Contributed by Acadian Archives
Description
In the wake of a revival of Acadian culture in the St. John Valley, Governor James B. Longley proclaimed June 28, 1978, as Acadian Day in Maine. The Acadian flag flew over the state capitol in recognition of the French-heritage population of the St. John Valley.
Acadian Day commemorated the day in 1785 when, according to local memory, Acadians from the present-day Fredericton area arrived on the upper course of the St. John River to build new lives and new communities. Throughout generations, they would be joined by an ever-growing number of French Canadians from the St. Lawrence River valley, thus strengthening the unique French culture of northern Maine.
The "certificate of appreciation" recognizes the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) "for meritorious services" in the celebration of Acadian Day. Dr. Richard Dumont, president of UMFK from 1989 to 1996, donated the item to the Acadian Archives. Signatories include Cecile Dufour Pozzuto (1921-2014) and Claude "Blackie" Cyr (1935-1997). Pozzuto, then president of the Madawaska Historical Society, was a long-time teacher and the author of works of local history. Cyr, the chair of the Acadian Day activities, was deeply involved in his community and would also serve as president of the local historical society.
Maine Acadian Day, celebrated annually at the end of June, and the accompanying festival involved elaborate family reunions until the World Acadian Congress of 2014. The state legislature again proclaimed Maine Acadian Day in 2024.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: UMFK Acadian Day certificate, Madawaska, 1978
- Creator: Acadian Day Committee
- Creation Date: 1978-06-28
- Subject Date: 1978-06-28
-
Locations:
- Madawaska, Aroostook County, ME
- Fort Kent, Aroostook County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 20.0 cm x 26.0 cm
- Local Code: MCC-00281
- Collection: First Acadian Day Certificate, 1978
- Object Type: Text and Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Acadians--Maine--Madawaska
- Awards--Maine--Madawaska
- Festivals--Maine
- Franco-Americans--Maine--Madawaska
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Acadian ArchivesUMFK, 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743
(207) 834-7535
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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