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

Ah, les Fameuse Ployes!
by Alain Ouellette

Growing up in an Acadian French family and eating ployes

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.

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

How Mon-Oncle France came to the United States.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Growing up Franco-American and honoring our mill working heritage

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

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.

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

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

Growing up in Lewiston
by Kathy Becvar

Growing up in Lewiston in the 1960s and 1970s.

Lloyd LaFountain III family legacy and creating own path
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Lloyd followed in his family’s footsteps of serving Biddeford and the State of Maine.

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."

Sister Madeleine Couture: Dedicating her life to teaching
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

The story of a life immersed in family and teaching

I never thought I would work at a paper mill.
by Greg Bizier

I love science and managed the lab for International Paper's Otis Mill for 31 years.

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.

Working at International Paper and being part of the community
by Gary Desjardens

Working for International Paper and volunteering for the Special Olympics of America

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

From France to Farmington
by Celine Couillaut

I arrived in Maine and never left.