Community Open House - June 1

Friends, neighbors, and vacationers are invited to a day of free admission and fun activities on Sunday, June 1 for the opening of the 2008 summer season. 

Activities are scheduled for the Abbe Downtown for 10 to 6 PM. The Abbe at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park will be open all day at no charge 9-4 PM, inviting the public to see our recently updated historical exhibits.

DOWNTOWN - 26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor

Special returning guest Patrick Almenas, Penobscot will show a video and speak about the process of building a birch bark canoe in the Community Gallery at 3-5 PM.  This fascinating video reveals how a continuous piece of birch bark is harvested, prepared and stretched around ribcage of hand-carved cedar slats.  Learn how Spruce roots and pine pitch connect and seal the bark into a strong, resilient vessel.   Hear Patrick talk about the etched symbols and designs adorning the edges, and see the tools used to create them. Don't miss this unique presentation!

Schedule

10-12 PM - Hear Wabanaki stories animated with puppets and props in the Family Circle every half hour until noon. Story time lasts about 15 minutes.  A delightful experience for all ages. 

12-2 PM - Make "beaded critters" in the Circle of Four Directions. Take home one of two bead and wire animal designs.  A fun craft appropriate for all ages (small children may need assistance).

1-3 PM - Touch archaeological objects, artifacts and animal furs, and learn interesting facts about life in Maine prior to European contact.  Ask questions and explore our Layers of Time exhibit.

3-5 PM - Visit with Patrick Almenas, Penobscot as he demonstrates and discusses birch bark canoe-building techniques.

 

The Abbe is proud to announce "Community Free Sundays"

offering free admission every Sunday to Hancock County residents at both Abbe Museum locations.

 

This program is made possible by

generous support from