This is the largest display in the region. A number of glass cases show a wide variety of arrowheads and tools, including a large mortar and pestle. Many are attributed to the region, including finds in Dover, Kittery and Portsmouth. Other collections are from the American Plains and other sites with more than 200 items overall. Items can be seen during limited museum hours.
Collection is especially strong in cultures from New Hampshire, the Northeast and the Southwest.
Collection began in 1912 recently analyzed by state archeologist, includes chronological display of 35 Abnaki artifacts from prehistoric to contact eras. Includes largely paleo-Indian lithics and pottery from the Merrimack Valley area. Call ahead to view collections. Now in its newly constructed museum site, the collection includes many artifacts and Native Amercan materials featuring a full-sized reproduction of a birch bark canoe. A major repository for Maine Native American collections.