Living History: The Acadian Village of Van Buren
By: Madison Veilleux
Walking through the Acadian Village Museum in Van Buren is like stepping back in time, it’s a place full of cultural history, memories and the spirit of a community who refuses to let its heritage fade. Located along the Saint John River, the village preserves the history and spirit of the Acadian people whose journey is a remarkable story of resilience and heritage.
The Acadians were French settlers who arrived in what is now known as Nova Scotia in the 1600s. They built thriving farming communities along the rivers and coasts, developing a unique community rich in culture, language, and way of life. However, in 1755 the British forcibly removed many Acadians in what’s known as the “Great Expulsion”. Families were scattered across North America, with some eventually returning to Canada, some settling in Maine, and others traveling as far as Louisiana, where they became known as Cajuns. Today, roughly half of Acadians made their way to Maine, bringing their culture and traditions to the St, Johns Valley, Van Buren.
Seventeen historic buildings line the Acadian Village, from 19th century homes to workshops and community halls. Each building tells a story of survival, perseverance, and daily life in the new land.
What makes this Village truly extraordinary is the people who care for it today. A devoted group of senior Acadian volunteers, many of whom have spent decades caring for the Village, pour endless energy into restoring historic buildings, cataloging artifacts, and welcoming visitors during their tourist season. They are the keepers of the stories, the people who pour their heart into sharing the history with anyone who comes through the gates. Their work is not paid but is done with pride for their communities’ identity.
For the people of Van Buren, the Acadian Village is more than just a museum, it’s a place for connection to ancestors, to culture, and to each other. It reminds everyone that heritage is not just about looking back, it’s about choosing to carry that history forward, and inspiring the next generation to value where they come from.
A visit to the Acadian Village Museum isn’t just a step into the past, it’s a chance to feel the heart of a community and to witness history that lives and breathes thanks to the love, care, and hard work of the volunteers.
