LEWISTON – The Franco-American Heritage Center has available for sale a one-hour film, “The History of the Acadians,” on DVD or VHS tape. The story spans 170 years beginning with the arrival of the French at Isle St. Croix off the coast of Maine in 1604 and ending with the construction of the Acadian Line in France in 1774.

It is a tale of discovery, tragedy and determination – of a peace-loving people who never give up. The movie depicts how the first French settlers brought with them prefabricated homes from France, about their strong relations with the native people whose alliances helped to save their lives, the innovative designs of the French in the construction of the fortresses they built and the intricate system of dikes they introduced into North America.

It tells how the French became Acadians with a culture of their own – a culture of family values, of hard work and of a determination never to be destroyed despite numerous attacks by the British – assaults which culminated in one of the worst human tragedies of all time.

“The Story of the Acadians” features footage from three countries: France, the USA and Canada. It takes the viewer on tours of Isle St. Croix, St. Sauveur (in Acadia National Park), Port Royal, Annapolis Royal and Grand Pre as well as to Chaussee in Poitou, France – ancestral home of the Acadians. It ends in Chatellerault in France where descendants of the Acadians still live today.

“The Story of the Acadians” is an account that shows how a nation without borders has survived for more than 250 years and has become stronger for its struggles.

The movie is available at the Franco-American Heritage Center for $24.99. It will be on sale during all performances as well as by phone or e-mail. Call 783-1585 for more information.

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