The Penobscot Primer is an innovative computerized Native American language resource for teaching and research. Photographer Richard Garrett developed it to use with the late Madeline Shay, the last Penobscot brought up speaking the native language. Inspired by slides, Madeline spoke in her native tongue about the Penobscot world. Penobscot teachers Carol Dana and Barry Dana employed the written phonemes of Dr. Frank T. Siebert to transcribe her words. The Hudson Museum supported this effort by donating a computer to the Penobscot Nation’s Indian Island School to run the Primer. The exhibit in the Hudson Museum includes the Penobscot Primer, items of Penobscot material culture, and color photographic prints from the Primer. The Penobscot Primer is dedicated to Madeline’s grandchildren.

I don't want to go to school. No! No!

Click here to listen to Madeline speak Penobscot

The bird is going to fly away.

Click here to listen to Madeline speak Penobscot

For more information on the Penobscot Primer Project, e-mail: rosever@tdstelme.net