LEWISTON — The Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College spent the summer relocating to larger premises on the USM LAC campus. With the move complete, the Collection is planning a public unveiling of the new space at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Collection will be officially opened by the Hon. Michael H. Michaud, U.S. Congressman, at 2 p.m.. The ribbon-cutting will be followed by a reception with live music, food and a book sale, with the opportunity for visitors to tour the new Collection space.

At 3 p.m., Professor Kristin Langellier of the University of Maine will hold a public lecture titled, “Memere, Meme and Me: Storytelling Grandmothers” on the importance of family narratives in the Franco-American community.

USM’s Franco-American Collection is the largest repository of Franco-American historical material in the state of Maine. Its mission is to preserve and promote the Franco-American history of Lewiston-Auburn and of Maine more generally. Since 1972 it has collected and curated thousands of rare books, photographs, newspapers, music, art and textiles.

The festivities will take place in and around the North Lobby of USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College, which is a 51 Westminster St. Signs will direct visitors. The programming is free, and no reservations are required. Donations to the Collection are welcome. For more information, call 207-753-6545 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/franco.