LEWISTON — The Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn College kicked off its “Franco-Americans During Wartime: A Heritage of Service” project on May 17.

The collection focuses on the wartime experiences of Franco-Americans.

Mary Rice-DeFosse, professor of French and Francophone Studies at Bates College, spoke of the experiences of several participants of World War I, including Albert Béliveau and Irenée Marcotte.

Béliveau served with the Judge Advocate’s Office in France and Marcotte in the Canadian Air Force. Both went on to successful professional careers in the U.S. after the war.

The project will continue with two more talks in the fall, culminating in a digitization day.

“We are hoping that people will bring in wartime letters, diaries, photographs and other materials to be scanned or photographed,” said Janet Roberts, coordinator of the Franco-American Collection. “Then they can keep the materials in the family, but if they wish, we will keep a digital copy so the information can be used by researchers or for exhibits. We are interested in Franco-American-related materials from all wars, whether it is a letter from your Civil War ancestor or a photograph you took in Afghanistan last year.”

Those with materials to bring to digitization day or those willing to be interviewed on their wartime experience may call 207-753-6545 or email [email protected].