More than 20 years ago, in 2000, articles of incorporation were filed to acquire, restore and preserve St. Mary’s Church, a building with historical and architectural significance, “especially to the history of Franco-Americans in Androscoggin County.”

The building was doomed for demolition, and was saved from destruction when it was purchased for $1 from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland with stipulations to preserve it for Franco heritage and culture. The result was our beloved Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s, now a community centerpiece for more than two decades and an important symbol of our shared history. 

This cultural icon is located in “Little Canada,” once the largest Franco-American population center in New England, and an area that remains one of the most well-known and culturally rich Franco-American communities in Maine and beyond.

A large number of Franco-Americans in Lewiston were baptized, confirmed, married, or attended school at St. Mary’s. This is remarkable history. It reflects not just our “heritage,” but our identity.

Our community is rooted here and continues to build and grow toward a future that doesn’t forget who we are. Sadly, there are a few people on the board of the Franco-American Heritage Center who are trying to erase our history and identity in favor of modern marketing tactics.   

The mission statement for the establishment of the Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s says the center “shall preserve and promote all aspects of Franco-American heritage, including culture, history, language, and religion.”

Preservation of our culture and heritage was the point of the entire effort. It’s the founding principle of the Franco-American Heritage Center. This project was supported by hundreds of donors who made financial contributions because they believed in the cause and the mission of promoting and preserving Franco-American culture.

This is why it’s deeply disappointing to see a small group of people try and rename and rebrand a place whose very purpose is to be a beacon of Franco-American heritage. “Riverfront” has no meaning. “Franco-American Heritage Center” has hundreds of years of meaning for thousands of Franco-Americans living and raising families in Lewiston today.  

Many people in Lewiston are upset and confused about what’s happening with the renaming of the Franco-American Heritage Center. We join them, and we all have many reasons to be disheartened and concerned.

First, it’s an attempt to negate our history. Not just the decades-long history of the Franco-American Heritage Center, but the long history of our Franco-American roots in the region.

Second, this rebranding process has been rushed and careless, and conducted without the majority support of either the board or the community.

There was a vote by the board in January that did not pass. Renaming the Franco-American Heritage Center requires the approval of four out of six board members. The vote did not receive the necessary votes.

The minority group in favor of this change went ahead and began publicly promoting “Riverfront,” which goes against our history and also goes against the governing rules of the organization. We stand with the many local people who oppose these reckless and culturally insensitive, tone-deaf actions of a select few.  

The commitment to bringing our Franco-American history into the future is held by many Lewiston people, and it can be seen in many parts of our community outside the Franco-American Heritage Center.

In 2020, a brand-new trail was created that winds through Lewiston and Auburn. What was this trail named? The Franco Trail. It celebrates our history.

In recent years, we’ve seen a huge influx of French-speaking refugees from Western Africa who have immigrated to Lewiston. Our French-speaking community is experiencing a revival and holding true to our Franco heritage is more important than ever.

We should be proud of our past, our present, and our future. Shining a light on our Franco-American culture should continue being a priority, with the name of the Franco-American Heritage Center, and within our broader community.  

Rita Dube is a founder and former executive director of the Franco-American Heritage Center. Lionel Guay is a founder and former president. Laurent F. Gilbert Sr. is a former vice-president and president. The authors represent more than 40 former founders, board members, and friends of the center.

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