Soucy named to Franco-American Hall of Fame

Gordon Soucy, 87, of Grand Isle was recently inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame. He could not travel to Augusta, but representing him in the Hall of Flags are, from left:  Leah Cook, Greater Grand Isle Historical Society secretary; Sen. Sue Bernard, R-Caribou; Gerald Soucy, Gordon's brother; Angela Soucy, Gordon's sister-in-law; and Steve Soucy, Gordon's nephew. (Courtesy of Leah Cook)

April 23 marked Franco-American Day in the Maine Legislature. A joint convention of the Maine House and Senate was held to recognize the contributions of Franco-Americans to the state and the work being done to preserve and promote French language and culture. 

Dignitaries from Canada, Quebec and France joined the representatives to honor 2025’s inductees into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame. 

Among this year’s inductees was Gordon Soucy of Grand Isle, who was recognized for his work on behalf of the Greater Grand Isle Historical Society, helping to preserve and disseminate the history, traditions and heritage of the area. 

As a founding member of the society, Soucy was instrumental in the creation of the organization in 2007 and in growing the collection from its original one-room footprint in the community center to its current four-building complex in the former St. Gerard Rectory. 

He tirelessly curates and organizes the collection, and each year helps numerous people answer questions about their families or perform historical research. 

This year’s class of Hall of Fame inductees includes professors, educators, language teachers, community organizers, and author Annie Proulx.  Inductees were from all over the state, reflecting the one in three Mainers of Franco-American origin today. 

Soucy was the sole representative from the St. John Valley in the group. His work speaks to the important efforts of local historians who preserve the history that is both communal and personal to so many, said Leah Cook, secretary of the Greater Grand Isle Historical Society.

A small group traveled to Augusta to represent Soucy, who turns 87 this month and preferred not to make the long trip. Cook was honored to stand in his stead for the ceremonies in Augusta as he was recognized from the floor of the Legislature, presented the certificate honoring him in the Hall of Flags, and as the honorees were recognized by Governor Mills in a meet-and-greet. 

Soucy was later privately presented with his official certificate at home in Grand Isle.