The Maine Arts Commission appointed David Greenham of Gardiner as the interim Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission for a term of at least two years.
Future of the Abbe Musuem
BAR HARBOR
–Chris Newell, executive director and senior partner to Wabanaki Nations for the Abbe Museum, will discuss the history of Maine’s Wabanaki peoples cultural and historical ties to turtle island (the land we now call North America) from Wabanaki homelands in the land of the dawn.
This free virtual presentation is part of Acadia Senior College’s monthly Food for Thought lecture series and takes place on Friday, Jan. 22 at noon. To register, email [email protected] or contact Acadia Senior College at (207) 288-9500.
Newell is a multi-award-winning museum professional born and raised in Motahkmikuhk (Indian Township) and a citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township. He also serves on the board of trustees for the New England Museum Association and is a current member of the Maine Arts Commission. Newell is a co-founder of Akomawt Educational Initiative, an educational consultancy working with school
BAR HARBOR
–The motto of 200 years of Maine statehood is “Dirigo,” or “I lead.” But where does this desire to lead the nation come from? Chris Newell, executive director and senior partner to Wabanaki Nations for the Abbe Museum, will discuss the history of Maine’s Wabanaki peoples cultural and historical ties to turtle island (the land we now call North America) from Wabanaki homelands in the land of the dawn.
It’s from this historical and cultural perspective that Newell envisions the future of the Abbe and its role in leading museums across the nation in decolonizing museum work, building equitable relationships with living Native communities and changing the museum experience to grow beyond its colonial beginnings to an interpretive learning experience centered around Wabanaki voices.