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Photo caption: Dr. Claude Berube has joined the Franco Center’s board of directors. Photo credit: C. Berube Photos
LEWISTON — The Franco Center has announced the appointment of Dr. Claude Berube to its Board of Directors, bringing with him decades of experience in education, military service and public policy, along with deep roots in the Lewiston-Auburn community. Dr. Berube retired in 2024 from the U.S. Naval Academy after 20 years of teaching. He continues to teach at the graduate-level at the Naval War College and the Institute of World Politics. A retired commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and former intelligence officer, his military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and three Navy Commendation Medals.
During his tenure as director of the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, Berube received the Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He also worked on Capitol Hill in the Senate and House and in the private sector.
“Dr. Berube brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and leadership to our board,” said Franco Center Executive Director Theresa Shanahan. “His background in education, history and public service, combined with his personal connection to this community, makes him a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our programs and advance our mission.”
The Franco Center’s mission is to honor and preserve Franco-American heritage while welcoming neighbors from diverse cultures through live performances, celebrations and educational programming.
A Lewiston-Auburn native, Berube graduated from St. Dominic Regional High School in 1984. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College, master’s degrees from Northeastern University and the Naval War College, and a doctorate in history from the University of Leeds in England. He is the author or editor of eight books.
He is the grandson of French-Canadian immigrants to Lewiston-Auburn. His mother, Georgette Berube, represented Lewiston in the Maine House and Senate from 1970 to 2000 and was the first woman to run for Maine governor. She was posthumously inducted in the Franco-American Hall of Fame in 2009.
Berube currently serves on the board of the Senator Margaret Chase Smith Foundation and was part of the effort to open a new St. Dominic high school.
“I’m honored to serve an institution that recognizes the faith, determination, sacrifices and lives of so many Franco-American families and ensuring that their legacy continues,” Berube said.
“Dr. Berube’s lifelong commitment to service and his strong connection to Franco-American heritage align perfectly with the values of the Franco Center,” said Board Chair Michel Lajoie. “We are honored to welcome him and look forward to the perspective and energy he will bring to our organization.”
The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street in the former St. Mary’s Church, built for the French immigrant community living in Little Canada in the early 1900s. For more information about the Franco Center, visit francocenter.org.
