American-French Genealogical Society: Difference between revisions

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|address=78 Earle Street<br />Woonsocket,<br />Rhode Island 02895-0870
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}} The '''American-French Genealogical Society (AFGS)''', formed in February of 1978, is a non-profit genealogical and historical organization devoted to people of French-Canadian extraction. Its purpose is to study and preserve our rich heritage by assisting members in discovering their ancestors and the daily events that shaped their, and our, lives.  
}} '''American-French Genealogical Society''', a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization located in '''Woonsocket, Rhode Island'''. '''Genealogy''' and '''history''' are tools we use to connect generations.  


=== Mission Statement  ===
=== Mission Statement  ===


The mission of the American-French Genealogical Society is:  
The mission of the American-French Genealogical Society is to:
 
*Collect, preserve and publish cultural, genealogical, historical and biographical matter relating to Americans of French and French Canadian descent<br>
*To collect, preserve and publish cultural, genealogical, historical and biographical matter relating to Americans of French and French Canadian descent.
*Play an active part in the preservation of French and French Canadian culture and heritage; and highlight the role that they have played in the history of North America<br>
*To play an active part in the preservation of French and French Canadian culture and heritage; and highlight the role that they have played in the history of North America.
*Maintain an educational, research and cultural center<br>
*To maintain an educational, research and cultural center.
*Conduct periodic educational programs and conferences to explore cultural, genealogical, and historical topics<br>
*To conduct periodic educational programs and conferences to explore cultural, genealogical, and historical topics.
*Disseminate cultural, genealogical, historical, and biographical information to members and the general public
*To disseminate cultural, genealogical, historical, and biographical information to members and the general public.


=== Contact Information  ===
=== Contact Information  ===


'''E-Mail''': [mailto:info@afgs.org info@afgs.org]  
'''E-mail''': [mailto:info@afgs.org AFGS]  


[[Image:AFGS logo.gif|right|200px|AFGS logo.gif]]  
[[Image:AFGS logo.jpg|right|200px|AFGS logo.jpg]]  


'''Address:&nbsp;'''78 Earle Street<br>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895-0870  
'''Address:&nbsp;'''78 Earle Street<br>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895-0870  


'''Telephone:'''&nbsp;(401)-765-6141<br> '''Fax:'''&nbsp;401-597-6290
'''Telephone:'''&nbsp;(401)-765-6141<br>  


'''Hours:'''  
'''Hours:'''  
Line 63: Line 60:
:Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
:Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


We will only be closed Saturdays in July for 2011
Closed on Saturdays in July  


=== Benefits of American-French Genealogical Society  ===
=== Benefits of American-French Genealogical Society  ===


Here is a link to some of the benefits of [http://www.afgs.org/afgsbens.html American-French Genealogical Society membership]. These include:
*Access to the research library and collections.<br>
 
*Access to Je Me Souviens, a digital magazine filled with resources for genealogists, research stories, new member listings, tips and facts.<br>
*American-French Genealogical Society is now an Affiliate of Family Search of LDS for their Genealogy Collection. You may rent their microfilms and microfiche and view them at the AFGS Library.  
*Access to a members-only section of our website containing genealogical research resources, archives of the Je Me Souviens, and other useful material.<br>
*Information on Planing a Visit to AFGS
*The right to attend the annual business meeting where members are informed of Society activities.<br>
*Beginning Genealogy information
*New members who visit our library receive individual assistance and training from experienced and highly competent staff members.<br>
*Film Room request for copies of headstone pictures
*Members unable to conduct their own research may use the library resources through the Research Committee. A staff of experienced researchers is available to conduct research at low member rates
*Obituary pictures
*Research request copies.
*DNA Research-Genetics information
*An updates mailing list of the latest information
*Donate to the Memory of a person
*Lending Library
*Canadian Drouin Resources, books and films
*AFGnewS,  
*AFGS French Canadian Hall of Fame.
*Items For Sale, Publications, Je Me Souviens, Online Store with other items.  
*Historical collection (pictures), orayer card pictures, and recipes,
*Language helps: phrases used for research, translations, how to type French accents, and Surname Variations and dit Names.  
*Databases: cemetery, headstone and obituaries. genealogy links, and reference information
*Acadian Heritage Section Acadian Genealogy
*Links to genealogy websites
*Over 30 links to quality historical videos.
 
Please review the [http://www.afgs.org/ American-French Genealogical Society] website for more about the above benefits..


=== History of the society  ===
=== History of the society  ===


*Established 1978
American-French Genealogical Society Concept Took Shape with a Visit to Montreal, Quebec, Canada.<br>[https://afgs.org/site/about-afgs/history/ History of AFGS]<br><


Canadian immigration into the United States began as early as the seventeenth century, but between 1871 and 1901 the greatest influx of immigrants entered this country. Taxation, debts, unemployment, and a failing economic environment contributed to over 2 million Canadians with shattered dreams migrating to the U.S. seeking economic refuge. This was a major loss to Canada, whose population at the time ranged from 3.7 million to 4.8 million.


Since then, more than 10 million of their descendants have assimilated into American society. The language and culture preserved by the over-whelming number of Franco-Americans is disappearing, however, due to sociological changes.
=== Education - Workshops and Speakers  ===


The American-French Genealogical Society, formed in February of 1978, is a non-profit genealogical and historical organization devoted to people of French-Canadian extraction. Its purpose is to study and preserve our rich heritage by assisting members in discovering their ancestors and the daily events that shaped their, and our, lives.
<p>Presentations by guest speakers are made possible through funding from the [https://www.rifoundation.org/WorkingTogether/ForDonors/GiveOnline.aspx?fn=Le+Foyer+Endowment+Fund LeFoyer Endowment Fund].<br>Current schedule: [https://afgs.org/site/workshopsspeakers/ Workshops and Speakers]<br>


The Society is actively involved in extracting, collating, and publishing Franco-American vital statistics, parish registers, burial records, and other data consistent with our culture. Our progressive leadership, assembled from a cross-section of our membership, is dedicated to the continued growth of the Society and the preservation of French-Canadian culture in the United States. Long- and short-range plans include broadening the Society's horizons, increasing its capability to direct research, and facilitating its members' search for their ancestors.
=== American-French Genealogical Society French Canadian Hall of Fame ===


=== Publications  ===
The American-French Genealogical Society’s French Canadian Hall of Fame was established in 2003 as part of our organization’s 25th Anniversary celebration.</p><p>The Hall was created to recognize individuals and organizations with French Canadian roots or connections who have made significant contributions to their community, state or nation through their occupation and/or public service.</p>[https://afgs.org/site/hall-of-fame/ AFGS Hall of Fame]<br>
 
*[http://www.afgs.org/afgsjeme.html Je Me Souviens] (JMS) A Publication of the&nbsp;American-French Genealogical Society (in English) <br> <br>AFGS members receive Je Me Souviens, a semi-annual, 100+ page journal filled with resources for genealogists, member's research stories, new members listings and facts and tips.
 
=== Newsletters  ===
 
*[http://www.afgs.org/afgnews.html AFGnewS] is a bi monthly newsletter sent to AFGS members and available to non-members
 
=== Events - Classes  ===
 
[[Image:AFGS class2010.JPG|right|250px|AFGS class2010.JPG]] [http://www.afgs.org/class_and_workshops.html Listing of the AFGS Classes and Events]  
 
Classes normally are held in our class room area, during&nbsp;library hours.
 
At times the class may be held in the&nbsp;library before the library opens.


=== Frequently Asked Questions  ===
=== Frequently Asked Questions  ===


;Q. What are the directions to the society?  
Do you have only French Canadian Resources?</p><p>"Italicized"We are a primary source for French Canadian research and have a large selection of other data depending on the source. For example, state vital records, church records, and funeral home records would include all records and not just French Canadian.</p><p>Is there help for me to research other nationalities?</p><p>"Italicized"Yes. American-French Genealogical Society is an affiliate of the Family History Library. There are a number of volunteers who can help you to research different nationalities.</p><p>Do I need to read French?</p><p>"Italicized"Most vital records are in English. Quebec microfilm records are mostly in French or Latin. Normally, someone is at the library that can translate for you.</p><p>Is there someone in the library to aid me if I do visit the library?</p><p>"Italicized"Volunteers are normally available to help with your visit.</p><p>Is there someone to show me how to use the microfilm?</p><p>"Italicized"There are volunteers who will show you the steps to access the microfilms and how to search within them.</p><p>Can I bring my electronic devices to the library?</p><p>"Italicized"American-French Genealogical Society has free Wi-Fi available. Notebooks, laptops, tablets, hand held scanners, cameras are allowed in the library (no flash). Cell phones may be brought into the library, however, please be considerate of other researchers and either turn off the phone or place it in silent mode. Cell phone conversations are not allowed in the library.</p><p>Can I use a flash drive or CD/DVD in your computers?</p><p>"Italicized"Sorry but no item can be plugged into our computers.</p><p>Can we bring a group to the library?</p><p>"Italicized"Yes, however if it is a large group (over 5) we would appreciate notification ahead of time to make sure that we have researchers to help.</p><p>What is the cost to use the library?</p><p>"Italicized"American-French Genealogical Society members have full use of the library. For non-members the fee is $5.00 per visit.</p><p>Are food or refreshments available?</p><p>"Italicized"Food or beverages including bottled water are not allowed in the library area. The lunchroom is located off the main lobby adjacent to the lockers. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for your use. While we do not offer food or beverages on site, there are restaurants nearby.</p><p>I am coming from a distance and will only be in the area a few days. Can I use the library if it is not scheduled to be open?</p><p>"Italicized"We will make every effort to accommodate members who live outside of the Rhode Island area. Please contact American-French Genealogical Society at least one week before your arrival. Tell us the dates and times you plan to be here and a phone number where you can be reached while you travel.</p><p>Are there other sites of interest in the area?</p><p>"Italicized"American-French Genealogical Society is located in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and a number of interesting places are available including the Museum of Work & Culture.<br>For a list of other sites of interests throughout Woonsocket and Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley, visit [https://tourblackstone.com/ Tour Blackstone Valley].</p>
:A. Link to [http://maps.google.com/ Google Maps] Society is at 78 Earle St, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
 
;Q. What are the society's hours of operation?  
:A. Open
:Monday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00.p.m., Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
 
=== Research Links on FamilySearch.org  ===
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" align="left"
|-
| USA
| Canada
| Canada
|
*[[France Genealogy|France]]
 
|-
|
*[[Connecticut, United States Genealogy|Connecticut ]]<span style="display: none;" id="1304085238552S">&nbsp;</span>
 
|
*[[Alberta Genealogy|Alberta]]
 
|
*[[Nunavut Genealogy|Nunavut]]


|
=== Acadian Heritage Section ===
*[[Ireland Genealogy|Ireland]]
<p>Today, Acadia is not a country, but a common bond shared by people of its heritage.</p><p>[https://afgs.org/site/acadian-heritage-section/ Acadian Heritage]</p>


|-
'''Facebook''': [https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFrenchGenealogicalSociety/ AFGS Facebook Page]</p>
|
'''Twitter''': @AmFrGenSoc<br>
*[[Maine Genealogy|Maine]]


|
=== Research Links on FamilySearch  ===
*[[British Columbia Genealogy|British Columbia]]
 
|
*[[Ontario Genealogy|Ontario]]
 
|
*[[Italy Genealogy|Italy]]
 
|-
|
*[[Massachusetts|Massachussetts]]
 
|
*[[Manitoba Genealogy|Manitoba]]
 
|
*[[Prince Edward Island Genealogy|Prince Edward Island]]
 
|
*[[England Genealogy|England]]
 
|-
|
*[[New Hampshire Genealogy|New Hampshire]]
 
|
*[[New Brunswick Genealogy|New Brunswick]]
 
|
*[[Quebec Genealogy|Quebec]]
 
|
*[[Canada Genealogy|Canada]]
 
|-
|
*[[New York Genealogy|New York]]
 
|
*[[Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogy|Newfoundland and Labrador]]
 
|
*[[Saskatchewan Genealogy|Saskatchewan]]
 
|
*[[Browse by Country|Browse by Country]]
 
|-
|
*[[Rhode Island Genealogy|Rhode Island]]
 
|
*[[Northwest Territories|Nortwest Territores]]
 
|
*[[Yukon Genealogy|Yukon]]
 
|
|-
|
*[[Vermont Genealogy|Vermont]]
 
|
*[[Nova Scotia Genealogy|Nova Scotia]]
 
| <span style="display: none;" id="1304085238303E">&nbsp;</span>
|
|}
 
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[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/United_States_Genealogy USA]</p><p>[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/New_England New England]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Connecticut,_United_States_Genealogy Connecticut]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Maine,_United_States_Genealogy]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Massachusetts,_United_States_Genealogy Massachusetts]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/New_Hampshire,_United_States_Genealogy New Hampshire]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Rhode_Island,_United_States_Genealogy Rhode Island]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Vermont,_United_States_Genealogy Vermont]</p><p>[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/New_York,_United_States_Genealogy New York]</p><p>[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Illinois,_United_States_Genealogy Illinois]</p><p>[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Louisiana,_United_States_Genealogy Louisiana]</p><p>[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Michigan,_United_States_Genealogy Michigan]</p><p>[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Canada_Genealogy Canada]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Alberta,_Canada_Genealogy Alberta]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/British_Columbia,_Canada_Genealogy British Columbia]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Manitoba,_Canada_Genealogy Manitoba]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/New_Brunswick,_Canada_Genealogy New Brunswick]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Newfoundland_and_Labrador,_Canada_Genealogy Newfoundland and Labrador]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Northwest_Territories,_Canada_Genealogy Northwest Territories]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Nova_Scotia,_Canada_Genealogy Nova Scotia]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Nunavut,_Canada_Genealogy Nunavut]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Ontario,_Canada_Genealogy Ontario]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Prince_Edward_Island,_Canada_Genealogy Prince Edward Island]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Quebec,_Canada_Genealogy Quebec]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Saskatchewan,_Canada_Genealogy Saskatchewan]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Yukon,_Canada_Genealogy Yukon]</p><p>*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Canada,_Acadian_Immigration_(Acadia)_(National_Institute) Acadian Immigration]</p><
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== Categories ==
<br>
[[Category:Rhode Island Societies]]|[[Category:New France]]|[[Category:Canada]]|[[Category:Genealogical and historical societies by country]]|[[Category: Rhode Island Family History Centers]]|[[Category:Providence County, Rhode Island]]|[[Category:United States Societies]]|[[Category:Rhode Island, United States]]|[[Category:New England]]|[[Category:Quebec Church Records]]|[[Category:Rhode Island Archives and Libraries]]
 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;[http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-French-Genealogical-Society/90894174795 Facebook Link &nbsp;] &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;[https://plus.google.com/u/0/112713748978904042120/about Google Plus Link]
 
<br> '''&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Surname Variations'''
 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Surnames Variations, French-Canadian Variants, dit, Anglicization, etc.
 
'''&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"dit" Names etc.'''<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;by<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; Rita Elise Plourde (10) ~ Rita Elise (Ploude) Plourde passed away in 2010
 
*There are two reasons why there are so many variant spellings of some names.
*First: most of the citizens of the 1600-1800 were illiterate. Of these, a precious few could sign their names. However, the priests,seminarians,missionaries, monks &amp; nuns were the most educated groups in the citizenry. Only an elite few were educated beyond what we, today, would consider a basic elementary education.
*Consequently, many of the clerics &amp; notories, who under the French system of administration were charged with recording "vital statistics" wrote the names as they knew them to be in France, as a precious few of the immigrants/colonists signed them, or as they heard them (phonetically).<br>
*That is why one sees Garau, Garrault, Gareau,Garo, etc... even amongst the sons of a particualr ancestor. A good example are the descendants of Louis Houde...some of the variant spellings found are: Houd,Houle, Ould,Houde,Hood,etc.<br>
*The second reason for variant spellings is: As the colonists migrated within Nouvelle France/New France &amp; eventually beyond the areas of French-speaking Canada ( ex. to current-day USA, the Caribbean, the West Indies, etc.) recorders of "vital statistics" who were not French speakers, usually spelled names phonetically, or changed them because they didn't have a clue how to write them.<br>
 
(Ex. Rochefort became Rushfort in the Carolinas, Champagne became Shampang, Thibodeaux became Thibodo, or Tibodo. LeBrun was changed to Brown &amp; Leblanc to White, etc.etc.) <br>
 
*The "dit" names have an interesting origin. The English translation of "dit" is "said". The Colonists of Nouvelle France added "dit" names as distinguishers. A settler might have wanted to differentiate their family from their siblings by taking a "dit" name that described the locale to which they had relocated ( ex: since the Colonists followed the customs of the French feudal system, land was divided amongst the first born sons [primogeniture] . Soon there was not enough land to divide any further.<br>
*Perhaps an adventurous younger son would decide to establish himself, with or without a family, in another area... say a fertile piece of land near some streams... he might add des ruisseaux (streams/creeks/rivulets) to distinguish himself from his brothers. When he married,or died, his name might be listed as Houde dit DesRuisseaux, or Desruisseau(s).<br>
*The acquiring of a "dit" name might also be the result of a casual adoption, whereby the person wanted to honor the family who had raised them. Another reason was also to distinguish themselves by taking as a "dit" name the town or village in France from which they originated... ex: Huret dit Rochefort.<br>
 
Rita Elise Plourde (10) was a member of AFGS and contributer of cultural, or historical comments in response to the queries posed by volunteers in the AFGS Volunteers mailing list. <br>
 
She was bilingually educated ( K thru college) Franco-American anthropologist, who was raised in a multicultural environment. Rita explored, examine &amp; extol the culture of her French/Acadian/Quebecois ancestors &amp; contemporary relatives. <br>
 
Her primary aim as an AFGS member is the sharing of information &amp; research regarding her French/Acadian/Quebecois ancestors, their culture &amp; their legacy.
 
[http://www.afgs.org/ditnames/index1.html#dit Here is the link to the AFGS website with over 35,000 surname variations]  
 
[http://www.afgs.org/ditnames/givenname.html Here is the link on the AFGS website to French-Canadian Given Names:<br>English Variants, Anglicization's, Latin]  
 
{{Rhode Island|Rhode Island}}
 
[[Category:United_States_Societies]] [[Category:Rhode_Island,_United_States]] [[Category:Providence_County,_Rhode_Island]] [[Category:Canada_Societies]] [[Category:France|Societies]] [[Category:Acadians,_Cajuns,_and_Creoles]] [[Category:Genealogical_and_historical_societies_by_country]] [[Category:Rhode_Island_Societies]][[Category:Rhode Island Family History Centers]]

Revision as of 16:49, 16 January 2019


American-French Genealogical Society (AFGS)
px
Established 1978
Contact Info
Address 78 Earle Street
Woonsocket,
Rhode Island 02895-0870
Telephone (401)-765-6141
Website [afgs.org afgs.org]

American-French Genealogical Society, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization located in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Genealogy and history are tools we use to connect generations.

Mission Statement[edit | edit source]

The mission of the American-French Genealogical Society is to:

  • Collect, preserve and publish cultural, genealogical, historical and biographical matter relating to Americans of French and French Canadian descent
  • Play an active part in the preservation of French and French Canadian culture and heritage; and highlight the role that they have played in the history of North America
  • Maintain an educational, research and cultural center
  • Conduct periodic educational programs and conferences to explore cultural, genealogical, and historical topics
  • Disseminate cultural, genealogical, historical, and biographical information to members and the general public

Contact Information[edit | edit source]

E-mail: AFGS

AFGS logo.jpg

Address: 78 Earle Street
                 Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895-0870

Telephone: (401)-765-6141

Hours:

Monday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays in July

Benefits of American-French Genealogical Society[edit | edit source]

  • Access to the research library and collections.
  • Access to Je Me Souviens, a digital magazine filled with resources for genealogists, research stories, new member listings, tips and facts.
  • Access to a members-only section of our website containing genealogical research resources, archives of the Je Me Souviens, and other useful material.
  • The right to attend the annual business meeting where members are informed of Society activities.
  • New members who visit our library receive individual assistance and training from experienced and highly competent staff members.
  • Members unable to conduct their own research may use the library resources through the Research Committee. A staff of experienced researchers is available to conduct research at low member rates

History of the society[edit | edit source]

American-French Genealogical Society Concept Took Shape with a Visit to Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
History of AFGS
<


Education - Workshops and Speakers[edit | edit source]

Presentations by guest speakers are made possible through funding from the LeFoyer Endowment Fund.
Current schedule: Workshops and Speakers

American-French Genealogical Society French Canadian Hall of Fame[edit | edit source]

The American-French Genealogical Society’s French Canadian Hall of Fame was established in 2003 as part of our organization’s 25th Anniversary celebration.

The Hall was created to recognize individuals and organizations with French Canadian roots or connections who have made significant contributions to their community, state or nation through their occupation and/or public service.

AFGS Hall of Fame

Frequently Asked Questions[edit | edit source]

Do you have only French Canadian Resources?

"Italicized"We are a primary source for French Canadian research and have a large selection of other data depending on the source. For example, state vital records, church records, and funeral home records would include all records and not just French Canadian.

Is there help for me to research other nationalities?

"Italicized"Yes. American-French Genealogical Society is an affiliate of the Family History Library. There are a number of volunteers who can help you to research different nationalities.

Do I need to read French?

"Italicized"Most vital records are in English. Quebec microfilm records are mostly in French or Latin. Normally, someone is at the library that can translate for you.

Is there someone in the library to aid me if I do visit the library?

"Italicized"Volunteers are normally available to help with your visit.

Is there someone to show me how to use the microfilm?

"Italicized"There are volunteers who will show you the steps to access the microfilms and how to search within them.

Can I bring my electronic devices to the library?

"Italicized"American-French Genealogical Society has free Wi-Fi available. Notebooks, laptops, tablets, hand held scanners, cameras are allowed in the library (no flash). Cell phones may be brought into the library, however, please be considerate of other researchers and either turn off the phone or place it in silent mode. Cell phone conversations are not allowed in the library.

Can I use a flash drive or CD/DVD in your computers?

"Italicized"Sorry but no item can be plugged into our computers.

Can we bring a group to the library?

"Italicized"Yes, however if it is a large group (over 5) we would appreciate notification ahead of time to make sure that we have researchers to help.

What is the cost to use the library?

"Italicized"American-French Genealogical Society members have full use of the library. For non-members the fee is $5.00 per visit.

Are food or refreshments available?

"Italicized"Food or beverages including bottled water are not allowed in the library area. The lunchroom is located off the main lobby adjacent to the lockers. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for your use. While we do not offer food or beverages on site, there are restaurants nearby.

I am coming from a distance and will only be in the area a few days. Can I use the library if it is not scheduled to be open?

"Italicized"We will make every effort to accommodate members who live outside of the Rhode Island area. Please contact American-French Genealogical Society at least one week before your arrival. Tell us the dates and times you plan to be here and a phone number where you can be reached while you travel.

Are there other sites of interest in the area?

"Italicized"American-French Genealogical Society is located in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and a number of interesting places are available including the Museum of Work & Culture.
For a list of other sites of interests throughout Woonsocket and Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley, visit Tour Blackstone Valley.

Acadian Heritage Section[edit | edit source]

Today, Acadia is not a country, but a common bond shared by people of its heritage.

Acadian Heritage

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Twitter: @AmFrGenSoc

Research Links on FamilySearch[edit | edit source]

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