Pilot - Sharing Our Stories

Introducing Franco-American Pathways (Chemins Franco-Américains), a podcast that uses resources available at the University of Southern Maine’s Franco-American Collection to celebrate Franco history, culture, and stories. In this pilot episode, we talk about the work being done at collections like ours to preserve and protect oral histories and artifacts that document the Franco experience. We talk a bit about the history of the Francos in Maine and New England, interview members of the Franco community, and give you a sample of one of our many oral histories. We hope that our collection will not only be a resource for the academic community, but also a means for Maine’s Franco-Americans to connect with their heritage, and with each other. Please reach out via our website to see photos of the materials discussed in today’s episode, connect about visiting the collection, or just to say “hi” and share your thoughts. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Guests: Dr. Mary Rice-DeFosse Doris Bonneau Hosts: Julia Rhinelander Anna Faherty (The Archivist’s Corner) Maureen Perry (La Collection Parle) Music: Robert Sylvain Historical Sources: Owen, Joseph. “On This Date in Maine History: March 25.” Portland Press Herald. 25 March, 2020. Rice-DeFosse, Mary & James Myall. The Franco-Americans of Lewiston-Auburn. The History Press. January, 2015. Roby, Yves. The Franco-Americans of New England Dreams and Realities. Les éditions de Septentrion, English Edition. September, 2004. Vermette, David. A Distinct Alien Race: Industrialization, Immigration, and Religious Strife. Baraka Books. October, 2018.