Born as a pandemic project from the staff at the Franco-American Collection based at the University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn College, the Franco American Pathways Podcast explores the history of Canadians who relocated to Maine and established families who have remained in place for generations. Hosts Julia Rhinelander, Anna Faherty, and Maureen Perry invited me to share the history of Biddeford, my Franco-American roots, and how the rich Franco culture of the city is informing its renaissance.

You can listen to Episode 9 and Episode 10 below and be sure to check out the supplemental blogs for Part 1 and Part 2 to explore the maps and photos from our tour of downtown Biddeford.

Margaret Chase Smith's Franco Roots – Franco-American Pathways

In this episode, Pathways takes you along on a visit to the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan, Maine. Curator of Collections Nicole Potter shows Anna and Madeline artifacts of Senator Smith's life, work and family, and discusses her Franco-American heritage. Interviewee: Nicole Potter Interviewers: Anna Faherty & Madeline Soucie Music: Robert SylvainNarration: Patrick LacroixEditing: Patrick Lacroix & Anna Faherty

1. Margaret Chase Smith's Franco Roots 01:09:10
2. Episode 23: Mapping Franco Madison Part 2 39:22
3. Episode 22: Mapping Franco Madison Part 1 46:10
4. Episode 21: Theatre in Lewiston 01:06:21
5. Episode 20: Mapping Franco Brunswick Part 2 31:31