Abbe Museum: Weaving Together Indigenous Knowledge, Expressive Culture, and Allyship

Almost 100 years after opening, the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, is building on their decolonial commitment, educational mission, and track record of decolonized interpretation of its collections by centering Native values, thought leadership, and audience activation.

We’ll be joined by Betsy Richards (Cherokee Nation), Executive Director of the Abbe Museum and Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations, who, with over 25 years of experience building cultural and narrative power for Indigenous peoples and BIPOC communities, guides the Abbe’s recent transformative journeys.

Betsy will discuss the museum’s renewed dedication to centering Wabanaki Nations, putting Indigenous knowledge and values at the forefront, and activating visitors as allies. We’ll peek behind the curtain as we learn about the Abbe’s new strategic plan and value statement and hear about the upcoming Dawnland Festival of Arts and Ideas.

Learn about the museum’s innovative approaches to creating an inclusive narrative that celebrates and supports the sovereignty and living cultures of the Wabanaki Nations while honoring the individuals behind the art.