“Dance Party Under the Stars” adds local music favorites

 Live entertainment at “Dance Party Under the Stars” on August 13 is expanding with two additions – the Rockin’ Recons and 13-year-old musician and songwriter Carter Veilleux. They are joining a lineup of local talent, which includes the L/A Lads with their Beatles medleys and Nick Knowlton. The evening of music, dancing, food, historical views and fun  is “Up on the Roof” of the new parking garage at the corner of Lincoln and Main streets and being presented by Modern Woodmen of America to benefit Museum L-A and the Franco-American Heritage Center.  It takes place from 7-11 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, August 14. 

The Rockin’ Recons, who will be singing their two new original releases – including “L.A.” Members are, from left, Roger Blais, Ron Vachon, Doug Doyer, Bob Blais, Mike Asselin, and Denny Blais.

The Rockin’ Recons will sing their two, new original releases “L.A.” and “Laura Lee,” both written by veteran music producer Harry King. King tells how Museum L-A’s 2009 “Echoes in Time” show was an inspiration for “L.A.” 

“Eddie (Boucher) came to me and said the Rockin’ Recons needed some original material,” said King. I thought of the museum’s concert and all the people who were there. The people of Lewiston are so nice. They should have a song of their own. I’ve worked in and out of Lewiston for many years. This is my home away from home  – Texas -  I really love L-A.”  

Thirteen-year-old songwriter Carter Veilleux, who goes by the name of “Carter Isaac” when performing.

Veilleux, who goes by “Carter Isaac,” will sing his original song about his experiences with bullying, “It’s My Prayer.” Veilleux, not only sings but also plays piano, saxophone and guitar. He is performing and working with Jim Mayer, bass player of Jimmy Buffet’s band. Veilleux has recorded “It’s My Prayer” as well as another original, “Peace Song.” 

It promises to be a fun-filled evening with spectacular views, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and dancing to live and recorded entertainment hosted by Knowlton. 

 “Dance Party Under the Stars” is for adults 21 and over. Tickets are $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Sponsored tables of eight with special benefits may be purchased for $300.  Tickets are on sale at Modern Woodman of America, 184 Webster Street, 207-782-1833; Museum L-A, 35 Canal Street, 207-333-3881, www.museumla.org; or the Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar Street, 207-783-1585, www.francocenter.org. 

"Dance Party Under the Stars" planning committee met recently "Up on the Roof" for a sound check and site review. Heading up the committee for the event are from left, Rachel Desgrosseilliers of Museum L-A, Richard Courtemanche of Modern Woodmen of America, and Rita Dube of the Franco-American Heritage Center.

Museum L-A wins national award for Rivers of Immigration exhibit

LEWISTON -  Museum L-A recently received word that its exhibit Rivers of Immigration: Peoples of the Androscoggin was selected as a 2011 Award of Merit winner by the Leadership in History awards committee of the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).  Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum L-A’s executive director, will accept the award on behalf of the museum at the organization’s annual meeting in September. “The Leadership in History Awards is AASLH’s highest distinction and the winners represent the best in the field,” said Terry Davis, AASLH President & CEO.

 “Receiving this prestigious award is, indeed, an honor and demonstrates the exemplary nature of Museum L-A’s programs,” noted Stephanie Upton, former executive director of the Orchard House/Home of the Alcotts in Concord, Mass and a Museum L-A board member. “AASLH is the leading national organization for history museums, and the competition for awards is keen among both small and large museums in the country. As a 20-plus year member of AASLH, I knew that Rivers of Immigration was a powerful exhibit, but to have it win this honor – wow! – it really shows the ability of the staff to be ‘cutting edge’ in today’s competitive museum environment!”

Consultant Elaine Carmichael of Economic Stewardship, Inc. concurs, “Receiving this award would be a feather in the cap of any museum, but it’s a real honor for a young institution like Museum L-A. Moreover, it’s excellent outside confirmation that Museum L-A’s approach is both innovative and effective, thus meriting attention and respect from museum professionals.”

Through personal stories, photographs and interactive components, the exhibit explored the history of immigration in Lewiston-Auburn from the mid 1800s to the present. Museum L-A collaborated with Catherine Bestemen of Colby College and Anne Kemper of Lewiston Adult Education for the exhibit. Representatives of the Somali community were members of the exhibit planning committee.

The impetus of  Rivers of Immigration was Besteman’s proposal to show her exhibit, The Somali-Bantu Experience: From East Africa to Maine at the Museum in early 2009. “Although the Somali-Bantu Experience exhibit was excellent, we felt that the Museum could participate only under the bigger umbrella of Immigration using a timeline showing how important immigrants have always been to our community,” said Desgrosseilliers. Decades had passed since people from many countries arrived to work in the now-defunct textile mills and shoe factories.  It was clear that this long-forgotten story of needed to be dusted off and new stories of immigration needed to be shared. Thus, the creation of the Rivers of Immigration: Peoples of the Androscoggin - an exhibit not originally planned but deemed to be of utmost necessity for the community.

Along with Besteman and Bates College cultural studies professor Elizabeth Eames, this collaboration included students in Kemper’s in Lewiston Adult Education’s English Language Learner (ELL) Program contributing 28 first-person accounts of immigrants from Peru, Africa, China and more.

“We knew we had an amazing exhibit when we applied for the award, however, these awards usually go to long and well-established museums.” Desgrosseilliers said.  “We were hopeful when we were told that we had passed the regional panel with high marks.  We were ecstatic when we were told that we won in the Community Engagement category in the nationals.  This is great for our community.”

Rivers of Immigration ran from Oct. 24, 2009 through August 2010. Elements of the exhibit, including an enhanced, interactive Timeline are being installed in the museum’s second-floor gallery space. The museum encourages community members to bring in their own photographs and personal stories of immigration to add to the exhibit.

Maine Archives and Museums meets at Museum L-A

LEWISTON –  Maine Archives and Museums (MAM) recently held its quarterly board meeting at Museum L-A.  The organization serves as a network for Maine institutions and individuals who identify, collect, interpret, and/or provide access to materials relating to history, living collections, and culture. “Museum L-A is pleased to have hosted this meeting,” said Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum L-A’s executive director. “It gave a chance for museums and historical societies in this area to hear first-hand what MAM can do for them.”

Each quarter the full Board of Directors meets at different locations around the state to provide an opportunity to hear from local organizations and guest attendees. MAM offers local and regional workshops for historical society and museum professionals, staff, and volunteers. Its Annual Conference is a place to gather with others with similar interests in Maine history, living collections, and culture to share ideas, network, and review and acquire the skills to manage our state’s cultural resources. This year’s conference is scheduled for Friday, October 28 at the Newport Cultural Center. A 21st-Century Skills Workshop co-hosted by Maine Historical Society and MAM will take place at the same location the day before: Thursday, October 27. Membership in MAM is open to institutions and individuals. The next MAM board meeting will be held on Oct. 28 at the conference site. Guests are welcome. More information about MAM is available at its website: www.mainemuseums.org.

Museum L-A was chosen by the Maine Archives and Museums as the location for its quarterly Board of Directors meeting. Pictured from left are: George Squibb, Patty Henner, Joanna Turow, Pat Burdick, Jane Bianco, Jay Adams, Edna Comstock, Jessica Skwire Routhier, Rachel Desgrosseilliers of Museum L-A, and Leigh Hallett.

‘Up on the Roof’ leads to ‘Dance Party Under the Stars’

Buy Tickets Online!

LEWISTON – While vacationing this past winter, local businessman Richard “Dick” Courtemanche came up with a fantastic idea to help out local non-profits and offer the people of Lewiston-Auburn a unique entertainment experience. Upon his return home, Courtemanche formed a committee to plan what is “Dance Party Under the Stars” – an evening of music, food, historical views and fun on the top floor of the parking garage at the corner of Lincoln and Main streets. The event will take place on Saturday, August 13 from 7-11 p.m. with proceeds to benefit Museum L-A and the Franco-American Heritage Center (FAHC).

As guests enjoy the view of the Great Falls and the Androscoggin River, they will dance to a blend of live and recorded entertainment with Nick Knowlton and a special guest appearance by the L/A Lads with their Beatle medleys. There will be hors d’oeuvres and scrumptious desserts from the Green Ladle as well as a cash bar from Franco American Heritage Center. “It will be an evening to remember,” notes Courtemanche, who attended a similar function in Florida. “I have been looking for a way for Modern Woodmen to give back to the community and this is our way to say ‘Thank You” to everyone.”

It is expected to be a boon for businesses in the area that night as party-goers are encouraged to have dinner in their favorite local eateries before heading over to the event for fancy desserts, dance and fun. “This is going to be a win-win for everyone,” notes Courtemanche. “It’s going to be a great night for L-A.”

Plans for the event have been taking shape over the past months. “This is a great new idea. It is not only exciting but encouraging to have a local business believe in us enough to help things happen” said Rachel Desgrosseilliers, event coordinator and Museum L-A’s executive director. “A fun dance event on the top floor of a parking garage is quite unusual, but it probably is something our ancestors would have loved. We look forward to seeing everyone – “Up on the Roof”!

“The Franco-American Heritage Center is grateful to Modern Woodmen of America for having been designated as one of the recipients of the proceeds of this great fundraiser, said Rita Dube, the FAHC’s executive director. “Working alongside Museum L-A is a good way to celebrate the success of the two organizations while bringing people together for a memorable and fun filled evening. We hope to have many people attend and to make this a yearly event.”

Members of the committee are: Courtemanche of Modern Woodmen of America, Desgrosseilliers, Susan Beane, Gina Catterson, and Kevin Callahan of Museum L-A; Dube, Richard Martin, and Edmond Gay of the Franco-American Heritage Center; and Knowlton of GSM Group Inc./The Music Connection.

The event is for adults 21 and over. Tickets are $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Sponsored tables of eight with special benefits may be purchased for $300. Tickets go on sale July 12. They may be purchased at Modern Woodman of America, 184 Webster Street, 207-782-1833; Museum L-A, 35 Canal Street, 207-333-3881, www.museumla.org; or the Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar Street, 207-783-1585, www.francocenter.org.

Museum L-A author talk:
         Tragic tales of factory girls

LEWISTON – The Murder of Mary Bean and Other Stories is the topic of Museum L-A’s author talk and book signing on Wednesday, July 20 at 7 p.m. The program is free of charge.

In this illustrated talk, Dr. Elizabeth De Wolfe will relay the tragic real-life story of a woman known as Mary Bean, a nineteenth-century factory girl who met her unfortunate end in Saco in 1849. When Mary Bean’s body was discovered, pulled from an icy brook in April 1850, residents were aghast and they eagerly followed the investigation and subsequent trial of Dr. James Smith, a local physician charged with Bean’s murder.

The intense newspaper coverage and public scrutiny of Bean’s death revealed that the economic success of the textile factories had a terrible cost: the virtue – and perhaps the very lives – of the young women who worked there. DeWolfe will share some of the tragic tales that found their way into sensational fiction about Maine mill girls in the 19th century. Often dramatic, the stories warned parents of the unfortunate circumstances that could befall young people, especially young women, who went to work in the factories. Filled with despicable villains and tragic deaths, this fiction warned its young readers that the best way to stay safe was simply to stay home. The book, published in 2007 by Kent University Press, was honored with book awards from the New England Historical Association and the Northeast Popular Culture Association.

DeWolfe is Professor and Chair of the History Department at the University of New England in Biddeford. She earned her Ph.D. in American and New England Studies from Boston University. DeWolfe is the author of three additional books. Her latest release, “Domestic Broils: Shakers, Antebellum Marriage, and the Narratives of Mary and Joseph Dyer” was published in July 2010 by the University of Massachusetts Press.

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• History Detectives – November 2008 (PDF 543 KB)

What’s new with L-A DU?  Training, special guests, and more!

A group of runners, under the direction of Scott Brown, practices recently at the Bates College track. Brown will be offering training sessions on Tuesday evenings at Simard-Payne Park in preparation for the upcoming L-A DU.

LEWISTON  -  With the 2011 L-A DU  fast approaching, training sessions are being offered to help participants prepare for Museum L-A’s “Duathlon of Historic Proportion” on June 26 at Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park. While the feature competition continues to be the run-bike-run competition, three new events – New Balance 5K Run, L.L.Bean Community Walk and Kids’ Obstacle Course presented by Auburn Firefighters Local 797 – are sure to make it a fun morning for the whole family. All proceeds from the day go to the next phase of the new Museum L-A building program.

L-A DU Run Courses Coordinator Scott Brown, left, advises a runner recently at the Bates College track.

Run Courses Coordinator Scott Brown will lead training sessions on the first three Tuesdays of June: June 7 – Run “Course One” as well as stretching and training tips; June 14 – Covering “Second Run Course” as well as stretching and training tips; June 21 – Easy runs on both courses as well as mini-transitions for those interested. Attendees can bring their bikes for the second and third sessions if they would like. If there is enough interest, a transition training/practice will take place for both. Each session will begin at 6 p.m. at Simard-Payne Park and will last one hour.

 “Come ready to run and work out.” Brown said. “I am hoping to have a number of the team members there to assist and answer questions as well.”

The Kids’ Obstacle Course fits in well with Museum L-A’s partnership in the Let’s Move! Museums & Gardens program associated with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative and coordinated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Let’s Move! is dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Working with parents, caregivers, schools, public officials, and communities, Let’s Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years by educating them and their families about healthy food choices and the benefits of physical activity.

 Race day, June 26, begins at 8 a.m. with the New Balance 5K run led by State Senator Margaret M. Craven. “I’m delighted to be leading off the New Balance 5K race for Museum L-A’s second annual event.” Craven said. “I hope it will motivate people of my age, and all ages, to come out and get their pulse going, bring their purse, and contribute to the great cause of building our wonderful new Museum L-A. Please come down and join us.”

 The 3.1 mile course winds through downtown Lewiston and Auburn with a swing around West Pitch Park by the Great Falls.  At 8:15 a.m. the first wave hits the Duathlon course – beginning with a 2.6-mile run through downtown Lewiston, followed by a 14-mile bike course that follows the Androscoggin River, and winds up with a 3-mile run through downtown Auburn and finishing at Simard-Payne Park.  Museum Board member Kirk Nadeau is coordinating a corporate challenge for relay teams. He hopes to have 10 teams vying for bragging rights.

Come down and cheer on 10 local firefighters as they run the 5K in donated firefighters’ boots -  made in Auburn at Falcon Performance Footwear, which is sponsoring the local firefighters’ teams.

Everyone is urged to pick up a pledge form and help support all participants raise funds for any of the events.

At 8:30 a.m. the Kora Klowns will lead the one-mile L.L.Bean Community Walk that will cross over the trestle bridge, through downtown Auburn to West Pitch by The Great Falls, and back to the park via the Longley Bridge. No race here –  a one-mile scenic Riverwalk. It’s all about generations having fun together and enjoying beautiful downtown L-A.

Youngsters age 5-12 will have time to practice on the Kids’ Obstacle Course before the competition starts at 10 a.m.  A tire run, zig-zag run through pylons, pipe-tunnel crawl, hay bale hill, balance beam, wooden wall, and mini-hurdles are just a sample of the fun challenges the youngsters will have on this military-style course. The Kora Klowns will be helping with this event as well.

All are invited to stay at the park to enjoy the post-race Expo and awards ceremony which includes music by Auburn’s Tinpanic Steel Band.  Servers from Pedro O’Hara’s will be serving Lewiston’s own Baxter Beer.

Free admission at Museum L-A for active duty military personnel

LEWISTON – Museum L-A has renewed its partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011 as part of the “Blue Star Museums” program. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families.

Last year, the first year of the Blue Star Museums program, Museum L-A was one of only two Maine museums to participate. Additional Maine museums taking part this year are: Brick Store Museum (Kennebunk), Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (Portland), Colby College Museum of Art (Waterville), Fifth Maine Regiment Museum (Peaks Island), L.C. Bates Museum (Hinckley) Maine Military Museum and Learning Center (South Portland), Margaret Chase Smith Library (Skowhegan), Mount Desert Island Historical Society (Mount Desert), Page Farm and Home Museum (Orono), Penobscot Marine Museum (Searsport), and Portland Museum of Art (Portland). Nationally, more than 1,324 museums in all 50 states are participating. A complete list is available online at: www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

“Museum L-A is proud to be part of Blue Star Museums, which gives us a chance to thank our military families for their service, share with them America’s cultural treasures, and to be inspired by their experience with us,” said Executive Director Rachel Desgrosseilliers.

 “Blue Star Museums may be the program at the NEA of which I am proudest,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “Blue Star Museums recognizes and thanks our military families for all they are doing for our country, and simultaneously begins young people on a path to becoming life-long museum goers.”

Blue Star Museums runs from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 through to Labor Day, September 5, 2011. The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members.

Museum program highlights positive changes for L-A area

LEWISTON -  On Thursday, June 2 Museum L-A will host a presentation of “The L/A Area – Look How We’ve Changed,” reviewing the positive changes experienced by the community of Lewiston-Auburn in the past several years. The program begins at 7 p.m. and is free of charge.

Jan Barrett and Susan Stacey will present the results of research and work performed during the past couple of years by the Androscoggin County Chamber’s Regional Image Committee. Barrett is co-chair of the Regional Image Committee and Stacey is Chair of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.

 The committee’s extensive work even surprised members as they kept listing all the fine dining, historical attractions, arts, recreation and events – which shows how vibrant  our communities are when you put it all together.

“The community is invited to come enjoy our progress and receive a copy of the work done by the Chamber,” said Museum L-A Executive Director Rachel Desgrosseilliers, who is a member of the Regional Image Committee. “You don’t want to miss this. We hope to have a great turnout.”

Also slated on the program is “Museum L-A: We Are Not Just About the Past,” presented by Desgrosseilliers. “My presentation will show how Museum L-A is not only about the past but we are about inspiration leading to innovation,” Desgrosseilliers noted.

Museum ‘discovery’ now part of George Bush Presidential Library

 LEWISTON – In what began as an intriguing discovery in the far reaches of a basement storage room in Bates Mill #5 is now an official part of presidential history.  A copy of a 1948 film promoting Bates’ “Back to School” line has been officially accepted by the George Bush Presidental Library and Museum in College Station, Texas. 

Print advertisement featuring George, center, and Barbara Bush, right as members of the Bates College Board promoting the Bates Fall 1948 “Back to School” product line. The text in the ad reads: "Victoria. Chosen by Barbara and George Bush of Yale, and admired by Joan Walls of Bennington. ... Joan and Barbara wear easy-to-sew campus fashions in Bates cotton. …Young marrieds on campus make Bates the beautiful basis of a long-range decorating plan. Indispensable at college, these bedspreads and matching draperies stay fresh and bright through four years of wear and washing. After graduation, they are ready to grace a future bedroom of living room. ‘Victoria’ is the favorite pattern of couples surveyed by Bates College Board ... because it looks so lavish, lasts so long." A video vignette of this advertisement is part of a film donated by Museum L-A is now part of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Married Yale University students George “Poppy” and Barbara Bush appear as themselves on the film as members of the Bates College Board, an advisory panel comprised of representative students from the nation’s leading colleges and universities.  Board members would provide feedback to Bates designers and participate in fashion shows and product promotions on film and in print. In the film, the Bushes introduce themselves, are seen participating in group sessions, and filming a vignette promoting the Bates “Victoria” bedspread and curtains, which was also photographed for an advertisement that ran in American Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar magazines.

In accepting the film, Bush Library Director Warren L. Finch Jr. wrote, “we are honored to have this historical film to add to our audiovisual collection.” The library and museum was especially interested in this film since it is one of very few video images they have of the Bushes at that time. Diane Jackson, state office representative for U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe helped facilitate the donation process. The announcement of the Bush Library acceptance was made at the Museum’s Annual Board Meeting and Dinner in April.