Maine Memory Network

Where are the French?
by Rhea Côté Robbins

Franco-Americans in Maine

Biddeford and Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame Award recipient
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

With options to be a college French professor, became a lawyer, mayor, DA & District Court Judge

Dr. Norman Beaupré: Preserving his Franco-American culture
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Journey growing up as a Franco-American in Biddeford to his career as a professor and author.

Dr Michael Guignard: Passion for research & Franco-American root
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

A personal journey of life in a Franco-American community with unique insights on adoption

Ah, les Fameuse Ployes!
by Alain Ouellette

Growing up in an Acadian French family and eating ployes

Growing up in Lewiston and running Museum L-A
by Rachel Desgrosseilliers

Growing up Franco-American and honoring our mill working heritage

Norman Sevigny: history of a neighborhood grocery store
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Growing up in a Franco-American community and working in the family business, Sevigny’s Market

Father Renald Labarre: the life of a Catholic priest
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

A Biddeford native provides insights on his Franco-American roots and life as a Catholic priest.

Valeda Couture: a mother’s view on immigration of her children
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Quebec farm life and a mother’s experience when 7 of her 12 children move to Biddeford.

Jim Paquette - preserving his Franco-American and musical roots
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Lead singer of the iconic Black Hart Band shares insights of his life journey.

Bert Gagne-from star athlete to community barber
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project

Bert’s personal account of his lifelong non-stop approach including his 60+ years as a barber.

A Note from a Maine-American
by William Dow Turner

With 7 generations before statehood, and 5 generations since, Maine DNA carries on.

Dan Gagne: The story behind Biddeford’s legendary speed skater
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Stories from a competitive athlete with countless awards and contributions to his community

Senator Susan Deschambault: not afraid to take on challenges
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project

Honoring her family's small business roots and community service through her own unconventional path

Don Bisson - Living his convictions
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project

Returning after a career in New York City, Don has dedicated his life to addressing food insecurity.

Geraldine Litalien: painting a picture of life in Biddeford
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Impact on everyday life from events occurring from the late 1920s through 2018

How Mon-Oncle France came to Les-États
by Michael Parent

How Mon-Oncle France came to the United States.

A Maine Family's story of being Prisoners of War in Manila
by Nicki Griffin

As a child, born after the war, I would hear these stories - glad they were finally written down

The man who dedicated 52 years to Biddeford's iconic Alex Pizza
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

A work ethic learned from his parents and passion for the employees and customers of Alex Pizza.

Everything we did was new and exciting in the Vellux division
by Maurice Paquette

If you applied yourself you could do anything at Pepperell Mills.

Nicole Morin-Scribner: living the dreams of her immigrant parent
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

A 6-year-old immigrant makes the most of her opportunities while staying connected to her roots

Aurore Morin & Huguette Paquette: immigrating to Biddeford
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

The experience of a young mother and her teenage sister making the transition from Quebec to Maine.

Rachel Tourigny: Richness of growing up in a big, "poor" family
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

A most vivid and heartwarming account of life during a simpler time

Sister Madeleine D’Anjou: Many detours lead to a rewarding life
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

What a journey! Sister Maddie says that "God writes straight on crooked lines."