Open Collections Night! Explore the Franco-American Collection! LEWISTON, Maine – A free community outreach and educational opportunity hosted by the Franco-American Collection Board of Directors and the University of Southern Maine Lewiston Auburn College at 51 Westminster Street in Lewiston. Please RSVP! We are excited to invite you to explore our collections as part of an […]
During the 20th century, Franco-Americans, who are descendants of French-Canadian immigrants, rapidly assimilated into America’s proverbial melting pot. Although Franco-Americans have, in the past, shared common connections with French Canada, the fact is, the culture is not homogeneous. In fact, Franco-Americans include French-Canadians, Acadians, Huguenots, Métis, Creoles and Cajuns. New Mainer immigrants are expanding Franco-American […]
LEWISTON, Maine – March 8, 2019 is International Women’s Day. A discussion about the important role of Franco-American women in supporting the concept of “Home”, will be hosted at the Franco-American Collection, on Friday March 8, 2019, beginning at 4 PM, with speakers and an exhibit depicting the biographies of local women. The Franco-American Collection […]
In response to the blog “What to call ourselves“, based on an essay by Denise Larson, I received several “shared ethnic heritage” messages, from those who proudly claim Franco-American or French-Canadian ancestry. Readers who responded described, what I’ve always found to be, the diversity among those who are Franco-American and/or French-Canadian. Obviously, French-Canadians have French […]
French-Canadian immigrants arrived in Lewiston and Androscoggin County communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to provide labor for the growing industrial mills in the area. Along with their excellent work ethic and often tireless mill labor, they also brought entrepreneurs like Victor and Lucien Bonneau. When the brothers came to Lewiston as […]
