Logo for the Franco-American Collection’s 50th Anniversary Exhibit and Party. Franco-American Collection, University of Southern Maine

LEWISTON — The Franco-American Collection will be celebrating its 50th year with a free special event on Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the atrium at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston campus.

The center has actually been around for 52 years. “We’re late,” said Anna Faherty, the collection’s archivist, explaining that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed plans for marking its first half-century.

A display showing off parts of the collection and the history of the center will be unveiled at a free event at 6:30 p.m. in the gallery at its 51 Westminster St. location.

“I think it will be lovely,” Faherty said. “It will also be fun.”

The exhibit will remain on display in the atrium through May.