393 Main St, Madawaska, ME 04756
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For more information on the Madawaska Historical Society, contact Ken Theriault at [email protected]
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.
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.