UMaine Franco-American Centre Receives Book Donation

The University of Maine’s Franco American Studies program has announced the donation of more than 4,500 books, maps and research materials to the Franco-American Centre’s genealogical library.

The gift was made by Celeste Ringuette in memory of her late husband, Adrien Lanthier Ringuette. In pursuing family genealogy, Adrien Ringuette built an extensive library of research resources.

The collection includes unbroken runs of most of the major periodicals in French Canadian genealogical research; genealogical dictionaries; historical biographical dictionaries; 17th and 18th French Canadian census records; and a library of supporting materials relating to French, French Canadian, and Franco American history.

“This is an important milestone in the ongoing establishment of a Franco American research center at the University of Maine,” said Susan Pinette, interim director of the Franco American Studies program.

Franco American Studies program staff is in the process of cataloging the collection; once completed it will be open to the public.

For more information about the collection, contact Lisa Michaud at 581.3789, lisa.michaud@umit.maine.edu or Susan Pinette at 581.3791, susan.pinette@umit.maine.edu.