BIDDEFORD — At the turn of the 20th century, nearly a million French-Canadians immigrated to the United States.

The reparations of this mass migration are the subject of David Vermette’s new book, A Distinct Alien Race: The Untold Story of Franco-Americans, which will be presented by the author at McArthur Library, 270 Main St., on Wednesday, Sept. 26, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A Distinct Alien Race documents the growing presence of Franco-Americans from 1840 to 1930 alongside greater themes like the perception of race and American manufacturing. Vermette, a native of Biddeford, parallels this period with contemporary immigration issues.

The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center, a non-profit organization supporting Biddeford history, will host the presentation and has invited all those interested to attend.

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