American-French Genealogical Society

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.

Mission Statement
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.
 * 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.
 * To maintain an educational, research and cultural center.
 * To conduct periodic educational programs and conferences to explore cultural, genealogical, and historical topics.
 * To disseminate cultural, genealogical, historical, and biographical information to members and the general public.

Contact Information
E-Mail: [mailto:info@afgs.org info@afgs.org]

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

Telephone: (401)-765-6141 Fax: 401-597-6290

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.

Benefits

 * What are the benefits for becoming a member of the society?
 * What are the benefits the society has to offer for those who are not members?

History of the society

 * Established 1978

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.

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.

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.

Publications

 * Je Me Souviens (JMS) A Publication of the American-French Genealogical Society (in English) 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

 * AFGnewS is a bi monthly newsletter sent to AFGS members and available to non-members

Events - Classes

 * Events


 * Classes

Frequently Asked Questions

 * Q. What are the directions to the society?
 * A.


 * 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 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.