Celebrating our 25th anniversary in our 2024-25 season
of providing Music and Entertainment in Lewiston & Auburn!
Each donation helps Franco Center with their mission to act as stewards of the beautiful St. Mary’s Church and
preserve the Franco culture through live performances and education.
The DONATE button will take you to our online form.
You can make monthly or one-time donations. We appreciate your support!
To make a donation by mail please send to 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston ME 04240. To make a donation by phone please call, 207-424-0401.
Preserving Heritage and Community: The Franco Center’s Vital Role
Nestled in the heart of Lewiston’s historic Little Canada neighborhood, the Franco Center stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Franco-American culture. Housed in the former St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful structure built over a century ago, the Franco Center is more than just a building—it’s a vibrant hub of culture, history, and community.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
St. Mary’s Church was once the cornerstone of a thriving community of French-Canadian immigrants who came to Lewiston to work in its mills. For decades, it served as a place of worship, a gathering spot, and a symbol of the strong ties that bound the community together. When the church closed in 2000 due to a dwindling congregation, the Franco Center was born from a desire to preserve this important piece of history and keep alive the stories of those who built it.
Since its founding, the Franco Center has worked tirelessly to transform the building into a dynamic space that honors its past while serving the needs of today’s community. The lower Heritage Hall, with its stage, dance floor, and versatile event space, has become a go-to venue for business functions, weddings, and community gatherings. Upstairs, the Performance Hall offers an intimate setting with fantastic acoustics, perfect for concerts, theater, and special events.
Beyond the Walls: The Franco Center’s Community Impact
The Franco Center is more than a venue—it’s a cultural lifeline for Lewiston and beyond. Each year, it brings in nearly 16,000 visitors, whose attendance generates an estimated $33 per ticket in local economic impact. This figure reflects the broader influence of the Franco Center, as visitors dine at local restaurants, shop at nearby businesses, and engage with the community.
But the Franco Center’s impact isn’t just economic. It’s a place where young minds are inspired, where local history comes alive through educational programs, and where families can enjoy affordable cultural experiences. Through partnerships with local schools, the Franco Center offers discounted tickets to family-friendly shows, and educational activities that make learning fun. For many children, a visit to the Franco Center is their first experience with live performance—a memory that can spark a lifelong love of the arts.
Facing Challenges with Resolve
Despite its success, the Franco Center faces significant challenges in maintaining its historic building. Recent years have seen a tremendous effort to raise $700,100 for essential repairs, but there’s still a long way to go. An additional $1,122,136 is needed to restore and upgrade key elements of the building, from chimney restoration to installing modern security systems. These upgrades are critical to preserving the building’s integrity and ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming space for all who enter.
In a world where inflation has driven up costs across the board, the Franco Center has worked diligently to keep ticket prices accessible, even as the cost of hosting events has tripled. The organization is navigating these financial pressures with care, prioritizing the needs of the community while striving to return to pre-COVID attendance levels.
A Call to Action: How You Can Help
The Franco Center’s board of directors is currently in the midst of a crucial fundraising campaign, joined by the Center’s original executive director, whose belief in the mission remains as strong as ever. Now, more than ever, the Franco Center needs the support of people who understand the value of preserving our shared history and fostering a vibrant cultural community.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps to ensure that the Franco Center can continue to offer diverse cultural events, support local artists, and serve as a safe and inclusive gathering place for all. By contributing to this campaign, you are investing in the future of Lewiston—its history, its people, and its potential.
Your Support Matters
The Franco Center is more than a building; it’s the heart of a community. It’s a place where the past is honored, where culture thrives, and where the community comes together. With your help, we can preserve this treasure for generations to come. Visit francocenter.org to learn more about our mission, upcoming events, and how you can make a difference.
