LEWISTON — A piece of Lewiston history went dark not long ago when the iconic sign pointing the way to Luiggi’s Pizza on Sabattus Street was replaced. The red and yellow sign with its arrow of blinking lights greeted generations of patrons and passers-by.

The eatery, famous for its pizza, Italians and “Fergy” sandwich, is raising funds to help restore the sign for a future exhibit at Museum L-A. A collection box sits below a limited edition print by R.N. Cohen depicting the pizzeria with its familiar sign.

“We would like to raise enough funds to get it back working for the museum,” said Beverly Derosier, Luiggi’s owner. “It’s not only part of Luiggi’s history, but also is in the memories of so many people – whether they are here or have moved away.”

Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum L-A’s executive director, agrees, “That sign is a part of the community’s history and it would be nice to see it lit up again someday as part of an exhibit on historic and iconic signs from the Twin Cities.” Repairing and restoring the sign will cost about $5,000, Desgrosseilliers said. “As soon as that sign was taken down, we got bombarded with phone calls from the community asking if we were going to help save the sign.” Currently, it is being stored at Neocraft Signs in Lewiston.

Museum L-A: The Story of Work and Community in Lewiston-Auburn is located at 35 Canal St., Bates Mill Complex, at the corner of Canal and Chestnut streets and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 333-3881 or visit www.museumla.org.