Museum offering second tour of  ‘Super Star’ aircraft restoration

LEWISTON -   Museum L-A is offering a rare second chance to see the Lockheed “Super Star” reconstruction project at the Auburn-Lewiston Airport with behind-the-scenes tours on Saturday, November 12.  Participants will sign up for a tour that leaves the Museum at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Available spaces are limited due to a waiting list from the first tour that was sold out.  The $15 fee includes the tour and a round-trip bus ticket. Pre-registration is required.

Director of Operations Michael Austermeier leads a Museum-sponsored tour of the “Super Star” project in October. Museum L-A is offering a second opportunity to tour this exciting project under way at the Auburn-Lewiston Airport.

“We are pleased that the community is so interested in this project and this new type of programming we are doing,” notes Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum L-A’s executive director. “We will be announcing more ‘behind the scenes’ tours to showcase the traditions of  innovation and skilled craftsmanship that are still happening,” she continued. “People are so amazed at what they are seeing.”

Reconstruction of this historic airplane has captured the imagination of the L-A communities and has attracted aviation enthusiasts from far and wide.  Lufthansa’s non-profit foundation purchased three rare Lockheed L-1649A Starliner aircraft in a private sale in Auburn and is overseeing the restoration of one of these aircraft. The “Super Star” was the culmination of propeller driven transport aircraft. Lufthansa Technik began the challenging work in 2008 to restore a historic Lufthansa aircraft to airworthy condition.

 A Lockheed L1649A “Super Star,” which in 1958 became the first long-haul airliner operated by Lufthansa capable of crossing the Atlantic without refueling, will take to the air again when the reconstruction is finished. Heading up the reconstruction project is Lufthansa veteran Michael Austermeier. With the reconstruction nearing completion, this tour offers a unique opportunity to view the aircraft, learn about its aviation history and  learn about the reconstruction process.

For more information or to make reservations, call 207-333-3881 or email info@museumla.org. Museum L-A is located at 35 Canal Street, Bates Mill Complex, Lewiston.

Museum L-A offers ‘Science Saturdays’ in October

Museum L-A Educator Joan Beal shows youngsters how the water wheels they made can do work.

Museum L-A is offering three “Science Saturdays” in October – fun and educational programs for children from ages 9 through 13. In these hands-on sessions, led by Museum Educator Joan Beal, participants will experiment with water wheels, magnets, and will construct a mini-generator. The $25 fee covers the cost of all three Saturdays – Oct. 15, 22, and 29 – all taking place at Museum L-A, 35 Canal Street, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Advance registration and a $5 deposit is required.

Schedule and program:
Oct. 15: Finding the connections between magnetism and electrical currents;
Oct. 22: Constructing model water wheels and experimenting with using the energy of moving water to move and lift small objects; 
Oct. 29: Constructing water wheels and mini-turbines with magnets and wire to produce electricity in a demonstration of hydropower.

For more information or to register contact Beal at 207-333-3881 or jbeal@museumla.org.

Free admission at Museum L-A on Smithsonian’s annual Museum Day

 LEWISTON  – In celebration of annual National Museum Day, scheduled this year for Saturday, September 24, Museum L-A along with hundreds of other museums across the nation is offering free admission. Through a nationwide partnership with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D. C., and hundreds of museums across the nation, Museum Day offers the opportunity to explore an unfamiliar museum and to uncover its unseen treasures. Or, you can tour a familiar museum to review a favorite collection, all at no cost. In order to gain admission, go to the Museum Day website at microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ and print off the special ticket pass, which is good for free admission to one museum for the ticket holder and one guest. There is a limit of one ticket per household

 “Museum Day throws open the doors to culture and history and shouts, ‘Welcome, come on in,’” said Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum L-A’s Executive Director. “Museum L-A is pleased to be part of an event that makes our common heritage accessible to more people.”

Museum L-A’s current special exhibit “Portraits & Voices: Shoemaking Skills of Generations” focuses on the expertise and craftsmanship of the shoe industry through oral histories, documentary photographs, videos, and images from archival collections and from shoeworkers and their families. Additional exhibits focus on the lives and the work of local people in the textile and brick-making industries. Machinery, including a Jacquard loom, represents the process of textile production.

Historian to discuss Irish parishes

John Henderson stands in front of the Lewiston City Hall. The cornerstone was laid in 1890 by D.J. McGillicuddy, the city’s first mayor of Irish descent.

LEWISTON — Local historian and author John Henderson will visit Museum L-A from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, to discuss “The Irish Parishes: St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s.” This free presentation will cover the history, art, and architecture of these parishes.

Henderson will not only cover the churches themselves, but also the other buildings associated with each parish – the schools, rectories, and convents. “Along the way,” he notes, “We will meet some of the prominent priests, and see how the parishes developed.”

This is the third of five related programs Henderson is presenting on the Androscoggin Irish at various venues in Lewiston-Auburn. Copies of Henderson’s new book, “Androscoggin Irish,” will be available for signing and purchase.

Funds being raised to restore Luiggi’s sign for museum

LEWISTON – A piece of Lewiston history went dark not long ago when the iconic sign pointing the way to Luiggi’s Pizza on Sabattus street was replaced. The red and yellow sign with its arrow of blinking lights – greeted generations of patrons and passers-by. The eatery, famous for its pizza, Italians and “Fergy S” sandwich, is raising funds to help restore the sign for a future exhibit at Museum L-A. A collection box sits below a limited edition print by R.N. Cohen depicting the pizzarea with its familiar sign.  “We would like to raise enough funds to get it back working for the Museum,” said Beverly Derosier, Luiggi’s owner. “It’s not only part of Luiggi’s history, but also is in the memories of so many people – whether they are here or have moved away.”

The iconic sign is a feature in this 2005 giclee print by Portland artist R.N. Cohen, "Luiggi's Pizza & The Blue Goose."

Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum L-A’s executive director, agrees “That sign is a part of the community’s history and it would be nice to see it lit up again someday as part of an exhibit on historic and iconic signs from the Twin Cities.”  Repairing and restoring the sign will cost about $5,000, Desgrosseilliers noted. “As soon as that sign was taken down, we got bombarded with phone calls from the community asking if we were going to help save the sign.” Currently, it is being stored at Neocraft Signs in Lewiston.

“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.

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.

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.