Abbe Museum

06/18/2026

Moderated by Esther Labrado (North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians), and featuring Daniel French (Mohawk), Mikhu Paul (Maliseet), the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas' Native Freedom of Expression panel happens on Saturday, July 11 at 4-4:50 p.m. on the main stage. As debates around freedom of expression evolve across the United States, this panel examines these issues through a Native lens. Panelists will explore how Indigenous communities navigate and respond to challenges with resilience and creativity, while also addressing the historical and ongoing legal barriers that have shaped Native peoples’ access to First Amendment rights.

06/16/2026

Moderated by Jeremy Dennis (Shinnecock), and featuring Maya Attean (Penobscot/Passamaquoddy), Nolan Altvater (Passamaquoddy), the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas' Native Photography as Self-Determination panel happens on Sunday, July 12 at 11-11:50 a.m. on the main stage.

In conjunction with the Abbe Museum’s exhibition Holding the Light: Contemporary Wabanaki Photography, this panel brings together Native photographers to reflect on reclaiming the medium from its colonial past. Artists will share how their work challenges stereotypes, reclaims representation, and helps shape new narratives and Native futures.

06/15/2026

The Abbe Museum ’s Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas has announced its full lineup of Indigenous-led panel discussions, taking place July 11-12, 2026, on the campus of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Four panels and two days of live performance bring Indigenous voices to Bar Harbor this July! Learn more at DawnlandFestival.org. This festival is free and open to the public.

06/10/2026

Daniel French, a featured performer on Sat., July 11 at 1 p.m., is turning heads & hearts with his electric stage presence & signature sound.

From the Las Cafeteras founder to a film composer turned solo firebrand, Daniel’s art influences culture worldwide, from Netflix studios to National debates, from Bonnaroo to the Hollywood Bowl & beyond. Hailing from Mohawk & Mexican roots, his L.A. Latin, hip hop & Indigenous future sounds aim to build bridges even the most divided nation can dance on.

06/10/2026

Cast your vote for the Abbe Museum! The Abbe has been nominated for Best Museum in Down East Magazine’s "Best of Maine" this year. Voting opened on May 12th and runs through June 12th. We would love your support—please cast your vote at https://vote.downeast.com/.

06/07/2026

Support Indigenous artists carrying forward community and creativity. Bar Harbor, July 11-12 at the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas presented by , on the campus of College of the Atlantic.

06/06/2026

Moderated by Jennifer Neptune (Penobscot), and featuring Samuel St. John (Maliseet), Billy Longfellow (Passamaquoddy), the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas' Water is Life panel happens on Saturday, July 11, at 2:30-3:20 p.m. on the main stage.

For Wabanaki peoples, water is not simply a resource but a sacred, living relative essential to cultural, spiritual, environmental, and physical well-being. This panel explores the deep connections between people and waterways, including cultural teachings, legal struggles, and environmental responsibilities, while highlighting how the health of these waters shapes the well-being of all.

06/05/2026

From live performances to powerful panel discussions, the 2026 Dawnland Festival is packed with unforgettable moments. Panels + performances are seated on a first-come, first-served basis—register now to save your spot!

July 11-12 | On the campus in Bar Harbor - DawnlandFestival.org

06/03/2026

Planning to attend a panel or performance at the 2026 Dawnland Festival? Make sure to register early. Seating is first-come, first-served and space is limited!

July 11-12 | On the College of the Atlantic campus in Bar Harbor -

Join us July 12-13, 2025, for the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas, a celebration of Wabanaki culture at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. As one of the best cultural festivals in Maine, Dawnland Festival features an authentic Wabanaki arts and crafts market, live music and perf

06/02/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Sandy Wilcox’s passing. Sandy’s generosity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of everyone at the Abbe and helped shape our organization in countless ways. Her legacy of leadership and kindness will live on in the work we do, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

The Abbe Museum extends its heartfelt condolences to Sandy’s family, friends, and the many individuals in the MDI community whose lives she touched. We join you in mourning her loss and hold you close in our thoughts during this difficult time.