The St. Croix story has attracted growing interest on both sides of the border.

Interpretive displays that detail the settlers’ grueling saga have been installed at riverfront sites at Red Beach in Calais, Maine, and at Bayside near St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

The Downeast Heritage Center, which opened last month at an abandoned train station in Calais, includes a St. Croix exhibit that features Pierre Dugua’s ghost-like image and voice. And work is under way at Bayside on a re-creation of the island settlement, based on drawings in Champlain’s journals.

Events commemorating the anniversary will be held at Bayside and in Calais, Eastport, St. Stephen and St. Andrews from June 25 to July 4.

The only event on the island itself will be a June 26 ceremony involving as many as 40 dignitaries, including French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and an as yet unnamed U.S. official.

– Associated Press