Re|Sounding
Re|Sounding stems from the maritime process of “sounding,” or measuring depth beneath a vessel as a form of navigation. With this exhibit, Maine Maritime Museum is dedicated to re-measuring our institutional understanding of Maine’s maritime history by centering Indigenous and Black perspectives. Directed by a group of humanities scholars and community leaders in collaboration with museum curators, this exhibit will examine Wabanaki and Black maritime history and culture. With a humble acknowledgment of work that lies ahead, Re|Sounding also marks a moment of institutional reflection and a commitment to responsibly and inclusively collecting, exhibiting, and sharing Maine’s maritime stories.
Recently uncovered archival documents will provide insight into undertold stories of the state’s Indigenous and Black maritime communities, celebrating resilience and tradition while shedding light on a global history of colonization and enslavement. The exhibit will feature both historic artifacts and artworks of contemporary Wabanaki and Black artists to deliberately invite dialogue on the ways history continues to shape the present, prompting visitors to imagine futures founded on equity and freedom.
Image: Sailor at the helm of schooner Davis Palmer, Photograph Collection 52, Maine Maritime Museum
Exhibit Advisors
Jordia Benjamin, Executive Director of Indigo Arts Alliance
Dr. Kate McMahon, Executive Director of Castine Historical Society in Castine, Maine
Bob Greene, Retired Journalist, Maine Historian, and Black cultural leader
Dr. Meadow Dibble, Founder and Executive Director of Atlantic Black Box
James Eric Francis, Sr, Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation for the Penobscot Nation
Seth Goldstein, Executive Director of the Cushing’s Point Museum, Director of Development at the South Portland Historical Society
Contributors
Malene Djenaba Barnett
James Eric Francis, Sr
Gabriel Frey
Daniel Minter
Jennifer Neptune
Jason Pardilla
Antonio Rocha
Nyugen E. Smith
Summer Tate
Maine State Archives
Fogler Library, University of Maine Orono
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Pejepscot History Center
Phippsburg Historical Society
Abbe Museum
Maine Historical Society
Osher Map Library
American Antiquarian Society
Historic New England
New England Historic Genealogical Society
Patten Free Library
Exhibit Themes
Interconnectedness of local & global histories
Maritime trade as catalyst for opportunity & oppression
Indigenous traditions, water routes, & craft
Indigenous and Black mariners
Atlantic slave economy
Resiliency of descendant communities
This exhibit was made possible with support from
David Camlin
The Going Beyond Fund
Jeff Griecci
The Midcoast Charitable Foundation
B&H Photo
Country Farm Furniture
Hampton Inn Bath
N.C. Hunt Lumber
Perakis Ironworks Group
Opens November 15, 2025; on view through 2027
