Abbe Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Abbe Museum
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Bar Harbor, Maine |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Gilchrist, Edmund B.; Shea Brothers |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000451 |
| Added to NRHP | January 19, 1983 |
The Abbe Museum is a special place in Bar Harbor, Maine. It has two locations on Mount Desert Island. This museum teaches visitors about the history and culture of the Wabanaki people. The Wabanaki are the Native people of Maine.
One museum spot is in downtown Bar Harbor. The other is at Sieur de Monts inside Acadia National Park. The Sieur de Monts building is very unique. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical building. It was one of the first buildings in Maine made just for a museum. It also shows a rare style of building called Mediterranean architecture.
The museum was once led by Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko. She worked to make sure museums tell stories fairly. In 2020, Chris Newell became the museum's leader. He is a member of the Passamaquoddy tribe. He works closely with the Wabanaki Nations.
What You Can See: Collections
The museum has many interesting items. These include things made by Native Americans long ago. They also have items from Europeans who came to the area in the 1600s.
- Stone tools: You can see arrowheads and spear points.
- Bone items: There are harpoons, hooks, and combs. There is even a rare flute made from bone. It might be 2,000 years old!
- Baskets: The museum has a large collection of beautiful baskets.
- Powder horn: There is a special powder horn. It is believed to have belonged to Chief Orono of the Penobscot people.
The main part of the collection came from a doctor named Robert Abbe. He was a pioneer in using X-rays. He retired to Mount Desert Island due to health reasons.
Building Style: Architecture
The Sieur de Monts building was designed by Edmund M. Gilchrist. It was finished in 1928. Its style mixes ideas from Spanish and Italian buildings. It has a special eight-sided room. This room was designed with Dr. Abbe's help. It was made to hold his collections.
This building is thought to be the only non-home building in Maine with this Mediterranean style. It was also the first building in the state made specifically to be a museum.
See also
In Spanish: Museo Abbe para niños
