Maine Acadian Culture

https://www.nps.gov/maac/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_Acadian_Culture Maine Acadian Culture is an affiliated area of the United States national park system, which ties together a variety of sites on the U.S. side of the Saint John River Valley on the Maine–New Brunswick border. The common history of Acadians on both sides of the river is best understood by visiting and learning about sites and events in both Maine and New Brunswick, as well as Nova Scotia. However, the U.S. federal mandate ends at the border, hence the name of this affiliated unit. Its management is overseen by Acadia National Park, the closest staffed U.S. national park system unit, to promote the Maine Acadian Heritage Council's work in highlighting the unique ethnicity and culture of the region. Maine Acadians share beliefs and experiences tying them to a common religion, languages, and history. The St. John River, land, and family are essential to their culture. The National Park Service supports the Maine Acadian Heritage Council, an association of historical societies, cultural clubs, towns, and museums that work together to support Maine Acadian culture in the St. John Valley. The Saint John Valley is located in northern Aroostook County, Maine, 200 miles north of Bangor at the northern terminus of ME 1. It is best reached by private vehicle. From Interstate 95, use exits at Sherman or Smyrna Mills for Route 11 to Fort Kent, or the exit at Houlton for U.S. Route 1 North. Acadian Archives/Archives Acadiennes The Acadian Archives are the premier center for the study of Acadian history and culture in the US Northeast. The rich collections of the archives chronicle the story of French heritage peoples in the St. John Valley and beyond. These collections include unique genealogical resources, photographs, maps, and parish records in addition to rotating exhibits. More than a research center, the archives also hold cultural activities throughout the year. Allagash Historical Society/Museum The Allagash Historical Society/Museum highlights the Irish/Scottish heritage of the settlers of Allagash. You will find displays of lumbering, farming, and the St. John River log drives, as well as a display honoring the veterans of the town, histories of the schools and churches. Photograph collections demonstrate ways of life when the first settlers came up the mighty St. John River. Association Culturelle et Historique du Mont-Carmel Musée Culturel du Mont-Carmel was founded in 1973 in order to preserve and restore the Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, a Roman Catholic church was built in 1908-1909. It was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. This museum consists of the former church as well as the former Lawrence Parent General Store now known as the Galerie Lille-sur-St-Jean. Fort Kent Historical Society Founded in 1925, the Fort Kent Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Fort Kent, Maine. Stop by to visit the five buildings bursting with Fort Kent memorabilia. The railroad station opened in 1902 and includes a baggage room, an office for the station agent, and separate waiting rooms for women and men. Also on site are the Daigle-Dube House reflecting an earlier family life, a one-room schoolhouse, a barn, and the Paul D. Thibodeau Visitors' Center with annual displays. Héritage Vivant/Acadian Village Visit the largest Acadian village, Héritage Vivant, in the US outside of Louisiana. Seventeen buildings illustrate the progress of Acadian ancestors, from an actual 1790s dirt-floor log home to early 1900s houses. Homes, furnishings, shops and implements are displayed, along with a log chapel and one-room school. Tours are available. Acadian Village Scenic view of Acadian Village Scenic view of Acadian Village Our Lady of Assumption Church, Acadian Village Our Lady of Assumption Church, Acadian Village Our Lady of Assumption Church, Acadian Village Mont-Carmel Mont-Carmel, newly painted in original color scheme. Mont-Carmel, newly painted in original color scheme. St Francis Historical Society and Gardens St Francis Historical Society and Gardens St Francis Historical Society and Gardens Bangor/Aroostook Caboose & Green Water Tank This site preserves one of a few surviving train water tanks in the United States and a 1940s era ca This site preserves one of a few surviving train water tanks in the United States and a 1940s era caboose