Acadian Archives to host book launch by UMFK alumnus Laurel Daigle

The Acadian Archives at the University of Maine atFort Kent will host a book launch for local author Laurel Daigle at 5 p.m. onMay 21. The event celebrates the release of Daigle’s latest work, “LittleFranciscans of Mary of Fort Kent’s St. Louis Convent and School.”

The book traces the educational role played by theLittle Franciscans of Mary in the St. John Valley. Originally founded inMassachusetts before establishing a motherhouse in Baie Saint-Paul, Quebec, theSisters first arrived in the region at the invitation of Fr. Joseph Marcoux ofWallagrass. In 1906, they expanded to Fort Kent under the invitation of Fr.Arthur Décary of St. Louis Parish.

Throughout the order’s local history, more than 100Sisters served at the St. Louis School. Daigle’s research includes detailedbiographies of the Sisters who shaped the school’s history or served thecommunity for decades. The book features a foreword by Monsignor. Jean-PaulLabrie.

“We are honored to host Laurel and highlight hisimpressive research,” said Patrick Lacroix, director of the Acadian Archives.“This work will be a great complement to his prior book on Fort Kent as well asa must-read for local families.”

Daigle, a Fort Kent native and descendant of a19th-century Acadian farming family, is a graduate of the Fort Kent StateNormal School and Farmington State Teachers College. A veteran educator, hetaught in Ashland and Fort Kent public schools and holds a Master of Arts fromthe Catholic University of America.

The book launch is free and open to the public. Daiglewill be available to answer questions and discuss his research. Copies of thebook will be available for purchase for $15.95.

For more information, please contact the AcadianArchives at 834-7535.