Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society

Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the French-Canadian heritage of Woonsocket, Rhode Island and surrounding areas, with ties to Quebec, Canada, and New England. The society's work is closely related to the American-French Genealogical Society, the French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan, and the Société de généalogie de Québec. Its members often collaborate with experts from Université de Montréal, University of Ottawa, and Harvard University to advance their research. The society's efforts are also supported by the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library and Archives Canada.

● History

The Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society was founded by a group of individuals passionate about French-Canadian culture and genealogy, including René Lévesque, Pierre Trudeau, and Jean Chrétien. The society's history is closely tied to the French-Canadian migration to the United States, which brought many Quebecers to New England in search of work and better living conditions, often settling in cities like Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Manchester, New Hampshire, and Lowell, Massachusetts. The society's early work was influenced by the Drouin Collection, a valuable resource for French-Canadian genealogy compiled by Joseph Drouin. The society has also been inspired by the work of Hubert Charbonneau, a renowned demographer and historian from Université de Montréal.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society's mission is to promote the study and preservation of French-Canadian genealogy and history, with a focus on the Woonsocket, Rhode Island area and its connections to Quebec, Canada, and New England. The society's objectives include providing access to genealogical resources, offering research services, and fostering a sense of community among its members, who often participate in events like the Franco-American Festival and the Quebec City Winter Festival. The society works closely with organizations like the French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan, the American-French Genealogical Society, and the Société de généalogie de Québec to achieve its goals. Its members often attend conferences at Université Laval, McGill University, and University of New Hampshire to stay updated on the latest research and trends.

● Genealogical_Resources

The Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society offers a wide range of genealogical resources to its members, including access to census records, vital records, and church records from Quebec, Canada, and New England. The society's library is home to a vast collection of books, journals, and microfilms related to French-Canadian genealogy, including the Drouin Collection and the Tanguay Collection. Members can also access online resources like Ancestry.ca, FamilySearch.org, and GenealogyQuebec.com, which provide valuable information on French-Canadian ancestors and family histories. The society's resources are often used in conjunction with those of the National Archives and Records Administration, the Library and Archives Canada, and the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec.

● Community_Involvement

The Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society is actively involved in the local community, with members participating in events like the Woonsocket Autumnfest, the Franco-American Festival, and the Quebec City Winter Festival. The society also collaborates with other organizations, such as the French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan, the American-French Genealogical Society, and the Société de généalogie de Québec, to promote French-Canadian culture and genealogy. Members often volunteer at local museums, libraries, and archives, including the Woonsocket Museum of Art, the Rhode Island Historical Society, and the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. The society's community involvement is inspired by the work of Pierre Bourque, a renowned historian and genealogist from Université de Montréal.

● Research_Services

The Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society offers research services to its members, including assistance with genealogical research, family tree construction, and ancestor identification. The society's experienced researchers have access to a wide range of genealogical resources, including census records, vital records, and church records from Quebec, Canada, and New England. Members can also request help with DNA testing and genetic genealogy, which can be used to connect with distant relatives and ancestors. The society's research services are often used in conjunction with those of the National Genealogical Society, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and the Société de généalogie de Québec.

● Membership_and_Publications

The Woonsocket French-Canadian Genealogical Society offers membership to individuals interested in French-Canadian genealogy and history. Members receive access to the society's genealogical resources, research services, and publications, including the society's quarterly newsletter and journal. The society also publishes books and monographs on topics related to French-Canadian genealogy and history, which are often used by researchers at Université de Montréal, University of Ottawa, and Harvard University. Members can also participate in the society's conferences and workshops, which feature presentations by experts like Hubert Charbonneau, Pierre Bourque, and Gérard Bouchard. The society's publications are often cited by researchers from McGill University, University of New Hampshire, and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec.

Category:Genealogical societies