The Franco-American Collection accepts donations of material related to Maine’s Franco-American communities.

Do you have material relating to Franco families, individuals, organizations, businesses or institutions? Personal memoirs, family histories, letters, photos, scrapbooks, diaries and other items, from any time period up until the present day, can provide a unique insight into Franco-American culture.

Though we appreciate your desire to donate and understand the sentimental and historical value your items hold, due to limitations of space and resources, it is not possible for us to accept every offer. Any potential donation will be assessed to ensure that it conforms with our acquisition policy. If we are unable to take your donation, we will endeavor to find a suitable home at another institution.

If you are interested in donating material, please contact the Collection at 207-753-6545.

Above image: Vest made of snowshoe club ribbons in the storage room at the Collection.

Mission

The mission of the University of Southern Maine’s Franco-American Collection to preserve and promote Franco-American culture and heritage in Maine by providing digital and physical access to unique archival materials and educational programming for members.

Aims:

  • To maintain a collection that accurately reflects the historical culture of Maine’s
    Franco-American Community.
  • To build on the current strengths of the Collection by improving the quality and
    variety of current holdings.
  • To explore opportunities to acquire new materials in subject areas relevant to the
    study of Franco-American heritage.
  • To ensure that the Collection’s limited resources are used most responsibly, so
    that the Collection can best serve the community.
  • To continue our strong program of community lectures, social events and other programs.
  • To continue to grow successful efforts teaching students of all ages about Franco-American heritage and culture.

Acquisition Policy:

  • The Collection recognizes its responsibility when acquiring additions to its collections, to ensure that care of collections, documentation arrangements and use of collections meets the generally-agreed upon industry standards. It will consider limitations on collecting imposed by such factors as inadequate staffing, storage, and care of collection arrangements.
  • The Board of Advisors will be notified of any changes to the Acquisition and Disposal Policy, and the implications of any such changes for the future of existing collections.
  • The Acquisition and Disposal Policy will be published and reviewed by the Collections Committee of the Board, in consultation with the Archivist at least once every three years.  The date when the policy is next due for review is 2027.

Deaccession Policy:

Deaccession will be undertaken only on the advice of the Archivist and approved of by the Board of Advisors of the Collection. 

The Archivist, Collections Committee and Board will ensure that the deaccession process is carried out openly and transparently.  By definition, the Collection has a long-term purpose and holds collections in trust for society in relation to its stated objectives. The Collection therefore accepts the principle that sound collections management reasons for deaccession must be established before consideration is given to the deaccession of any items.

Donation Form for COVID-19 Experiences in Maine Digital Collection