Thanks to the Animals by Allen Sockabasin has been chosen by the Wilson Museum for the November Story Walk to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Month.

Allen Sockabasin (Passamaquoddy) was a master musician, singer, songwriter, storyteller, teacher and advocate who shared the teachings, spiritual guidance, and cultural heritage of the traditional Passamaquoddy language through his music. This year, his book Thanks to the Animals turns 20!

The place we now call Castine is the home of the Penobscot people, who have been here since time immemorial – the first humans to live here.

Today, the Wabanaki include five nations: the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Abenaki. Wabanaki means “People of the first light” or “People of the Dawnland” in the related languages of these nations.

The Wabanaki Nations are still here in Maine today. The place where you are standing was once cared for by Penobscot people, and often visited by Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, Abenaki, and Maliseet people.

Just like the family in this story, some Wabanaki people of the past had seasonal homes, living in different places in the warmer and colder months of the year. They depended upon the animals of this land and water, and they made sure to respect and care for them.

As you travel along the StoryWalk, here are some things to think and talk about:

• Why is it important to remember and share traditions and stories from the Wabanaki people?
• How can you give thanks to and care for the animals, land, and water where you live?
• Which of these animals have you seen? Can you spot any on the story walk?

Tell Us About Your Visit

Located at the corner of Court and Spring Streets, the StoryWalk^® consists of up to 20 locations along a groomed trail which loops back to the starting point. Each location is a page from a story.

It is open from dawn until dusk. Stories change monthly from April until December.

Parking is permitted near the entrance. Please respect the privacy of the abutting properties.

Each story is designed for multigenerational use with an emphasis on families with young children.

Plan on 20 to 30 minutes to complete the walk.

Please stay on the trail. Sturdy strollers that fit easily within the trail width are allowed.

Leave No Trace: if you take it in, you take it out.

Some of the vegetation will be newly planted, and the existing meadow plants are essential to insect and bird habitat. Therefore, we ask that you do not pick any of the plant material along the walk.

Please do not bring any balls or other playthings on the trail.  Bikes, scooters and electric vehicles are not allowed (except for handicap devices).

This local project has been a three-year effort by the Witherle Memorial Library, the Town of Castine, the Castine Garden Club, the Adams School, and the Wilson Museum.

We extend our gratitude to T-Mobile for awarding Castine a Hometown Grant. StoryWalk is a registered trademark of the the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Vermont.

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