During a recorded interview with my Franco-American brother in law, William L’Heureux, on September 11, 2022, he described his dangerous experiences serving with the U.S. Navy in the World War II Pacific invasion of Okinawa. William P. L’Heureux celebrated his 97th birthday in May 2023. He was born in Sanford Maine and currently lives in […]
Michael Gerard Parent obituary Michael Gerard Parent: April 27, 1946 – May 5, 2023 Franco-Americans enjoyed a wonderful entertainer when Michael Parent performed his original stories and songs. I enjoyed knowing him through his participation with Franco-American writers and the University of Maine’s Franco-American Centre, in Orono. Michael’s obituary is a tribute to his life and creative […]
Franco-Americans extend deepest sympathies to the family of Rosaire Paradis and to his widow Judy Ayotte Paradis. Both Judy and “Ross” have been wonderful advocates for the Franco-American articles published in my columns and blogs over the past 30 years and I have been grateful for their support. When I visited Aroostook County, Judy welcomed […]
Some books just never get old, like “Black Robe on the Kennebec”, because the biography reminds us about how colonial era French Jesuit missionaries suffered to the death while serving with the Native Americans. Whenever I hear some people refer to these religious men as being responsible for contributing to suppression of Native American culture […]
Enjoy the spectrum of first person Franco-American experiences published in a memorable and beautifully printed book. A series of autobiographical stories in one high quality volume describes how growing up French impacted first generation families whose heritages are rooted in French Canada. The contributors express their joys, challenges, faith, education, military history, achievements and more […]
ORONO, Me / LEWISTON,Me – Check out the purpose of the Franco-American “portal”. Funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, will continue to build this access point for finding digital information, with two years of funding support, to accumulate resources about Franco-American for researchers and the public. Franco American Digital Archives/Portail franco-américain (FADA/PFA) is an online portal […]
Blogged with permission from author Darby Ray and Kristen Cloutier. Published on April 16, 2023. Parlez-vous français? Check the website here learn more about the film, Le Carrefour (The Intersection). LEWISTON, Maine– In a classic “win-win” community-engaged learning moment, students in Professor Mary Rice-DeFosse’s “French in Maine” course hosted members of the local Franco-American community and […]
The Maine Franco-American Genealogy Society will hold the spring meeting on April 22, 2023, at the Auburn Public Library. Saint Dominic Academy teacher Camden Martin will be the guest speaker. AUBURN, Me.- — The Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society (MFGS) will hold its spring meeting at 10 a.m.,on Saturday, April 22, at the Auburn Public Library, […]
In the annals of learning about French clerical heroes: This report about a French missionary caught my attention, published in the April edition of Columbia Magazine. Over the years, I have learned about how French history includes centuries of influences provided by many missionaries who dedicated their lives to bring the Roman Catholic faith and […]
There is always more to learn about French traditions! In a random computer search, I found the following information about a French Easter tradition where the custom of delivering “Easter Eggs” is associated with church bells. In France, there is a very special magical tradition for Easter. Magical holy bells (with little wings…) They are […]
