LEWISTON — The Franco-American Collection will host a reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Atrium Art Gallery.

The Franco-American Collection is an archive of books, photographs, recipes and records at the Lewiston-Auburn College.

Janet Roberts, coordinator, is hosting the reception to meet the community and share some of the collection with the public.

Fifty-nine photographs from the “Franco-American Treasures” exhibit, currently on display at the school’s Atrium Art Gallery, will be featured.

University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings will speak.

“This is an exciting time and coming to the Oct. 1 event is a way to be involved in the excitement surrounding the exhibit, the new coordinator and the new president,” Roberts said.

For Roberts, who began work over the summer, it’s a chance to remind people of the work of the collection.

“Our mission is to preserve the history of the Franco-American communities, past, present and future, and to share their stories,” she said.

People who attend will be able to see some of the collection’s preservation efforts.

“There will be a chance to see how we take care of materials that are in our care,” Roberts said.

Roberts hopes many people from the community will attend, including representatives of other Franco organizations.

“In terms of collaboration, we’re taking advantage of every opportunity to be involved with the many other groups that are connected to the Franco-American community, both locally and in Maine and across the globe,” she said.