SCHOOL TOURS

Make Franco Center part of your school year! We have prepared information and displays about our building, the historically significant former St. Mary’s Church, as well as the Franco Americans who built and used it as a place of worship. We have information about the building’s architecture; the Franco immigrant, social, and work experience; and notable local Francos. Let us know which topic you would like us to spend more time on to fit your classroom studies.

We invite you to request a guided visit of our building led by trained staff and volunteers. Please note that appointments are required for all school groups visiting the Franco Center.

We require one chaperone for every 10 students. The maximum number of students per visit is 40 and they will be divided into two groups upon arrival. 

The length of a tour, presentation, and activity is between one to two hours. For those groups that want a simple guided tour of the building, the cost is $4 per student and $5 per adult and takes about 45 minutes. For groups that want a tour and additional activity, such as a scavenger hunt, walking tour, or slideshow, the cost is $8 per student and $5 per adult and takes about two hours. 

To ensure that we are providing a safe environment for all, Franco Center follows CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety measures. Let us know your group’s COVID-19 requirements.

Guided-visit reservations should be made three weeks in advance of the requested date whenever possible. A separate form must be submitted for each visit. Your visit is not confirmed until you have received an email from the Franco Center noting your tour approval. We will keep in touch with you prior to your visit to provide links to information you can use with your students in the classroom.

An invoice will be emailed to you prior to your visit and can be paid upon your arrival at Franco Center. The School Tour Program is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors.

Fill in the Franco Center School Tour Request Form found at this link as soon as possible to get the date you want:

https://forms.office.com/r/90ikepmPYE

You may sign up now for the next school year. Signing up is not binding on your part, but please let us know as soon as possible if you must cancel or change the date you selected. Call 207-261-5240.

INDIVIDUALS/PRIVATE GROUP TOURS

Tours for individuals and private groups are similar to school tours. Simple tours of the building are 45 minutes to 1 hour long and cost $5 per adult and $4 per student-age person. A tour with an activity is $8 per person. The activity could be a slideshow for in-depth information and conversation, a walking tour of the neighborhood, a scavenger hunt, or an activity prepared for your group. This can be discussed.
Fill out this form to get the date you want:

Franco Center is located at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. The building is handicap accessible and has an elevator on the Lincoln St. side. Your groups’ car(s) and school bus(es) can easily park in the mill lot across from our building after dropping off students on the same side of the street as the Franco Center.  

We think that the local stories we have to share are important for everyone to hear.