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On an annual basis, in conjunction with the Acadian Festival, the Madawaska Historical Society celebrate Acadian Families. Its "office" is located in the Library Building, Main Street, Madawaska, Maine. The Society, a non-profit corporation founded in 1968, has as its primary purpose the preservation of historical, social and cultural values of the Madawaska Territory. It serves the people by disseminating information relative to the people of the St. John Valley.
Click here to view details of the "Acadian-Cajun Family Tree" CD-ROM
Following is a summary of accomplishments of the Society, since its inception in 1968:
1968 - The Madawaska Historical Society was the first historical society founded in the St. John Valley. Its founding President was (my good friend), Geraldine P. Chasse.
1969 - Organized and sponsored the 1969 Centennial Pageant, "Deja 100" and many other centennial events. Started a weekly historical column in the St. John Valley Times that ran for seven consecutive years. President was Geraldine P. Chasse.
1970 - The Madawaska Centennial Log Cabin was purchased and became the first museum in the St. John Valley. Sales of publications started. President was Geraldine P. Chasse.
1971 - Land was purchased next to the St. David Church and the Log Cabin Museum was moved to its present location. President was A.J. Michaud.
1972 - Senior citizens were interviewed and over 100 tapes on oral history were made and donated to the Madawaska Public Library. President was Guy Dubay.
1973 - The old Albert Home was donated to the Historical Society. Three historic landmarks... the Acadian Landing Site, the St. David Church and Mt. Carmel Catholic Churches, were listed in the National Register of Historical Places. Reprinted the book "In Fair Aroostook" by Clarence Pullen. "An Acadian Heritage" by A.J. Michaud was published under the patronage of the Society. President was Geraldine P. Chasse.
1974 - The Log Cabin Museum was officially named "Tante Blanche Museum". Elena Bourgoin, a 1974 Madawaska High School graduate, was recipient of the first A.J. Michaud Memorial Scholarship, for the study of history. President was Gilman Hebert.
1975 - Mt. Carmel Cemetery restoration undertaken as a Bicentennial Project. Published "Madawaska... A Chapter in Maine-New Brunswick Relations" by Charlotte Melvin. President was Gilman Hebert.
1976 - Mt. Carmel Cemetery dedicated as a Memorial Historic Site. Presented in conjunction with Fraser Paper Limited, Guy Dubay's three-act play entitled "With Justice For All". Carved a giant Liberty Bell, now on display in the schoolhouse. President was Gilman Hebert.
1977 - The District 1 schoolhouse moved to a parcel of donated land, behind the museum, and restored. More land purchased for the Acadian Landing Site and roadway to the Acadian Cross. President was Austin Wylie.
1978 - FIRST ACADIAN DAY... June 28, 1978! Madawaska town officials and the Maine State Legislature designated June 28, 1978, as Acadian Day in Maine. The Acadian Flag was presented to Governor Langley and flew over the Capitol Building. President was Cecile Pozzuto.
1979 - SECOND ACADIAN FESTIVAL - What started as a one-day observation, now a week-long celebration. Reprinted "How the Acadians came to Maine" by Lawrence Violette. Photo project "Preserving the Past and Future", was started... collecting, identifying and preserving old photos of the area. President was Cecile Pozzuto.
1980 - THIRD ACADIAN FESTIVAL and FIRST FOUNDING FAMILY REUNION. The family of Joseph-Simon DAIGLE, the leader of the colony, was honored. 800 registered for the Daigle Family Reunion. Joined other Valley Societies in organizing an exhibit for the Maine State Museum. Were recognized nationally by the American Association for State and Local History, for preserving and interpreting the Acadian heritage in the St. John Valley. President was Claude L. Cyr.
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Click here to view details of the "Daigle Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1981 - FOURTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and SECOND FAMILY REUNION. 2,600 CYR's register for the reunion. President was Claude "Blackie" L. Cyr.
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1982 - FIFTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and THIRD FAMILY REUNION. HEBERT descendants number 867. Participated in the exhibit "Chez-Nous... the St. John Valley" at the Maine State Museum. Purchased a microfilm reader and microfilm of the St. Basile vital statistics and Maine census. President was Claude L. Cyr.
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1983 - SIXTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and FOURTH FAMILY REUNION. 1,042 DUFOUR's sign the guest book. A publication, "Chez-Nous... the St. John Valley" by Guy Dubay was written to complement the museum exhibit and its themes. President was Guy Dubay.
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1984 - SEVENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and FIFTH FAMILY REUNION. 950 THIBODEAU's register for their grand reunion. Austin Wylie recognized at seventh Acadian Banquet, for having initiated Acadian Day observance. President was Bertrand CYR.
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1985 - EIGHT ACADIAN FESTIVAL and BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION (1785-1985). The remaining Founding Families held a family reunion; The AYOTTE, DUPERRE, FOURNIER and MERCURE Families. No descendants of the POITIER and SANFACON families were present, even though they were among the Founding Families of 1785. Dedication of the Acadian Cross Historic Shrine commemorating the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the first settlers to the St. John Valley held on June 30, 1985. Two Bicentennial publications... the English translation of "L'Histoire du Madawaska" by Dr. Francis Doucette and Sister Therese Doucette, and a pictorial history "Madoueskak 1785-1988" by Cecile Pozzuto. President was Bernette Albert.
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Click here to view details of the "Fournier Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
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Click here to view details of the "Poitiers Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1986 - NINTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and SIXTH FAMILY REUNION. Approximately 2,000 attended the PELLETIER Family Reunion. The first International Historical Tour of the Madawaska Territory took place during the Pelletier Family Reunion. The Maine League of Historical Societies and Museums recognized the Society for outstanding contribution to State and Local history. President was Norman M. Cyr.
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Click here to view details of the "Pelletier Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1987 - TENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and SEVENTH FAMILY REUNION. Approximately 1000 PLOURDE descendants gather for a family reunion. President was Norman M. Cyr.
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Click here to view details of the "Plourde Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1988 - ELEVENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and EIGHT FAMILY REUNION. More than 1000 OUELLETTE's present for a family reunion. President was Bernette Albert.
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Click here to view details of the "Ouellet Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
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Click here to view details of the "Ouellette Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1989 - TWELFTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and NINTH FAMILY REUNION. Approximately 1500 PARADIS participated in the Paradis Family Reunion. Fraser Paper Limited donated funds to purchase a microfiche viewer for the Genealogy Research Center at the Public Library. A "Steven A, Pelletier Memorial Scholarship", to be awarded annually to a deserving Madawaska High School graduate, was established. President was Bernette Albert.
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Click here to view details of the "Paradis Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1990 - THIRTEENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and TENTH FAMILY REUNION. Two thousand BOUCHARD's celebrate their roots. Official opening of the Albert Homestead. Second English translation of "L'Histoire du Madawaska", published. The Maine Acadian Culture Preservation Act passed in Congress. President was Daniel Berube.
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Click here to view details of the "Bouchard Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1991 - FOURTEENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and ELEVENTH FAMILY REUNION. Approximately 1000 SIROIS attend the Sirois/Duplessis Family Reunion. A stone enclosure was built around the base of the Acadian Monument. President was Carol Waltman.
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1992 - FIFTEENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and TWELFTH FAMILY REUNION. The COTE Family register 1,509 at their reunion. Two Historical leaders appointed the Acadian Cultural Preservation Commission... Geraldine P. Chasse and Claude L. "Blackie" Cyr. A cookbook, "Reunion Family Recipes", published and sold out before the end of the year! A special collections room was added to the Madawaska Public Library, to store the genealogy materials, Maine collection, photo albums etc. President was Claude L. Cyr.
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Click here to view details of the "Cote Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1993 - TWENTY-FIFTH MADAWASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNIVERSARY, SIXTEENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and THIRTEENTH FAMILY REUNION. It's the THERIAULT Family's turn to celebrate their Acadian Roots. President was Claude L. Cyr.
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The above noted, re-printed (with permission) from Volume 111, No. 4 (1993) Newsletter of the Madawaska Historical Society.
Main Street Madawaska
1994 - SEVENTEENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and FOURTEENTH FAMILY REUNION. The ROY Family Reunion is held. President was L. James Lavertu.
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Click here to view details of the "Roy Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1995 - EIGHTEENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and FIFTEENTH FAMILY REUNION. The CHASSE Family Reunion is held. President was L. James Lavertu.
Click here to view details of the "Chasse Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1996 - NINETEENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and FIFTEENTH FAMILY REUNION. The LEVESQUE Family Reunion was held on June 28, 29 and 30, 1996. Additional information available from P.O. Box 146, Frenchville, Maine 04745 or C.P. 293, Edmundston, New Brunswick E3V 3K9. Chairman Don Levesque can be reached at (207) 728-3336 or (506)739-6201.
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Click here to view details of the "Levesque Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1997 - TWENTIETH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and SIXTEENTH FAMILY REUNION. The DUBE/DUBAY/DUBY Family re-union is scheduled to be held in 1997. Linda Dube and Warrena Dube-Morin are the prime organizers. For complete details, connect to: "The 1997 DUBE Family Reunion"
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1998 - TWENTY-FIRST ACADIAN FESTIVAL and SEVENTEENTH FAMILY REUNION. The NADEAU Family will be honoured from June 25 to 28. For additional information, contact Murielle Nadeau/Deschaine, c/o Nadeau Family Reunion Committee, P.O. Box 49, 64 Mountain View, Madawaska, Maine 04756. Or, Telephone: (207)728-4536; Fax: (207)728-4926 E-Mail: J.C. Nadeau at: jcnadeau@nb.sympatico.ca The organizers also have a Web Site at: http://www3.nb.sympatico.ca/jcnadeau
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Click here to view details of the "Nadeau Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
1999 - TWENTY-SECOND ACADIAN FESTIVAL and EIGHTEEN FAMILY REUNION. The DUMONT-DUMOND Family Reunion is scheduled to be held June 24-27, 1999. Organizing Committee: President is Greg Dumand; Secretary is Mickey Dumond who can be contacted via e-mail at: Mickeydean@nci1.net; Treasurer is Leola Gagnon; Responsible for Genealogy: Johnny Cyr who can be contacted via e-mail at: jcyr@ctel.net; Publisher of web site is Larry Dumont who can be contacted via e-mail at: dumont@hiwaay.net
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Click here to view details of the "Dumont Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
2000 - TWENTY-THIRD ACADIAN FESTIVAL and NINETEENTH FAMILY REUNION. The MIVILLE-DESCHENES family reunion was held.
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Click here to view details of the "Miville-Deschesnes Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
2001 - TWENTY-FOURTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and TWENTIETH FAMILY REUNION. The PICARD family reunion was held.
2002 - TWENTY-FIFTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and TWENTY-FIRST FAMILY REUNION. The MARTIN Family Reunion will be held June 27-30, 2002. Contact the President, Gerry Martin via e-mail at: gmartin@gwi.net It may interest you to know that I have been invited to attend (and participate) in this well-planned Reunion. I personally attended and conducted FOUR genealogy seminars at the Madawaska High School.
Click here, to view available Michaud Products
Click here to view details of the "Michaud Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
2003 - TWENTY-SIXTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and TWENTY-SECOND FAMILY REUNION. A MICHAUD family reunion will be held this year. Bernard Michaud is the President of the Family Reunion this year and additional details on the planned activities, can be found at the Michaud Reunion web site. As noted on their web site, organizing meetings are being held at the Madawaska Library. Any questions or comments can be directed to... MichaudReunion2003@email.com or by regular postal mail to Michaud Family Reunion 2003, P.O. Box 473, Madawaska, ME 04756. I will be attending and conducting genealogy workshops again this year.
Click here, to view available Michaud Products
Click here to view details of the "Michaud Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
2004 - TWENTY-SEVENTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL and TWENTY-THIRD FAMILY REUNION. The GENDREAU (Jandreau, Johndro) Family will be meeting, under the capable leadership of Rosanna Gendreau, Association President. Contact Rosanna if you would like to join the organizing committee and/or have any suggestions to offer. For added information, connect to the Gendreau web site at http://www.gendreaureunion.com and/or the Town of Madawaska site at http://www.townofmadawaska.com (under the Chamber of Commerce tab).
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2005 - TWENTY-EIGHTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL; TWENTY-FOURTH FAMILY REUNION and 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE "ACADIAN DEPORTATION". June 23 - 26
Acadian Festival - Madawaska - The State of Maine's Largest Cultural Festival. Events include a reenactment of the first Acadian landing in northern Maine, traditional Acadian supper, a softball tournament, barge rides on Long Lake, entertainment, cultural displays, a festival parade, "Festival Famillial" and much more. The Festival is held each year in conjunction with a huge family reunion, honoring one of the Acadian pioneer families. This year it will be the DIONNE family. Added information can be sourced from the Executive Director of the Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce, Dennis Michaud. The President of the Dionne Family Reunion is Nancy Lavertu, 474 Grandview Street, Madawaska, Me. 04756 She can be contacted at telephone 207-728-6294 or via email at nancm43@yahoo.com.
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Click here to view details of the "Dionne Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
2006 - TWENTY-NINTH ACADIAN FESTIVAL; TWENTY FOURTH FAMILY REUNION - June 28th to July 2nd
This year the CARON'S will hold their family reunion, in conjunction with the Madawaska Acadian Festival. Preliminary information is available from Murielle Deschaine, one of the main event Organizer.
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Click here to view details of the "Caron Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
2007 - THIRTIETH ACADIAN FESTIVAL; TWENTY FIFTH FAMILY REUNION - June - July, 2007
This year the LAGACE/LAGASSE'S will hold their family reunion, in conjunction with the Madawaska Acadian Festival, June 28 - 30, 2007. Preliminary information is available from the Acadian Festival Committee, 328 St. Thomas St., Madawaska, ME 04756 Tel: (207) 316-7980; or (207) 728-6250; Fax: (207) 728-3611. Nancy Lavertu is President of the Lagace/Lagasse Family Reunion Association and may be contacted at 207-728-6294. Jane Michaud is the Vice-President of the Association and she can be contacted via email at: bjmich@adelphia.net, Connect to their web site at http://www.lagacereunion.org/ for added information.
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Click here to view details of the "Lagace Family Genealogy" CD-ROM
2008 - THIRTY-FIRST ACADIAN FESTIVAL; TWENTY FIFTH FAMILY REUNION - June 22 - 29, 2008
Each year, in conjunction with the Acadian Festival, a family reunion is held, celebrating one of the Valley's pioneer families. This year, we are honored to celebrate the GUERRETTE family. We are excited to welcome everyone to our beautiful St. John Valley and we hope that you will enjoy the festivities. Participation in events is NOT limited to the hosting family. The public is encouraged to join in any activity that you may be interested in. Click here to view detailed schedule.
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Click here, to view available GUERETTE Products
Click here, to view available GUERET Products
2009 - THIRTY-SECOND ACADIAN FESTIVAL; TWENTY SIXTH FAMILY REUNION - June 25 - 28, 2009
Each year, in conjunction with the Acadian Festival, a family reunion is held, celebrating one of the Valley's pioneer families. This year, we are honored to celebrate the MARQUIS and CANAC-MARQUIS family. You can contact President Judy Paradis via email at Rody1@adelphia.net or by telephone at 207-728-4854. Marielle Nadeau-Deschaine is a participating genealogist and may be contacted via email at Murielle@ainop.com or by telephone at 207-895-5262 or 207-895-3205.The details of the Madawaska Acadian Festival can be found at http://www.acadianfestival.com/ as well as http://www.marquisreunion.com/


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