Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine

06/12/2026

Missed our oral history event with the Bates students but still interested in listening to their audio exhibit? Check it out at this link: https://mainesoundandstory.com/story/franco-american-stories-by-bates-purposeful-work-class-2026/!

This audio exhibit is the culmination of a three week intensive at Bates College in May 2026. Students in the Short Term course “Purposeful Work: Community-Engaged Audio Storytelling” worked with instructor Galen Koch and archivist Anna Faherty at the Franco-American Collection to create this li...

06/09/2026

9 days left to get your tickets! See you there!

WEDNESDAY, June 24
Doors & Cash Bar 5pm
Event 6pm

TICKETS: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=321811

In collaboration with the Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine, the Franco Center’s final La Rencontre of the 2025-26 season will celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste day on Wednesday, June 24, with dinner and dancing.

Celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day with music, food, and community spirit at this festive gathering! Honoring French-Canadian heritage, the event features traditional songs, lively entertainment, and plenty of camaraderie. Join friends and neighbors for a joyful tribute to culture and tradition that brings generations together in celebration.

Tickets for this extra special La Rencontre must be purchased by 5 PM on June 17 so we can plan the number of meals to prepare.

06/05/2026

Don’t forget to get your tickets before 6/17!

WEDNESDAY, June 24
Doors & Cash Bar 5pm
Event 6pm

TICKETS: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=321811

In collaboration with the Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine, the Franco Center’s final La Rencontre of the 2025-26 season will celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste day on Wednesday, June 24, with dinner and dancing.

Celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day with music, food, and community spirit at this festive gathering! Honoring French-Canadian heritage, the event features traditional songs, lively entertainment, and plenty of camaraderie. Join friends and neighbors for a joyful tribute to culture and tradition that brings generations together in celebration.

Tickets for this extra special La Rencontre must be purchased by 5 PM on June 17 so we can plan the number of meals to prepare.

05/11/2026

Join us at the Franco Center on 6/24. Get your tickets before 6/17!

WEDNESDAY, June 24
Doors & Cash Bar 5pm
Event 6pm

TICKETS: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=321811

In collaboration with the Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine, the Franco Center’s final La Rencontre of the 2025-26 season will celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste day on Wednesday, June 24, with dinner and dancing.

Celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day with music, food, and community spirit at this festive gathering! Honoring French-Canadian heritage, the event features traditional songs, lively entertainment, and plenty of camaraderie. Join friends and neighbors for a joyful tribute to culture and tradition that brings generations together in celebration.

Tickets for this extra special La Rencontre must be purchased by 5 PM on June 17 so we can plan the number of meals to prepare.

05/07/2026

Interested in learning more about Canadian Citizenship since the law changed in 2025? Check out this program from Maine Calling:

A new law changes the ancestry qualifications for Canadian citizenship. We learn about the changes and how they impact people in Maine.

12/04/2025

Check out this year’s stats for our podcast! Not already listening? Join us at this link: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dkzMBg4yJlFEXg0HVzAiO?si=IpceH7mLTtOB1EZXXAcjpA

10/02/2025

09/17/2025

The Maine State Archives and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission are offering new grants to support programming at local history institutions statewide!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission Grant Program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Funded by the Maine State Archives and the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council, this one-time grant opportunity will help create meaningful commemorations that honor Maine’s past and inspire its future.

The purpose of this grant program is to support inclusive, community-centered research, events, programs, projects, or exhibitions offered by museums, heritage areas, history organizations and sites, other nonprofits, or state, county, municipal, or tribal entities. Grants of up to $10,000 are available and do not require any fund matching or cost sharing.

Visit the link below for more information and the application link. Grant applications are due October 31, 2025, and selected recipients will be notified by December 15.

https://www.maine.gov/sos/america250me/funding

09/16/2025

Our friends at the University of Maine Augusta French department (French at UMA) are hosting a French immersion day upcoming! Register by 9/23!

Please share on your personal social media to get out the word! :)
PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS? Want to have fun and meet other people trying to improve or retain their French? The annual French immersion weekend is at UMA, Oct. 3rd-4th! There is a full day of immersion on Saturday, October 4th and an optional dinner on Friday, October 3rd at Le Club Calumet. Check out the website. You need two years of high school or one year of college French, or equivalent, to participate. VENEZ TOUS!
https://www.uma.edu/academics/programs/french/events/

This year, we are offering wonderful and interactive workshops on topics such as: African storytelling, Franco-American culture in Augusta, yoga, cooking Jambalaya, visiting Quebec, songs, games, and more!

The deadline to sign up is September 23rd–don’t wait!

08/25/2025

Are you interested in taking French language courses at USM? Well, wait no more! The Fall Semester begins next week, and the USM Linguistics Department has seats available in their French courses, particularly FRE 201, taught by native French speaker and experienced instructor, Nathalie Gorey.

Did you know: High school students can take USM courses for free through Early College, and folks over 65 can also take them for free with a senior waiver!

For more information, please contact:
Claire Holman, USM Linguistics - [email protected]