Susan Pinette, Director of Franco-American Programs at the University of Maine in Orono, will present an overview of Franco-American communities in Maine at the Blue Hill Public Library on Thursday, September 6th at 7:00 PM. In her presentation she will talk about the history of their migrations to New England, their settlement, and also past and current issues that they face.
For generations Franco-Americans have been the largest ethnic group in Maine. Between 1850 and 1930, nearly one million French Canadians left Canada for the United States. Today, their descendants number almost 10,000,000. According to U.S. Census Bureau data Franco-Americans are the largest ethnic group in Maine, a little less than one quarter of the population.
The University of Maine, Office of Franco-American Affairs was founded in 1972 by Franco-American students and community volunteers. This office subsequently became the Franco-American Centre. The primary goal of the Franco-American Centre is to support and enhance the Franco American communities of Maine. The Centre looks to disseminate the richness of Franco history, language, and culture.
Susan is also an Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures at The University of Maine. She was born and raised in Maine and received her doctorate in French at the University of California, Irvine. Her research examines contemporary Franco American literature and its significance to other French-speaking North American communities and American studies. This event is sponsored by the library, there is no change and everyone is welcome. For more information call the library at 374-5515.
