The Skowhegan History House was awarded a $1,500 grant from the ME Expansion Arts Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. Two additional grants totaling $3,500 were made at the recommendation of two donor fund advisors, also from the Maine Community Foundation.

In total, $5,000 was awarded to “Native Voices, the first phase of the Wabanaki Voices: Connecting Past, Present, Future” exhibit. This exhibit will open in June. It will feature the construction of an onsite 10-foot wigwam showcasing the talent and skills of traditional Wabanaki builders. Local high school students will be invited to help with its construction.

The wigwam, to be located at 66 Elm St., in Skowhegan, will be used for presentations, and exhibit-related activities during the 2020-21 History House seasons, according to a news release from Patricia Horine, president, Skowhegan History House.

History house will partner with members of the Wabanaki confederation, Skowhegan Free Public Library, Region Unit/School Administrative District 54, and other organizations to create this exhibit. It will offer an expansive view of Native Peoples’ ancestral territory, culture, language-connected-to-place, art, and oral histories by way of exhibits, children’s programs, presentations, and speaker events.

An indoor exhibit will feature UMO’s Hudson Museum’s resource rich cultural artifacts and resource materials, as well as historic photos, and three Wabanaki digital presentations presenting 10-minute narratives of mythological stories, eco-related spiritual beliefs, and selective artisan crafts.

The history house also will participate with the Skowhegan Free Library book club series under the Maine Humanities Council “Let’s Talk About It” program. The goal is to bring community members together to discuss compelling themes reflecting community interests.

Selected books will highlight Native Peoples’ mythological history, and culture.  Dr. Darren Ranco, UMO Chairman of Native American Programs and coordinator of Native American Research, will facilitate this “Wabanaki Voices” series.

For more information, call Horine at 474-8215.