Bates College sophomore Kate Webber came up with the idea for the “Beyond Bates” event after visiting Museum L-A.

‘Beyond Bates’ connects community, students

LEWISTON – What began as a visit to Museum L-A for a class project inspired Bates College sophomore Kate Webber to want to share her new appreciation of Lewiston-Auburn’s history and natural resources with her fellow students and encourage them to make connections with the people of the community.

With support from Museum L-A and the Bates College Harward Center for Community Partnerships, Webber is encouraging students and residents of the Twin Cities to visit the museum from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 4, for an afternoon of fun and learning about the Twin Cities.

The event, “Beyond Bates: Adventure L-A,” is an opportunity for students and the community to get to know each other as well. Representatives from the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, the city of Lewiston and Androscoggin Land Trust are among the participants.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for Bates students to experience the community, connect with people and gain insight into the rich past of Lewiston-Auburn,” Webber writes in the Bates Student, the college’s weekly student newspaper.

“It was great to have a student from Bates College approach us to have a day at the museum where the Bates College family could come learn and share about our community, said Museum L-A Executive Director Rachel Desgrosseilliers.

“An important request was to be able to meet, talk with and share with people of the community – so we hope the community will respond,”said Desgrosseilliers. “Our mission is to connect generations through work and community and this day will give us another great opportunity to accomplish that mission while building community.”

Recalling her visit to the museum, Webber said, “I learned more about the Lewiston-Auburn area in that one afternoon than I have in the entirety of my time at Bates. Not only was I fascinated by the stories I heard there, but I found that the museum employees were equally delighted to see a Bates student interested in local history. I realized then what potential there was for students to connect to the community through Museum L-A.”

Museum L-A is offering free admission and tours beginning at 1 p.m. From 2 to 3 p.m., The Trio will perform traditional Franco-American songs with guest Aliette Couturier, who performs with her famous jiguers – little wooden dancing men.

For more information, contact Museum L-A at 333-3881. No reservations are required.