VOICES Newsletter of Museum L-A Summer 2018

See page 6 to learn more about this artwork Tourism in Lewiston-Auburn? Members of the Gendron Franco Center We are already there! and Museum L-A met to review the Franco assets that exist in the area that Many people don’t realize that between could be featured in the trail, including Bates College, Museum L-A, the the Franco Center, The Basilica, Little Gendron Franco Center, and the Public Canada, the University of Southern Theatre—not to mention our numerous Maine L-A’s Franco Collection, the Maine festivals, cultural happenings, and Genealogical Society, and Museum L-A. sporting events—we already host tens of thousands of tourists annually that Simultaneously, a Francophone inject millions of dollars into our local tourism route was being developed by the Museum of Work and Culture in economy. in each city is being developed that Woonsocket, Rhode Island to include will include historical places, cultural Woonsocket; Manchester, New Now a new initiative to capitalize on centers, local hotels, restaurants, annual Hampshire; Biddeford and Lewiston/ the beautiful history of the Franco events and Chambers of Commerce. Auburn, Maine; and north to Quebec. population is underway. After attending We will keep you updated as these It was felt that these four cities were the International Francophone/ exciting opportunities develop, but connected by a common history: textile Francophile Conference in Quebec you may start seeing more bus tours industrialization that permitted many last summer, a local group felt it was appearing in our cities in the near future! important to develop its own Franco Quebecois to immigrate to these areas Trail in Lewiston-Auburn. for work in the mills. Bus tours and If you are interested in helping develop the tourism information with a map of the local Franco tourism trail, please contact Franco Route and a list defining partners [email protected] A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE to sacrifice half of our storage area where you can come and hang out,” DIRECTOR (Ouch!). alone or with family and friends, to not A Pivotal Moment in Our only learn but to live, work or just play. History We are losing, almost daily, Your input along with our wanting important artifacts because we lack a to be in a mill and stay downtown Museum L-A, the community’s secure and climate controlled storage brought us to our 1 Beech Street site dedicated collector and keeper of the area. Key collections – 500 pieces on the riverfront, near our parks where voices and stories, is at a crossroads of original art and over 4,000 point we demolished 60% of our the existing between its own history and the paper art done by our millworkers, mill, but saved the original 1850 future. 210 silkscreens and over 250 original building. bedspreads – are becoming National Since we opened, we’ve received Treasures but are in immediate danger In late 2016 the vision became the people from 43 states and 12 countries. of deterioration. beginning of our reality when a one Those from afar, leave in awe at the million dollar anonymous leadership beautiful history and community we Our current space prohibits new gift was given for the new Museum. live in. Local people usually leave programs of extreme importance such This gift was the impetus to start having taken pride back as for children with Autism or people moving our project forward. We hired in their community. new professional staff, Museum L-A is here to brought on new board help our communities members, reactivated reclaim the pride and the Building and Capital greatness we once Campaign Committees, enjoyed, realize how great and contracted with and amazing a people and exhibit planners. We want place we were, but more our museum to become a important, that we’re still force and not just a place. great and amazing today in every way. We can’t say This is an exciting and it enough. challenging time for the Museum, particularly Museum L-A has been this year as we anticipate through very hard times, the hard work ahead but, through sound of us. I am inspired by management, the spirit of what former citizen, Dr. frugality of our ancestors Bernard Lown, inventor and help from our donors, and Nobel Peace Prize we turned those times Winner said when I first around. We are not told him about our plans: financially there yet, so we “This is unheard of what still have to make every you are trying to do! You penny count. We are are trying to put together reviewing all our operating a Museum to tell the story systems to prepare for the Executive Director Rachel Desgrosseilliers with millworker art in of the ordinary person next phase of becoming a February, 2018 and everyday worker strong, vibrant and unique rather then a famous museum of the future. someone or art collection Financial stability is always a top with Alzheimer’s due to materials and which would be easy and bring in lots priority. We have already invested $1.5 chemicals used “back in the day”. of funding. Trying to do this from the Million in the new site and close to $6 bottom up to honor the every day Million in operations, 85-90% of which Our inadequate spaces preempt our person and worker is going to be very was spent with local businesses. being able to grow and partner with hard. I applaud you and admire what other organizations or develop new you are doing.” Little did I know… So why is it urgent for us to consider income streams. a new museum NOW? Simply put, we Workers we interviewed told us – “It have no other option. When we realized that we would have was HARD WORK.” Hard work never to move sooner than we expected, we deterred us. We invite you to join us in We are in temporary spaces, being went out into the community to hear our community quest. “WE CAN DO squeezed out due to growth in new more about what you wanted in your IT!” because “WHY NOT IN L-A?” and expanding businesses around future new museum. You told us you us (hooray!) which has forced us wanted the museum to be a center Sincerely with our ancestors, 2 for our community, “like a living room Rachel OUR VISITORS LOVE US Museum L-A Rated in the Top 4! “You MUST check it out! Really cool to step back in time a bit and see how things were We have achieved a status of which we are very proud! Museum once done in our community and the people visitors from near and far have been rating their experience at Museum L-A on TripAdvisor and Google. We are now # 4 of 21 who all made it happen. GREAT history lesson “Things to Do” in Lewiston, Maine on TripAdvisor. for my home-schooled boy and myself! We’ll be visiting again for sure and are excited for We’re proud of our exhibits, programs and activities. Have upcoming events.” you had a great experience at Museum L-A? Tell us about your experience and leave a review of your own on Google or TRIPADVISOR REVIEW BY MANDYZNZ TripAdvisor. While you’re there, read about all the great things our guests have to say about us. “This was a fantastic place and it was amazing to see the incredible history of the Bates Mill. I highly recommend checking out this museum and I am definitely going back!! L/A FINALLY has someplace that celebrates the history and culture of the fantabulous Lew/Aub.”

GOOGLE REVIEW BY ERIN P.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK community a platform to share their stories and talents. Young Curators Reveal Secrets and Tackle They’re the future of Museum L-A and this is their museum.” Teamwork This exhibit was made possible by Through the Kids as Curators program, local students worked funding from the Maine Humanities closely with Museum L-A staff to create, install, and share Council, the Maine Arts Commission, their own museum exhibits. So far this year, 160 students the Lewiston-Auburn Children’s have produced two exhibits: Auburn Middle School launched Foundation, Mechanics Savings “Hidden Treasures” in February, and Lewiston High School’s Bank, and the Maine Thread “Conflict and Compromise” opened in May. Company.

Trips to Museum L-A, as well as visits to the schools by our staff, helped students build their skills in research, writing, artistic design, and teamwork while building an exhibit, after which they became the teachers on opening night.

“Auburn Middle School students have been fortunate to have multiple opportunities to show that they can do real- world work in the community and contribute to building the narrative of life in our Maine community,” says 8th grade teacher Diana Carson. To that, Kate Webber, Director of Education & Outreach, added “Kids as Curators is incredibly important to us since it gives the younger members of this

3 Maine Innovation Expo One robotics volunteer commented: “There are incredible opportunities Electrifies Audiences “I’ve spent the whole day going up to right here in Maine, but you have to be people and asking, ‘Do you want to exposed to something to know that it’s Visitors of all different ages, interests drive a robot?’ Not a single person has an option for you,” said Museum L-A’s and backgrounds came together to said no!” Director of Education and Outreach celebrate invention and ingenuity at Kate Webber. “At the Expo, kids could our second annual Maine Innovation The Innovation Expo was designed get their hands on things they might Expo on May 19. to make innovation fun, accessible not have the chance to try otherwise. and visible at the local and state level We had six-year olds learning to lay Visitors topped 700 people, coming for people of all ages. Exhibitors brick and mortar with Ed Hodson from 4 states and 57 towns across were encouraged not only to make Masonry. Exhibitors went above and Maine from Biddeford to Bar Harbor. connections to future customers and beyond to share their skills and spark collaborators, but also to reach out the interest of attendees both young The festival was jam-packed with to a younger generation in the midst and old.” fun facts, educational activities and of deciding what path to take in their education and careers. Businesses and fascinating inventions that enthralled I’ve spent the whole guests. Did you know that you can organizations had the opportunity to cook s’mores with solar power, and showcase their fun and exciting work. day“ going up to people play piano pieces with bananas? Or and asking, ‘Do you That’s what brought Ken Hodgkins that drones can be used in commercial want to drive a robot?’ agriculture? to the expo, who currently serves as the Director of the Office of Space ” Said one expo enthusiast, “The whole and Advanced Technology in the Four thrilling shows by the high- family had an absolute blast at the US Department State’s Bureau of tech comedy group AudioBody and Maine Innovation Expo. We were all Oceans, Environment, and Science. Mr. performer Michael Menes were impressed with the sheer size of the Hodgkins was a special guest speaker at packed. The Maine Drone Society led museum, as well as the hundred plus the event and was able to connect with two outdoor races, and the Bonney activities and learning hubs provided. students from his alma mater, Edward Eagle Robotics Team gave hands-on In fact, the children are still talking Little High School in Auburn. demonstrations of their competitive about it and can’t wait to go next year!” robots to a captivated crowd. He spoke about the latest efforts in Many intended to stay for an hour—and international space collaboration, Museum L-A extends a special thanks found themselves still exploring four including the Global Positioning System to the farmers, scientists, builders, hours later. (GPS), orbital debris, and the use of historians, artists, tech buffs, and more nuclear power sources in space. that joined us from 56 businesses, schools, and nonprofits!

Thank you to our 2018 sponsors:

Auburn Public Library CBS 13/FOX 23 Maine’s Big Z Michael Menes Productions Praxis Production Studios Sun Journal SwarmAG Precision Agricultural Drone Services 4 The Home Depot Lewiston Youth Artists Immerse in Local Immigration History

In March, twelve students from Lewiston High School’s 21st Century Leaders Program converged on Museum L-A to research their city’s history of immigration and cultural change over 100 years.

“We are students in grades 10-12 who are Black, Muslim, and from immigrant and refugee families,” they commented as they heard, saw and felt the history of past immigrants. of the Maine Immigrant and Refugee the challenges they faced, and the “We love our cultures and we love Services building on Bartlett Street in traditions they kept and lost over the Lewiston. As our city changes rapidly Lewiston. years. All were impressed to see that due to a changing population and the students were working hard to economic development, we believe A couple weeks after the students’ incorporate not only their stories but the voices of youth are especially visit, Museum L-A traveled to Lewiston those of many ethnic groups that have important to guide this change in the High School to follow up with them. come to L/A in the past. right direction.” Stories from three different groups of immigrants—French Canadian, Irish, “Hold on to your culture,” Rachel told The students will incorporate city and Greek—were shared by Rachel the students after explaining how the history as well as their own experiences Desgrosseilliers, Margaret Craven, French language was rarely taught to and creative talent to paint a mural and Elizabeth Clifford. They talked children after her generation. “Don’t let “reflecting that history and the beauty about what brought the groups here, anyone take it away from you.” we see in our community,” on the face

Maine’s Award Winning Young winning project and the two runner- Historians ups were invited to share their work at the 2018 Maine Innovation Expo On Saturday, April 7, nearly 400 at Museum L-A on Saturday, May students, teachers, and parents 19th. We are thrilled to announce gathered at the University of Maine’s that Museum L-A will host a regional Orono Campus for Maine National NHD contest in 2019. We look forward History Day (NHD). This annual inspiring more regional schools to competition for students in grades 6-12 participate. promotes critical thinking skills through Webber, who served as a judge with project-based learning. Students work Top award winners in the state contest coworker Emma Sieh. “There’s all the qualify for the national contest in individually or in groups to create energy and excitement of an Olympic either a documentary, website, exhibit, Washington, DC, in June. This year 33 event, but they’re cheering for research entries, 21 teachers and 58 students performance, or paper around a projects instead of sports. I am so historical subject of their choice. are eligible to represent Maine in the inspired to see this younger generation nation’s capital. In recent years Maine of historians.” “It’s incredible to see students students have consistently won first screaming and jumping for joy when place in at least one category at the Museum L-A participated in this national level. Good luck to these their classmate’s exhibit wins first year’s History Day by awarding the place,” said Museum L-A’s Kate hardworking, talented students! “Innovation in History” prize. The

5 African Diaspora: A Student state. We want to show the history Lewiston Maine,” says Ms. Towns. Exhibit and why people came to the United “These student leaders are making States.” it happen.” After viewing the exhibit A temporary exhibit created by and talking with students and teacher, students in Erin Towns’ Maine Cultural Class members gathered oral history Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Executive Studies class at Edward Little High interviews with community members Director of the Museum, announced School was hosted by Museum L-A who have come to Lewiston-Auburn that the work they had done would be in May of this year. The project was from different parts of the world. a huge help in the research needed to spearheaded by talented seniors Muse Their exhibit, open to the public develop the Immigration Exhibit for Farah and Sara Kalonda. for two days, featured interview the new museum now being planned. material, photographs, artifacts, Shouts of joy and excitement “We are both the living, breathing fashion, and foods that represent the reverberated through the Atrium definitions of African Diaspora,” myriad of cultures represented in our space. the students write. “We came to communities. America for better lives, education, Museum L-A was honored to receive and opportunities. We want to show “It is our hope that the exhibit in sponsorship for this exhibit from United the representation of contemporary the old Bates Mill will bring more Insurance of Auburn. immigration from the Middle East, understanding and collaboration Africa, and Asia in our community and among the peoples of Auburn and

Left: Students from the Androscoggin Valley Educational Collaborative, background, listen to Edward Little High School students, standing on the stairs at Museum L-A in Lewiston, during Stories of Immigration. Erin Towns’ Maine Cultural Heritage class at Edward Little High School in Auburn collected stories from their peers who have immigrated to Maine and shared them with gifted and talented social studies students from Leavitt Area High School in Turner, Lewiston High School, Oak Hill High School in Wales and Edward Little High School. “We realized that our recent immigrants are not mentioned in textbooks,” co-organizer Sara Kalonda said. “We are taking a look at Maine history through a global lens,” Towns said. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)

ON THE COVER Take History Home

“Shoe and Mill Workers of Lewiston/Auburn” by Anita Poulin, Owner, GreenWood Gallery (Auburn)

We are delighted to share that this limited edition fine art is now available for purchase in the Museum L-A gift shop. All proceeds will benefit museum programming and exhibits.

6 NEW EVENTS FOR KIDS Tinkering, Mystery and Magic

Museum L-A hosted three programs this winter for children ages 5 and up. “Tinkering Tuesday,” with volunteer Gene Clough, was about invention and discovery. Students were able to send telegraph messages in Morse code and build their own gear structure. “Mystery Thursday,” hosted by educator Kate Webber, enabled students to use their investigative skills for solving mysteries with the help of some basic clues and facts about history. “Magic Friday,” with volunteer Ray Biron, featured a fun and fascinating magic show.

Above: Alexis Walk, left, of Wales and Shelby Dagneau of Lewiston look for clues that will tell them whether their clothes are made of cotton or wool at Museum L-A in Lewiston. Children were given the task of solving various mysteries about historic objects during “Mystery Thursday” at the museum. Museum L-A offered three days of discovery-related activities during February break. “History itself is a pretty big mystery,” Kate Webber, director of education and outreach, told the kids. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)

Upper Galleries Enjoy a Face Lift

The permanent exhibitions in the upper galleries are once again getting a face lift as Museum staff incorporate new artifacts that were donated by the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts and present new exhibit concepts. “Visitors will now see more exhibit pieces and stories about the mills and shoe workers,” says Emma Sieh, Collections & Exhibits Coordinator. The redesign process will continue all summer, but the galleries will remain open to visitors throughout the duration of the projects.

Right: Emma Sieh hangs the remaining portraits of workers from the Portraits and Voices exhibit series that began in 2004.

7 MAY’S OBJECT OF THE MONTH: ASTRONAUT “Object of the Month” New Feature for BEDSPREAD Collections Department “All systems are go for countdown” with this A new featured attraction is now on view in the museum astronaut and space themed bedspread made by galleries! “Every month we will be choosing an object the Bates Manufacturing Company. from the collection to highlight and put on display as the “Object of the Month”, said Emma Sieh, Collections New designs were always being created by the & Exhibit Coordinator. The idea behind this featured Design Department here in the Bates Mill. As the attraction is to evoke curiosity in an item that would have company began to move away from traditional been otherwise hidden in storage, inspire visitors to help woven designs, the patterns began to reflect the preserve our history through the collection by donating more whimsical and current fashion trends of the or sponsoring an item, and start conversations between time. This particular bedspread would have been the visitors and museum staff about their own personal launched and sold in stores during the height of the histories. Space Race, when America was trying to be the first to land on the moon. Make sure to check our website every month to see what the newest Object of the Month will be, or stop by and With the innovation of the programmable Jacquard get a closer look in person! loom in textile mills, designs like this one were able to get infinitely more complex. A punch card system allowed for intricate detail to be added to each new design and could indicate what sections of the design would be raised or lowered. Get more information about the Jacquard loom on a museum tour today!

APRIL’S OBJECT OF THE MONTH: OLIVINE SIROIS’S ACCORDION

A personal history written by Theresa Pleau about the life of her Mother, Olivine Sirois:

“Olivine (Bonsaint) Sirois, May 1907 – June 1997, immigrated to Lewiston in her late teens. She came to care for a brother’s wife who was ill with TB. She came from a family who loved music. They were very poor but always found time to play and sing and dance. There was no people such as music teachers. You picked up an instrument and you played it. Her forte was the accordion. A brother played the guitar, another the banjo, still another the violin. Her father was living during a time when having an instrument was a miracle so he played the mouth organ, whistled, played the spoons, and accompanied the whole with his feet. We were told he also made puppets that he placed behind a lamp and made their shadows dance on the wall.

It is no mystery that after such an upbringing, Olivine never lost her love of music. She met and married my father, Stanislas Sirois, and brought up their family with music and songs. Playing her accordion, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren danced around her when she played. This is why we, her family, are proud to This very loved accordion belonging to Olivine Sirois, along donate her accordion to the museum. Though it is with the accompanying film we shared on our website and now silenced, it will always resound in our minds Facebook, brought many fond memories and comments from our community. We are a fun loving and musical people! and hearts.” 8 Get Ready to Dance! Our first Dance Party Under the Stars in 2011 was a huge success with over 500 Mark your calendars for Museum guests in attendance. L-A’s Dance Party Under the Stars II on September 7th at our future home, 1 This year’s party will feature the sounds Beech Street in Lewiston! of the 70’s and 80’s for all to enjoy. Stay tuned as details of this big, bold, and Imagine a beautiful evening under a audacious event unfold - and get your starry and moonlit sky, rockin’ to tunes tickets online at museumla.org. of the GOOD & PLENTY band with all of your friends! Friday, September 7, 7-11:00 pm at the future Museum L-A, 1 Beech Street, Enjoy discounted fine dining at local Lewiston (adjacent to Simard/Payne Park) restaurants, as well as specialty drinks and meals at participating businesses to enhance your Dance Party experience.

The Work of War Evokes though it often caused tears or hugs Emma Sieh and volunteer Tom Jarvis, a Emotion of comfort. Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Navy Veteran. Museum Director, said that she was particularly moved at the ‘Missing The Work of War: Honoring Our Veterans Below: Lefty Gilbert takes a close look and the Ones They Left Behind, an Man’ table when a veteran, Mr. Robert at the display featuring his information evocative exhibit that was open to the Dillingham, commented quietly, “It’s about serving in the Marines. public from November 10th through just not big enough.” January 13th, told the story of local veterans throughout history. “Museum Within the exhibit was a station where L-A wanted to celebrate the bravery, people were encouraged to fill out a patriotism and service of our veterans thank you card to a veteran. People to our country.” said Emma Sieh, of all ages graciously filled one out, Collections and Exhibit Coordinator. including children who drew pictures The honor wall of portraits that had of flags and soldiers. These thoughtful been submitted by friends and family cards were then delivered to two members of veterans was a favorite, veterans homes at the end of December by Collections & Exhibits Coordinator,

> Would you like to be part of our If you value the important work we are exciting story? You can be! doing, please take a minute to donate online at museumla.org or mail a Your gift counts. A gift of any size will contribution to: Museum L-A, Box A7 help us to continue providing outstanding Lewiston, Maine 04240. Thank you. educational programs for people of all Stay tuned! We hope you’re enjoying this newsletter. ages. Our exhibits are second to none—and As you have read, there are many exciting developments your donation helps us create truly unique taking shape at Museum L-A. The remainder of 2018 will be packed with new programs and new opportunities! exhibits that showcase the history of our Watch your mail in July for our annual mailing with more work and our community. details, updates, and ways to be involved and join us in our excitement!

9 A NOTE FROM JOHN CLEVELAND, BOARD CHAIR Museum L-A Welcomes New Board Members

Museum L-A is excited to welcome Michael S. Malloy and Robert D. Westhoven to the Museum’s Board of Directors. Michael is an experienced local attorney with a passion for museums and Robert has extensive experience in banking and finance. A warm welcome to them both!

Michael Malloy is the founding Robert Westhoven is the Vice member of The Malloy Firm in President and Commercial Team Auburn, Maine. He received Leader at Androscoggin Bank in his J.D. cum laude in 2008 from Lewiston, Maine. He has strong Suffock University Law School leadership skills with a proven in Massachusetts. He also has a record of achievement in team double major from Middlebury referral and sales production. College in Vermont focusing on International Politics and Economics, and French.

GET INVOLVED Volunteer Opportunities – Diverse, Fun and Engaging! Be a Part of History... Volunteer! Volunteers support the Museum in activities that range from interacting with visitors, participating in museum There are so many ways to support our work and committees, creating exhibits, helping with collections, preserve our history. Museum L-A’s current volunteer and working on special events to providing support for needs include: staff. In all they do, their commitment enables Museum L-A to provide a lively, fun and educational experience for Greeters everyone. Tour Guides Data Entry For more information on volunteering for Museum L-A, Researchers please contact Robert Caron at 207-333-3881 or email Education [email protected]. Retail/Gift Shop Experience Writers & Composers Graphic Design Marketing Archiving Exhibit Committee Entrepreneurial Task Force Development Committee Light Cleaning

...and so much more!

For more information about volunteering for Museum L-A, please contact Robert Caron at (207) 333-3881 or Melissa Pawlina email [email protected]. volunteers in Collections at Museum L-A.

10 Visit on June 13th 2018

And come see Maine artists and their creations at the Opening Reception 5:30pm-7:30pm

On view: June 14 – September 15, 2018 June 14 - Exhibit on view from June 14th – September 15th 2018 September 15

A New Gallery Exhibit Celebrating the Cultural and Traditional Skills of Creating Works by the Hands of Maine Artisans

Join us at our free opening reception for handiwork demonstrations! June 13, 2018 5:30 -7:00 pm

Hours of Operation Tuesday-Friday 10:00am- 4:00pm Phone: 207-333-3881 Saturday 10:00am- 3:00pm Website: www.museumla.org

11 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUBURN, ME PERMIT NO. 56

35 Canal Street, Box A7 (enter from Chestnut Street) Lewiston, ME 04240 Phone: 207-333-3881 www.museumla.org

MUSEUM HOURS

Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday 10: 00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and by appointment

OUR MISSION Museum L-A connects generations and cultures, fosters a spirit of Donate now... No gift is too small! discovery and human ingenuity, and helps people experience the rich history of work, the arts and community.

WANTED: Committee members will join ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDS Portland architect and acting AND HEARTS chair Paul Lewandowski,and Kristen Dettoni, Co-founder of PatternPod in New Hampshire. The museum’s collection holds more than 500 beautiful and “We are looking for more unique designs hand-drawn by entrepreneurial minds and hearts Bates Mill Design Department, as to join our Task Force to help well as over 200 silkscreens and develop new products, establish thousands of point paper designs eCommerce on our site, and find used in the textile mills of old. An new opportunities to showcase Entrepreneurial Task Force has been the beautiful art of our ancestors, established in order to generate new in whatever form that could be,” revenue streams for the museum said Executive Director Rachel and to honor the creativity of the mill Desgrosseilliers. “We need your workers. These iconic patterns lend creative and business minds.” themselves beautifully to wallpaper, You can help us increase fashion fabric, fine art prints, gift Would you like to help? Contact revenue with creative uses wrap, furniture upholstery and so Rachel at [email protected] or for these work art designs! much more. call (207) 333-3881.