LEWISTON — Mary Rice-Defosse and James Myall will be talking about their recent publication, “The Franco-Americans of Lewiston-Auburn,”  at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 5,  at the Lewiston Public Library. This free, public program will be held in the library’s Callahan Hall.

Franco-Americans brought their proud cultural legacy to Lewiston-Auburn beginning in the mid-nineteenth century. As their population grew, religious leaders became community leaders, building an independent parish and a community support system.

Like other immigrant groups before and after them, L/A’s Francos grappled with questions of patriotism, identity and culture, assimilating as Americans while preserving both their French and French Canadian backgrounds. In this new book, authors Rice-Defosse and Myall explore the challenges, accomplishments and enduring bonds that arose in Lewiston-Auburn.

Mary Rice-DeFosse is a professor of French and Francophone studies at Bates College where she also oversees the Franco-American Oral History Project. In addition, she serves on the boards of the Franco Center for Heritage and Performing Arts and the Franco-American Collection at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

James Myall is the former coordinator of USM-LAC’s Franco collection. He currently serves as the executive director of the Freeport Historical Society.

The May 5 presentation will conclude with a question and answer session along with a book signing. Copies of the publication will be available for purchase at the event.

For more details, please contact the Adult Services Desk at the Lewiston Public Library: 207- 513-3135 or LPLReference@LewistonMaine.gov

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