000 challenge grant from the the new museum and for the programming The Circle was made possible by a gift the temperature at 70 degrees, plus or Kresge Foundation. it would offer. From these meetings came from John and Ruth Overton in memory of minus 2 degrees; and keep the humidity the concept of the circle as an important his mother, Joan Blair Overton. at 55 percent, plus or minus 2 1/2 percent. Native Americans share ideas design element throughout the building to The entire new building's state-of-the- Grants from the National Endowment In planning the expansion, the Abbe reflect its meaning in Native American art climate control system protects the for the Humanities' Division of met with Native Americans around the cultures. This concept is seen most dramat- collections. It is designed to filter virtual- Preservation and Access and the Institute state to gather their ideas for the design of ically in the Circle of the Four Directions. ly all contaminants from the air; maintain see HISTORY on page 14 MAINE First ENERGY EXPRi INC SENDS A BIG 1625 HAMMOND ST., BANGOR, ME CONGRATULATIONS TO MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS Design Engineering Heating THE ABBE MUSEUM Plumbing Gas Piping 61 Cottage Street Bar Harbor Air Conditioning Air Piping 288-5885 TELEPHONE 848-3301 FAX 848-5693 The Professional Service Congratulations to KNOWLES Since 1898 COMPANY Real Estate Sales THE ABBE MUSEUM Rentals Property Management EXCLUSIVE We are proud to be a part Sotheby's One Summit Road, PO Box 367 INTERNATIONAL REALTY Northeast Harbor, ME 04662 of the team that built your R www.knowlesco.com new outstanding facility. REALTOR STATEWIDE Phone (207) 276-3322/Fax (207) 276-4114 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 9 Celebration will launch the New Abbe Museum The biggest celebration in the 73-year history 1 to 4 p.m.: 1:30 to 4 p.m.: of the Abbe Museum is scheduled for Saturday, Children's activity, "Beadwork." Flintknapping demonstration by Ron Sept. 29, as the museum is opened to the public. Newcomb, who will show visitors the traditional This free event will begin with drumming and a 1:30 to 4 p.m.: method of making stone points. Light refresh- ribbon-cutting ceremony, then continue all day Basket weaving demonstration by Sylvia ments will be served throughout the day. with a full schedule of tours, performances, Gabriel, Passamaquoddy. demonstrations and children's activities. Schedule 10 a.m.: Drumming by Blanche Sockabasin, Passamaquoddy. 10:15 a.m.: Ribbon-cutting cere- mony to open the new museum. Speaking will be board president Oscar E. Remick; director Diane Kopec; Representative Donald Soctomah, an Abbe advisor who represents the Passamaquoddy Tribe in the Maine Legislature; Robert C. Abbe, grand-nephew of the museum's founder; and Alice Wellman, vice chair of the capital campaign. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Basket weaving demonstration by Donald and Mary Sanipass, Micmacs. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Children's drop-in activity, "Stratigraphy." Participants will create a miniature "archaeology site" with objects that they choose. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Songs and storytelling by Blanche Sockabasin, Donald and Mary Sanipass, Micmac basketmakers, will demonstrate their art at the Grand Opening Passamaquoddy. Celebration of the Abbe Museum on Saturday, Sept. 29. PHOTO BY STEPHEN BICKNELL Congratulations Once You Look Into Investing for the future, A Pella® Window, You building on the past Won't Want To Look Through Anything Else. UNION TRUST When it's time to choose windows, VW.UNIONTRUST. COM insist on Pella. 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Bar Harbor 1998 Pello Corporation For information regarding Reservations & Pella Windows and Doors Downeast, G A LYN'S credit cards accepted call Gary Holsapple at 763-4299 or e-mail at: gdholsapple@pellanh.com Dinner 4-10 nightly Lunch Dinner & Cocktails Lunch 11:30-2 daily Page 10 The Abbe Museum 2001 DESIGN from page 5 According to Mr. Traficonte, the bulk the building were discussed with groups sition. It was decided that the best way to of the original building was left intact, and from the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy accomplish this was to design a large, cir- tor of the YMCA in 1899, he conveyed the refurbished. The structure of the oldest tribes. cular structure at the far end of the exhibi- building to that organization. portion of the building was the best pre- Almost immediately, a need was articu- tion hall. The original portion and a slightly served, and largely left alone by the lated for a special space for events and This was effective, Mr. Traficonte said, later octagonal addition, with a distinc- designers. The octagonal addition, he presentations for native peoples. This idea due to the fact that the circle has symbolic tive turret, were designed by the well- added, did require considerably more ren- presented the opportunity to depart from significance to the native peoples of known Boston architectural firm of ovation work. the shingle style architecture which Maine. Appropriately, that portion of the Andrews, Jaques & Rantoul, which also Some later additions constructed by defined the rest of the building, and create building was named the Circle of Four designed the old Bar Harbor Swimming the YMCA were in such poor condition this space as a distinct element in compo- Directions. Club and a number of grand "cottages" in that they had to be demolished or the area. replaced. Mr. Traficonte, however, The building actually has lived a emphasized it was important for the charmed life, having survived the Great design team to also show the influence Fire of 1947 that destroyed many other of native cultures, as well, ideally in a structures from Bar Harbor's Victorian manner of "creative contrast" to the tra- heyday. ditional design heritage of the rest of the The building is SO rich in history that building. In that sense, he said, the goal the Maine Historic Preservation was to address both levels of context in Commission had considered the building an integrated and mutually respectful eligible for the National Register - a dis- way. tinction already held by the original Abbe To attain an accurate concept of a Museum, which opened in 1928. Native American design strategy, plans for Builder was board's eyes, ears Bar Harbor contractor John Collier served the Abbe as construction supervisor for the new museum. It was his job to serve as a liaison between the museum's board of trustees, the building and grounds committee, the architects and the con- tracting firm of E.L. Shea Inc. out of Ellsworth, which served as the project's prima- ry contractors. Mr. Collier regularly worked with people such as Steve Fellis, project manager; Rebecca Cole-Will, the museum curator; and Betts Swanton, the exhibit developer, taking their input and putting it toward the construction process. Many involved with the project felt that Mr. Collier's contributions were invalu- able. Several speakers at the Abbe's annual meeting in July praised his efforts. "He did a great job, listening to all the different people involved, taking care of the day-to-day operations," said Abbe Museum director Diane Kopec. "He really seemed to have a handle on what kind of museum we wanted and was able to move that vision forward." During construction, the graceful curved beams of the Circle of Four Directions Mr. Collier is the owner of A.B. and J.R. Hodgkins Builders in Bar Harbor. frame the brilliant blue sky and clouds over Down East Maine. PETER TRAVERS PHOTO Congratulations to The Robert Abbe Museum on your new facility and to E.L. Shea Inc. for your professional execution of the project. We are proud to have been your major supplier of building materials. Lumber & Building Materials Since 1927 L.A. GRAY For the Professional Contractor and Serious Homeowner COMPANY U.S. Route 1 Hancock, ME 04640 1-800-439-4729 2001 The Abbe Museum Page I Circle of Kitchen P O Educational Four Directions Orientation Programs Hall Exhibit Hall Admissions Museum The Abbe Shop Museum Gallery Entry level floor plan Shop the museums The Abbe Museum Shop operates year-round at the Accessible Abbe downtown museum on Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor Both Abbe locations on Mount Desert Street in Bar and seasonally at the Sieur de Monts Spring site. The shops Harbor and in Acadia National Park are wheelchair accessi- provide operating funds for the Abbe and support the muse- ble. For access to the Sieur de Monts location, please call um's educational mission. They offer a selection of contem- ahead for directions. porary native arts and crafts, books about Native American cultures, history and archaeology, and other related items. Congratulations ! Abbe Museum We are proud to have you as a neighbor. Birdsnest Gallery Eclipse Gallery Fine Art Art Glass Mount Desert St. - Bar Harbor Page 12 The Abbe Museum 2001 Join the Abbe Museum family embership in the Abbe Birchbark Circle, $250; Brown Ash M is the best way to expe- Circle, $500; and Lifetime, $5,000. rience the museum's Each level is accompanied by addi- exhibitions and educa- tional benefits. Members of the tional programs, now offered year- Sweetgrass Circle or higher levels round. At the same time, Abbe mem- receive a complimentary subscrip- bers have the satisfaction of know- tion to the award-winning national ing that they are supporting a muse- magazine, Native Peoples. um with a unique mission: further- For information about member- ing the understanding and apprecia- ship in the Abbe, contact the muse- tion of Maine's Native American um at 288-3519 or e-mail Sharon heritage. Broom, development director, at All Abbe members receive basic abbesb@midmaine.com benefits including: Free admission to the Abbe at both the year-round museum and the seasonal Sieur de Monts Spring location; Discounts, advance notice and priority registration for educational programs; Invitations to exhibition pre- views, the annual meeting and other events; Subscriptions to the Abbe newsletter and calendar of events; A 10 percent discount on muse- um shop purchases at both Abbe locations. A camera with radio-controlled release Membership is available at six gets a bird's eye view of construction levels: individual, $30; household, workers during the building of the new $50; Sweetgrass Circle, $100; Abbe Museum. PETER TRAVERS PHOTO Congratulations! Abbe Museum! We're proud BROWNS APPLIANCE to have helped Brown't turn this dream Appliance & TV Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm ROUTE 3, BAR HARBOR ROAD, ELLSWORTH (In the old Grossmar Bldg 667-4629 into a reality We offer our "Archaeological Associates Gratitude" to the Abbe Museum Gary Friedma Eden Rising offers an eclectic blend of gifts from around the world! Family run, the warm spiritual atmosphere welcomes locals and visitors alike. Traveling for over 15 years to Bali, India, Thailand, 19 First South Street 115 Franklin Street, Suite 1A and Nepal we are happy to share a wide range of gifts, clothing, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 Bangor, ME 04401 shoes, jewelry, hand made goods, music, books, body care and more! 207-288-8080 207-942-8080 We ship nationwide. Enjoy gifts with abundance. EDEN RISING Helping Nonprofits Succeed 39 Cottage St., Bar Harbor 288-1124 www.edenrising.com 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 13 Collections are heart of museum's mission he collections of the Abbe including woodcarvings and birchbark T Museum are known nationally as containers. The basketry of the last 100 a significant holding of 50,000 years is especially well represented, objects representing 10,000 years including baskets woven by Philomene of Native American life in Maine. The pri- Nelson and Rene Attean of the Penobscot mary collections include archaeological, Nation; by Passamaquoddy tribal mem- historic and contemporary objects. bers Mary Gabriel, Theresa Neptune The archaeological collections consist Gardner, Clara Keezer and Molly Neptune primarily of stone and bone tools such as Parker; and by Micmac tribal members projectile points, knives, axes and fishing Donald and Mary Sanipass. Other contem- weights; bone objects such as harpoons, porary works include birch root clubs fish hooks, combs and needles; and carved by Penobscot Stanley Neptune and ceramics including the earliest known pot- his son, Joe Dana. tery styles in Maine. A flute made from Within the Abbe's collections are three the bone of a swan is estimated to be major groups of Native American 3,000 years old. Many of these baskets donated by individ- objects were acquired from ual collectors: a 1931 gift by the Abbe's archaeological Mary Cabot Wheelwright, excavations from all parts founder of the of the state. Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in These baskets are on view in the permanent exhibition "Wabanaki: People of the The earliest objects in the historic collections Santa Fe, N.M.: a 1995 Dawn" in the new Abbe Museum, illustrating how craft traditions are passed include 17th century glass gift by Watie Akins, a through generations of Maine Native American families. STEPHEN BICKNELL PHOTOS trade beads and copper Penobscot engineer; and a tools. Eighteenth century 1998 gift by Anne Molloy objects include pipes, jewelry Howells, author of books for and an etched powder horn attrib- young people. As a result of these uted to Chief Orono of the Penobscot and other gifts, the museum's collections Nation. The 19th century is well repre- of more than 1,000 Native American bas- sented by a variety of objects that demon- kets include the largest and best docu- strate the flowering of traditional arts and mented collection of Maine Native crafts for sale. Among these are finely American basketry in any museum. woven ash and sweetgrass baskets, deli- In addition, the Abbe has a supporting cate Micmac quill boxes, etched birchbark collection of photographs, maps and containers and colorful, highly decorative archival documents, as well as a library of beaded items. texts and journals on related subjects. The contemporary collections docu- The collections of the Abbe continue to ment the continuing Native American grow through gifts, purchases and archae- craft tradition in Maine with objects ological excavations. With congratulations Wallace to the new Abbe Museum TENT & PARTY RENTALS and best wishes for every success Congratulations Abbe Museum! Reserve early to guarantee the items you need! 24-Hour Service Phone & Fax: (207) 667-6210 P.O. Box 552, Bar Harbor Road, Ellsworth, Maine 04605 Best Wishes abbe Museum Jon Traficonte, AIA Steve Davis at Your New Location. Warren Schwartz, FAIA Robert Silver, FAIA From all of us at MACHIAS Schwartz/Silver Architects, Boston, MA SAVINGS BANK www.schwartzsilver.com 64 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor 288-5826 93 High St., Ellsworth 667-3378 MEMBER FDIC Page 14 The Abbe Museum 2001 HISTORY from page 8 for Museum and Library Services enabled the Abbe to install state-of-the-art, high- density mobile storage cabinetry to safely house its extensive collections. While the Abbe collections will be Easy parking moved into the new building and most of the museum's educational program- Free parking for the Abbe ming will take place downtown, the Abbe will continue to maintain its sea- Museum Grand Opening sonal, historic site museum. Here, visi- Celebration will be available at tors can step back in time to see exhibits on the archaeology of Maine and the the Conners-Emerson School, history of the Abbe, along with some of located at the corner of Route 3 the museum's important archaeological collections. and Eagle Lake Road in Bar The Grand Opening Celebration for the Harbor, with shuttle service to the Abbe on Sept. 29 will fulfill the modern vision of two Abbe museums. At the same Abbe on Mount Desert Street. time, it will continue Dr. Abbe's vision of Limited free parking also will be 73 years ago: to engage the visitor in understanding and appreciating Maine's available at the First National Native American heritage. Bank of Bar Harbor at 102 Main St., a short walk from the new museum. Penobscot Chief Big Thunder, from a 1912 postcard. He and his wife demonstrated Native OHIEP B IG THUNDER PINNOBBCOT THING Olive customs and ceremonies on COPYRIGHTED 1912 A for ORR OLD West Street in Bar Harbor. We are proud to We Congratulate support the the Abbe Museum Abbe Museum and offer our on your Congratulations Grand Opening on your and wish Grand Opening. you continued success. BAR HARBOR BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY "Where Shopping is a Pleasure" 82 Main St., Bar Harbor Don's Shop' Save 288-3314 The Only Locally Owned and Operated Supermarket in Hancock County 86 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor 288-3621 - Member FDIC OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 15 Abbe Museum Abbe Museum Board of Trustees Address: P.O. Box 286, Bar Abbe Museum at Sieur de Dr. Oscar E. Remick, President John Bear Mitchell Virginia Pratt Agar Bonnie D. Newsom Harbor, ME 04609. Phone: (207) Monts Spring Watie Akins John Blair Overton 288-3519 Open Memorial Day weekend to Dr. Harold W. Borns Jr. James E. Patterson Fax: (207) 288-8979 Oct. 15 John R. Collier Lee E. Pittle E-mail: abbe@midmaine.com Douglas F. Cowan, MD Clifford A. Pulis* Web site: www.abbemuseum.org Location: Sieur de Monts Spring Cheryl Curtis David R. Sanderson in Acadia National Park, 2 miles Dennis Damon* Abbe Museum Downtown Rebecca J. Sargent south of Bar Harbor, just off the Douglas W. Endicott Dick Schloss, Past President, 1995-99 Open year-round beginning Park Loop Road and off Route 3. Bill Ferm Madonna M. Soctomah Sept. 29 Theodosia J. Gray* Jane E. Tawney Location: 26 Mount Desert Hours: Elisabeth C. Heyward Ann Staples Waldron Street (Route 3), across from the Memorial Day weekend to mid- Dr. Frederick E. Hutchinson Jean M. Weber village green. October Lawrence C. Johnston* David J. Witham Open daily: spring and fall: 10 Rebecca J. MacQuinn Hours: a.m. to 4 p.m.; July/August: 9 a.m. *Term expired July 2001 Memorial Day Weekend to Oct. to 5 p.m. 15 Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: $2 for adults, $1 for until 9 p.m. Thursday through children ages 6 through 15; no Saturday charge for children under 6. Abbe Museum Staff Oct. 16 to Memorial Day week- Diane R. Kopec, Director end Sharon Broom, Development Director Julia Clark, Collections Assistant Open Thursday through Sunday, Cynthia Crow, Museum Manager 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rebecca J. Cole-Will, Curator Closed on New Year's Day, Tracy L. Hallett, Business Manager Thanksgiving Day and Christmas David Mitchell, Custodian Day. Shannon L. Nachajko, Programs Coordinator Adrienne Redhair, Museum Store Manager Admission: $4.50 for adults, $2 Betts Swanton, Exhibits Developer/Designer for children ages 6 through 15; no Lisa E. Taplin, Development Assistant charge for children under 6 Congratulations welcome Abbe Museum ABBE on the opening of your to the neighborhood new facility. We wish you continued success! HM Horton, McFarland & Veysey from your friends at New Business Assistance 667-5529 Auditing & Accounting REEL PIZZA CINERAMA Income Tax Planning 1-800-499-9108 & Return Preparation Main Street Ellsworth PS. WE WILL BE CLOSING FOR OUR OWN RENOVATIONS IN OCTOBER (HONEST) Page 16 The Abbe Museum 2001 Exhibitions in the new Abbe Museum through the decades, Abbe T Museum exhibitions at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park have explored subjects ranging from an island archaeology site to Native American legends to artistry in birchbark. Because of limited space and resources, however, the museum could show only one exhibition at a time. In the new Abbe, a variety of exhibi- tion spaces will allow the museum to pre- sent changing exhibitions, show works on loan from other museums, and host travel- ing exhibitions. Those who developed and designed the exhibitions for the new Abbe include Rebecca Cole-Will, curator; Betts Swanton, designer and project manager; Dru Colbert, designer and consultant; Julia Clark, curatorial assistant; and Dee Lustusky, volunteer. The first exhibitions in the new Abbe, on view to the public beginning Sept. 29, are listed below. Wabanaki: People of the Dawn The most frequently asked question at the Abbe Museum has been, "Are there any Native Americans living in Maine This Wabanaki birch bark canoe, decorated with exquisite designs, is part of the exhibits at the new Abbe Museum. today?" To answer this question, the new PETER TRAVERS PHOTO Abbe introduces visitors to contemporary Native Americans in the state as soon as communities in Maine. It features a selec- Penobscot/Passamaquoddy, and featuring bition for Mr. Neptune, whose work has they enter the museum. Installed in the tion of objects from the Abbe's collections an interview with Wayne Newell, appeared in the Abbe, in Native Peoples Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis that demonstrate the enduring traditions of Passamaquoddy. Ms. Frey worked on the magazine and in the booklet "A Wabanaki Gallery, "Wabanaki: People of the Dawn" native people. Native voices are heard in a video under a collaborative internship Guide to Maine," published by the Maine is a graphically rich, permanent exhibition new, 10-minute video, "Wisdom of the with local filmmaker David Westphal and Indian Basketmakers Alliance. focusing on the contemporary Wabanaki Elders," edited by Rhonda Frey, Betts Swanton of the Abbe Museum, pro- ject director. Sweat Lodge by ssipsis, The exhibition also is the starting point Penobscot for a timeline, "From the Present to the An artist, storyteller and activist, ssip- Past," that begins with contemporary sis makes her home in the north Maine Native Americans in Maine and continues woods. Sweat Lodge (1988) is a three- back in time 12,000 years. The timeline dimensional construction composed of 18 was developed by curator Rebecca Cole- oil paintings framed in oak. The work is a Will with assistance from Native manifestation of the artist's personal Celebrating Americans throughout the state who gen- visions - visions of totems and clans, erously shared their research, anecdotes visions of process, creation and power. A the Abbe Museum- and photographs. A multimedia installa- recent addition to the Abbe's collections, tion, the timeline includes objects, pho- it is installed in the Circle of the Four tographs and text. Directions. our stepping stone to Maine's Native American Heritage Images of the Spirit: First Light, First People Photographs by Martin Continuing through Oct. 15 at the Sieur Neptune, Penobscot/ de Monts Spring location, this exhibition Passamaquoddy looks at how native people have connect- Mr. Neptune's color photographs of ed and interacted with their landscapes - people and landscapes, accompanied by the sea, the forests and mountains, the www.shawjewelry.com his own text, explore the spiritual affini- rivers and lakes, and within their commu- ties shared by indigenous cultures in the nities. The exhibition shows how native eastern and western states, including life today reflects the experience of the Hawaii. This will be the first major exhi- past. Congratulations! HEATING OIL PROPANE GASOLINE DIESEL Abbe Museum on KEROSENE your new facility DEAD RIVER COMPANY AV Bar Harbor Ellsworth Southwest Harbor SHAW JEWELRY 269 Water St. 52 Cottage St. 667-4681 or 244-3131 100 Main Street, Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662 276-5000 288-3309 SAM SHAW, MFA RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN Toll Free 1-800-244-4681 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 17 Fall/winter programs a first for museum olks at the Abbe Museum often popovers will be served at 8 p.m. This Exciting Exhibits, Saturday, Oct. 20. F hear comments from year-round Maine Archaeology Month program is Participants will discover how archaeolo- residents to the effect: "I wish you sponsored by Acadia Corporation, with gists and museums preserve and share the could schedule your workshops proceeds to benefit the Abbe. valuable information they have gathered and other programs during the quiet sea- as they develop their own mini-exhibit to Brown Ash and Sweetgrass Wreath son. They sound SO interesting, but during share their findings. Workshop, Saturday, Nov. 10. 10 a.m. to 3 the summer I just don't have time!" p.m.; $65 for members, $95 for non-mem- The expansion of the Abbe into the new Other programs for children bers. Basketmaker Debbie Brooks, building makes it possible for the museum The following Saturday programs are Passamaquoddy, will teach participants to offer a wide range of educational pro- scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fee how to make a beautiful and unique grams for children and adults throughout for each program is $10 for members and arrangement of brown ash and sweetgrass the year. The programs scheduled for $15 for non-members. on a grapevine wreath. October through January are listed below. Basketmaking, ages 10-12, Saturday, All will be held at the new, downtown Flute Making Workshop, Saturday, Dec. Nov. 3. Children will explore the muse- Abbe location unless otherwise noted. 8. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $70 for members, um's basket collection and learn about The non-member fees for all adult $100 for non-members. David Sanipass, a Native American basketry - and even workshops include a one-year individual Micmac musician and storyteller, will teach create their own basket to take home. membership. For children's programs, participants how to create a flute. member rates apply to those holding a Native American Thanksgiving, ages Beading Workshop, Saturday, Jan. 19. household membership or higher. All pro- 8-10, Saturday, Nov. 17. Participants will 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $55 for members, $85 for Micmac musician David Sanipass will grams require pre-registration; to pre-reg- discover what the first Thanksgiving was non-members. Passamaquoddy artists Gal teach a workshop on making a flute at ister, call the museum at 288-3519. really like from the Native American per- Frey and Pete Moore will lead this work- the Abbe Museum during its first sea- spective as they travel back in the past. shop in making colorful barrettes and ear- Programs for Adults son of fall/winter programs. rings using seed beads and porcupine quills. Archaeology Around the World: Italy, Tea, Popovers and Archaeology, ages 8-10, Saturday, Dec. 29. In this first Monday, Oct. 15. 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jordan Archaeology programs Extraordinary Excavation, Saturday, installment of "Archaeology Around the Pond House; $10 for members, $15 for Oct. 6. Children will discover what World," children will explore the world of non-members. Dr. Richard Will, archaeol- for children archaeology is all about through excavat- Italian archaeology. Participants will dis- logist and Abbe research associate, will In celebration of Maine Archaeology ing a mock dig site. They will learn the ins cover the secrets of Pompeii, make a vol- give a slide talk titled, "Molly Ockett Month, the Abbe has scheduled a series of and outs of how archaeologists find sites cano, and create their own mosaic to take Slept Here: Archaeology on the three Saturday workshops appropriate for and how they excavate. home. Androscoggin." He will discuss his exca- children ages 7 to 13. Each program will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will Amazing Artifacts, Saturday, Oct. 13. Native American Storytelling, ages vations at an important late 17th to mid- 18th century Native American site on the include a half-hour supervised lunch break For workshop participants, this is a chance 10-12, Saturday, Jan. 12. Participants Androscoggin River where Molly Ockett, (participants should bring bag lunches). to take their archaeological experience will discover why storytelling is impor- The cost for all three programs is $25 for one step further as they take part in the tant to Native Americans as they learn one of the Native American women in the members and $40 for non-members. analysis of artifacts. Children will roll up new stories, tell old stories, and make upcoming Abbe exhibition "Four Mollys: Individual programs are $10 for members their sleeves and wash, label and identify their own storytelling pouch to help in Women of the Dawn," is known to have and $15 for non-members. artifacts to unlock the mysteries they hold. telling stories. lived. The restaurant's famous tea and 997dt Congratulations Congratulations Abbe Museum ood construction cadia ystems Inc. The Acadia Corporation has been proudly serving visitors to P.O. Box 213, Dunmore, PA. 18512-0213 Acadia National Park since 1932. Our mission is to provide friendly and courteous service to all park visitors. We are dedicated to preserving the time honored traditions of tea and George Kocsis westimber@aol.com popovers served on the lawn at the Jordan Pond House. Our 570-344-2812 570-344-6015 (fax) shops, both in the park and in downtown Bar Harbor, are proud to showcase the work of some of Maine's most talented producers. The Acadia Corporation is a locally owned company proud of its Maine heritage. As we move into the next millennium, we remain committed to continuing the Jordan Pond House tradi- tions of gracious service and high quality merchandise in Congratulations to a Acadia National Park. Remarkable Institution cadia SHOPS COPLON ASSOCIATES Acadia National Park JORDAN POND Landscape Architecture and Planning Downtown Bar Harbor Acadia National Park 207-288-4122 112 Cottage St. FAX 207-288-5269 Bar Harbor, ME 04609 www.coplonassociates.com THE ACADIA CORPORATION an authorized National Park concessioner Page 18 The Abbe Museum 2001 BUILDING from page 4 age as the collection expands. Again, this is the first time such facilities have been ries to a series of graduated windows at available for the Abbe. Up to now, the peak, topped by a sloped circle of roof researchers have had to wait until the Sieur that faces east to the rising sun. Ash de Monts facility was closed for the winter planks, which make up the floor, are set in order to have room to pull out and ana- perpendicular to each other and extend out lyze artifacts. And the museum's collection to the four main compass points. - more than 50,000 objects up to 10,000 "Here, listen to me here," says Ms. years old - are currently divided between Kopec, stepping into the middle of the room Sieur de Monts and two other facilities. to demonstrate the acoustics. "In early July, The new collections room is capable of we had a Native American opening to bless housing everything, and has neat facilities the building, and they sang songs and peo- for doing SO. Climate control is a given, and ple danced. It was really beautiful." the walls, floor and ceiling were especially The sloping building resembles but is built to keep out moisture. Storage cabinets not supposed to be a representation of a with copious drawers take smaller items, tepee, Ms. Kopec says. and larger things go on compact, floor-to- "The native people asked for a circle ceiling shelving units mounted on tracks. A design, and we worked with it in a number rolling mechanism allows each unit to move of ways," she says. "As part of the visitor away from the others, SO artifacts can be experience, it has a very different feel and accessed as needed and there are no perma- ambience. They pause here, and stop. In a nent aisles to take up precious space. way, it reflects what we have at Sieur de While the museum has its Boston archi- Monts, where the building is octagonal. It's tectural firm, Schwartz/Silver Architects, a feeling space more than a doing space. It to thank for articulating the vision, it's reflects the special feeling of the circle." important to know, said Ms. Kopec and The lower level of the circle building development director Sharon Broom, just houses an activity room sized for children, how involved both the staff and the with low counters and small chairs, and Wabanaki have been in the design process. windows at tot-height overlooking the "The design of the exhibits was done back lawn, where there will be more kid- by the staff and consultants," said Ms. oriented things to do. Elsewhere on the Broom. "This is very much an in-house, lower level, the big kids also have their Abbe Museum project." own activity space: A spacious research "The architect started off with several lab has been created for in-house and visit- rough sketches based on our functional ing scientists. Large windows in one wall needs - our collections and exhibits, for allow visitors to peer through and see what example," said Ms. Kopec. "But we were they' up to. What visitors won't see is the also meeting with Native Americans in collections storage room, a state-of-the-art focus groups, when people gave us their facility of 38 feet by 24 feet, with an addi- thoughts and ideas. In the design process, tional 28 feet by 28 feet, now used for we passed everything by them. They were Contractor E.L. Shea of Ellsworth was the lead outfit on building the new Abbe exhibit development, to be devoted to stor- totally involved." Museum. Builder John Collier of Bar Harbor served as the institution's construc- tion supervisor. PETER TRAVERS PHOTO Congratulations, Abbe Congratulations Abbe! from We're Proud Douglas W. Endicott Agency to be Your Neighbor Full Insurance Services & Acadia Hotel An intimate Prime Coastal Real Estate 207 288-5721 haven in www.acadiahotel.com the heart of Bar Harbor 326-8741 acadiahotel@aol.com 20 Mount Desert Street PO Box 359 Castine, Maine 04421 Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 We congratulate and A BOOKLOVER'S HAVEN support the MONDAY-SATURDAY 9:30-5:30 SUNDAY 1:00-5:00 Abbe Museum Congratulations on your new addition and for 73 years of exhibiting Help Is Just Around The Corner™ Native American life in Maine. Paradis TrueValue MAIN ST. RT 102 IN SOMESVILLE MOUNT DESERT, ME 04660 207 FREE: 800 694-4114 WEBSITE:www.portinastormbookstore.com 31 Holland Ave. Bar Harbor 288-4995 www.paradistruevalue.com EMAILportbks@acadia.net 2001 The Abbe Museum Page 19 Archaeology lab to welcome new, help preserve old by Earl Brechlin ments. Minor cleaning can be done, although major jobs still will be farmed Newfound objects not long out of the out to professional conservators. The lab ground will get their first close examina- space also will be used to prepare items tion here. Long-cherished items in the and mounts for the museum's exhibits. Abbe's extensive collection long packed Julia Clark, full-time collections away will get another look, this time by assistant, will supervise the lab. eyes and minds schooled by additional The lab will play an important role in decades of archaeological discoveries moving the Abbe's collection of more and contextual understanding. than 50,000 artifacts. A re-inventory will According to Abbe Museum curator be done as items are moved from storage Rebecca Cole-Will, the new museum's at the trailside museum in Acadia archaeology lab will provide space to National Park. spread out and study important artifacts. Because of the nature of the effort, The new, climate- and light-controlled the lab will have plenty of work and space will provide a pleasant workspace opportunities for volunteers and interns, the staff could only previously dream Ms. Cole-Will notes. "We've had people about. who wanted to help before, but we liter- "What we've had before was literally ally had no place for them to work." a 6-square-foot tabletop," she explains. Smaller items will be displayed in the The lab, which will have only interior interior windows, and the lab will be an windows, allowing visitors to see what integral part of the Abbe's efforts to goes on inside, will function as a sort of teach people about archaeology and receiving area where artifacts and finds Native American history. can be examined, sorted, photographed, Special spectrum lights have been analyzed and cataloged. installed, and the temperature will be "A lot of these things we've just constantly maintained at 70 degrees with never been able to do before," she con- humidity of exactly 55 percent. tinues. "It is a climate-stable, clean space. It is Because of the fundamental nature of wonderful," Ms. Cole-Will says. its mission, the lab won't be bristling with electron microscopes or Carbon 14 dating equipment. "The archaeology lab is actually fairly low-tech," Ms. Cole- Will says. "We'll have some low-power microscopes, computers, scanners and imaging equipment," she adds. For example, soil samples from field Abbe Curator Rebecca Cole-Will examines some artifacts in the institution's new operations can be screened in the lab for traces of seeds, charcoal or bone frag- archeology lab. PETER TRAVERS PHOTO Sick of looking at that pile of junk? DON'T CUSS - CALL US! The Bar Harbor Experts in all trash removal services FREE From the Little Job ESTIMATES TEMPORARY OR to the Big Job Historical Society PERMANENT 2 Yard to 53 Yard Containers Congratulates We've got what it takes to haul it What are you waiting for - GIVE US A CALL! the PINE TREE Abbe Museum WASTE SERVICES 1-800-639-6205 on its Grand Opening Our Very Best Wishes & Congratulations Preserving our heritage as you enter this new era builds a stronger community 227 Main Street From your long term Bar Harbor, ME 04609 Office 207 288 3334 Bar Harbor Historical Society Bar Harbor Business FAX 207 288 3550 lynamins@acadia.net 33 Ledgelawn 288-0000 Partners LYNAM INSURANCE Page 20 The Abbe Museum 2001 Evening hours To make it as convenient as possible for residents and vis- itors to enjoy the new Abbe Museum, the downtown muse- um will be open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the summer season. Evening hours will be in effect through Oct. 15 and will resume on Memorial Day weekend. The downtown museum shop will be open the same evenings as the museum. Exhibits on Maine's proud Native American heritage fill spacious rooms at the new Abbe Museum. A grand opening for the facility is planned for Saturday, Sept. 29. See schedule inside this section for details. PETER TRAVERS PHOTOS E L Shea, Inc a Building Contractor Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Remodeling and Repair 23 Church Street, Ellsworth, ME. 667-2373 Wishes a Special Congratulations to the Abbe Museum on the Grand Opening of your new facility. We are proud to have been part of this milestone.