USM’s Franco-American Collection preserves and promotes the culture and heritage of Maine’s Franco-American population. Select your field of interest below to explore the fascinating world of Franco-Americans—today and yesterday.

Jacques Cartier Club members and club house, 1920s.
Jacques Cartier members outside their club house, 1920s.

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School girls dressed for a play, 1800s
Members of the cast of “Shepardess Drill.”

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Le Messager Staff late 1800s.
Staff of Le Messager newspaper, late 1800s.

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Learn what resources the Collection has available.

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Snowshoes made of wood and animal sinew.
Wood and animal sinew snowshoes with modern straps.

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See what other classes have done with our resources!

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L-A Twins Hockey caricature
L A Twins Hockey caricature, 1964-1965 season.

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Learn how to donate your family’s heritage materials.

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News

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July 24, 2026

From Maps to Mills
Dr. Malinda Haslett sings music by Claude Arrieu in a concert at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

March 25, 2024

Concert burnishes the legacies of overlooked women composers
Little Canadas

September 26, 2023

Revisiting the History of Little Canadas in the US: Identity and Spatial Organization in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Among the dozens of papers that were pulled out of the Academy Building's walls during a renovation project was this drawing.

August 29, 2024

Renovation project opens a time warp to campus life in the 1800s
Marzia Saidi contributes to a panel discussion at the Living and Learning in Maine workshop which explores life as an immigrant in Maine.

May 17, 2024

Library project gives immigrants an outlet to share their stories
Lit in Digital Age pic by Kerrtu @ Pixaby.

February 8, 2024

Literature and Culture in the Digital Age
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