N.H. invited to plan for Quebec’s birthday

The 400th anniversary of Quebec City may not be until 2008, but the newly organized Quebec 400 Steering Committee has already begun meeting in anticipation of New Hampshire’s role in the upcoming celebration.

In hopes that New England regions influenced by French culture will join the celebration, members of the committee will be hosting a series of informal regional meetings throughout the Granite State, inviting residents to share their thoughts on effective marketing strategies, public relations opportunities, possible funding sources and other ideas to add to the impending celebration.

“These meeting are a great way for organizations and individuals to learn more about this important anniversary and to speak to their peers within the New Hampshire arts and cultural community about how they can get involved,” said Van McLeod, commissioner of the state Department of Cultural Resources. “The French and Quebecois influence in New Hampshire is vast and can be expressed and interpreted in many ways. We are excited to help organizations achieve their vision for celebrating this landmark anniversary.”

According to Kristen Harbaugh, communications and events coordinator for the Department of Cultural Resources, by starting the organization process early, the Quebec 400 Steering Committee hopes to spread the word and generate excitement about the 2008 celebration, perhaps enticing new Hampshire residents to hold their own Quebec 400 celebrations.

The single September meeting will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon.

October meetings will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays at the following locations: Oct. 3 at St. Kieran’s Art Center in Berlin; Oct. 10 at the Belknap Mill in Laconia; and Oct. 17 at the Franco-American Centre in Manchester.

For more information, call Kristen Harbaugh, at 603-271-3136 or e-mail her at kharbaugh@library.state.nh.us.