LEWISTON — A talk by the authors of “The Franco-Americans of Lewiston-Auburn,” Mary Rice-DeFosse and James Myall, and a short documentary film will make up the program for the monthly gathering and luncheon at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St.

This will take place at the next La Rencontre (the gathering), a monthly event that is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the meal and both programs is $8 per person.

Doors open at 10 a.m. Guests may contact the center office for reservations at 783-1585; leave a message or call during office hours, Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Reservations must be placed by Tuesday at 4 p.m. Email reservations may be sent to boxoffice@francocenter.org.

La Rencontre is in no way restricted to French-speakers or even those of Franco descent. All are welcome to attend this fun monthly meal and event.

After a lunch of corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes, bread and dessert, the two authors will speak and take questions. There will also be a short documentary film shown. It is all part of the center’s annual weeklong “La Semaine de la Francophonie” (Francophone Week).

Franco-Americans came to Maine with a unique combination of roots to the north and across the Atlantic. They were distinctly both European and North American, and they brought their proud, strong cultural legacy to Lewiston-Auburn beginning in the 1860s. They built a community based on strong ties to their families, their culture and their religious institutions.

In their book, the authors trace how this population grew with the influx of French Canadians looking for a permanent home in New England. Many went from being mill workers to owning their own businesses and becoming prominent members of the Lewiston-Auburn community. These immigrants, their children and their religious leaders established schools, a hospital, an orphanage and even a child care center.

It is advised not waiting until the last minute, since the Franco Center’s Heritage Hall often reaches full capacity days before the registration deadline for the event. The magnificent Franco Center is wheelchair accessible and is located on the corner of Cedar and Oxford streets in the “Little Canada” section of Lewiston, just across the bridge from New Auburn.

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