UMaine Event to Explore Franco-American Identity
The public is invited to attend a cultural roundtable discussion and colloquium May 20-22 in Soderberg Auditorium in Jenness Hall, at which more than two dozen of the leading voices of the Franco-American experience will share their work and discuss cultural identity.
“The Living Past: Franco-American Identity in the Modern World” event will explore the contemporary expression of Franco-American culture through roundtable conversations, storytelling, dramatic performances, music and art.
It will address questions concerning the significance of Franco-American culture today and what a Franco-American identity is, how it is experienced and how it is shared.
In addition to scheduled events, numerous opportunities for informal exchanges during the weekend get-together will arise. “It is our goal to build new foundations for the future of Franco American communities,” says Susan Pinette, director of Franco-American studies at UMaine and associate professor of modern languages.
The gathering is being organized by UMaine’s Franco-American programs and generously funded by the Centre de la Francophonie des Amériques (Québec), the Cultural Affairs/Distinguished Lecture fund, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Franco American Studies, and the Royal Arcanum.
Further details about registration, cost and a list of participants are available on the event website. Members of the public are welcome to participate in the conference by registering in advance. Attendance for evening events is free. Teachers can receive continuing education credit for participation.
Contact: Susan Pinette, (207) 581-3791