The Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine invites you to join us at 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 6 pm for a viewing of the documentary Un rêve américain, with discussion to follow. There is no fee for our programs, which are made possible by the Québec Delegation in Boston and by TV5MONDE. 

The event will begin with a presentation of the Fleur de Lys Agreement, demonstrating the partnership between the Franco-American Collection and the Quebec Government Office in Boston. The presentation will be led by Marie-Josée Duquette, Culture, Francophone and Academic Affairs Attachée at the Quebec Government Office in Boston. At 6:30, the movie showing of Un rêve américain will begin.The movie will be shown in French with English subtitles.

In the film, Franco-Ontarian musician Damien Robitaille introduces us to the extraordinary history of the people in the United States of French Canadian heritage. Driving from Montreal to Los Angeles, winding his way through New England, New York, Michigan, the Midwest, and the legendary Far West, he brings the milestone events of their exodus to life. He uncovers a paradoxical, almost imaginary society dissolved into American life but still very much alive. During his travels he meets all kinds of engaging people and visits many places steeped in memory, and we begin to understand a multifaceted diaspora three centuries old and more than 12 million strong. An epic journey into the heart of America where people of French Canadian descent helped open the frontiers of the American Dream.

Unable to join us in-person? Email anna.faherty@maine.edu for more information about how to join virtually.

For more information or to register for this event, contact the FAC archivist, Anna Faherty at anna.faherty@maine.edu or by phone (207) 753-6545. If you have questions about disability access or need to request disability accommodations (e.g. sign language interpreters, materials in electronic format, etc.), please contact Anna. Requests should be made as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the accommodation process.