New Paths, New Faces - News from the Abbe’s Collections Department

I’m pleased to share that after a brief hiatus, the Abbe Museum’s Collections Department has re-emerged with new leadership, financial support, and an investment in the next generation of Wabanaki curators. This past June we were delighted to receive generous two-year support from the Henry Luce Foundation’s American Art Program to underwrite a new Curator as well as an emerging Curatorial Fellow.

In July, Dr. Aaron Miller joined our team as the Luce Curator of Exhibits and Collections. He brings nearly two decades of experience as a museum professional and archaeologist. Most recently, Aaron headed the curatorial department at the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum in South Hadley, Massachusetts where his work focused on visual and material culture, Native American art, and cultural repatriation. Aaron’s previous fieldwork in archaeology focused on the American and Canadian northeast in the 17th and 18th century.

Joining us this week is the Museum's 2023–2024 Luce Curatorial Fellow, Sage Neptune. Sage is a Citizen of the Penobscot Nation and is finalizing his Masters Degree in Anthropology and Environmental Policy (with a focus on Museum Studies) at the University of Maine, Orono.

With guidance from Dr. Miller and our Wabanki-led Collections Committee, Sage will spend a few days a month during his academic year focused on hands-on learning, research, and a special project. We are looking forward to Sage’s time with us and remain committed to supporting pathways for the development of the next generation of Wabanaki museum professionals.

As always, the Abbe and its staff are devoted to the thoughtful caretaking and collaborative interpretation of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq Nation’s material pasts. At the same time, this moment marks a renewed commitment to the development of exciting exhibitions to share the thriving cultures and artistic expressions of Wabanaki artists and culture bearers with our audiences and partners.

Please join us in welcoming them. We are excited for what is to come!