BAR HARBOR—The Abbe Museum is proud to announce that it has been chosen to host a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence as part of a statewide tour organized by Maine Historical Society. The Declaration will be on display at the Abbe on August 21 and 22, 2026 in dialogue with its exhibitions that offer Wabanaki perspectives. Tickets are free but should be reserved for timed entry. The Abbe Museum stop on this tour is supported by the Maine Community Foundation and is organized in partnership with the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
This tour will offer Hancock County residents and visitors a unique opportunity to see and reflect on one of the nation’s founding documents during the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The selection of the Abbe Museum, whose mission is to illuminate and advance greater understanding of and support for Wabanaki Nations’ heritage, living cultures, and homelands, allows for the added context of Indigenous perspectives on the United States’ semiquincentennial.
The document on display is one of just 26 surviving copies of the historic Dunlap Broadside, printed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, to announce American independence to the colonies. Maine Historical Society is privileged to steward this rare artifact and share it with us.
“The Declaration of Independence is one of our nation’s most celebrated documents, but it has never meant the same thing to everyone. From an Indigenous perspective, it represents a profound contradiction: proclaiming the ideals of liberty and equality while inciting anti-Native racism, even at a time when the Wabanaki were allied with Revolutionary forces. We hope this visit allows for a fuller public conversation that moves us all towards more understanding and a more perfect union.” said Betsy Richards (Cherokee Nation), Executive Director of the Abbe Museum.
A Unique Public Experience
The installation will include interpretive materials such as signage, videos that explore the Declaration’s history and Maine’s role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The Abbe will highlight important Wabanaki perspectives through its contemporary art exhibit “In the Shadow of the Eagle”, which aims to share a greater understanding of Wabanaki Nations’ place within our ongoing national narrative. The Declaration will be on view just steps away from the Abbe’s copy of the first international treaty signed by the United States, The Watertown Treaty of 1776, signed with the Wabanaki Confederacy just 14 days after the Declaration of Independence, as well as an interactive archive of Wabanaki veterans’ exemplary military service to their homelands from the Revolutionary War through today.
Community Events and Local Engagement
The Declaration will be on view at the Abbe Museum on August 21 and 22.
Families are welcome and the Abbe will have a simple scavenger hunt and some creative activities for young people.
Local programming organized by the Abbe Museum includes a panel discussion on Saturday, August 22 at 4:00 pm. “A Nation Examined: Wabanaki Voices on the Declaration of Independence” features Penobscot leader Donna Loring—author, broadcaster, and former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Maine Governor Janet Mills—and Dr. Darren Ranco, University of Maine Professor (Penobscot). Moderated by Abbe Museum Director Betsy Richards (Cherokee Nation), this will be a powerful and timely dialogue on the Declaration’s promises, contradictions, and lasting impact on Wabanaki Nations. This panel program is produced in collaboration with the Maine Historical Society.
This stop is part of a broader effort to encourage communities across Maine to participate in conversations around the 250th anniversary that help us reflect on it in meaningful and locally relevant ways.
Plan Your Visit: Make a “timed entry” reservation today!
Location: Abbe Museum, 26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME Dates: August 21 and 22 Hours: August 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm & August 22, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Panel Discussion: Saturday, August 22, 4:00 pm at the Abbe For more information, visit https://www.mainehistory.org/revolutionary-maine-doi-barharbor/
About the Abbe Museum The Abbe Museum seeks to illuminate and advance greater understanding of and support for Wabanaki Nations’ heritage, living cultures, and homelands. 26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609. 207-288-3519. abbemuseum.org
About the Maine Historical Society Maine Historical Society preserves and shares Maine’s story. We envision a Maine in which all people feel connected, empowered, and inspired by history. 489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101. 207-774-1822. mainehistory.org.