This blog has been research & development for a book. I'm taking the story of the Franco-Americans to a general audience because it's one of the most missing corners of U.S. history and because it speaks to unresolved, lingering conflicts.
Look for my book later in 2018.
contact Robert Perrault in Manchester NH at the Franco-American Historical Society on Elm St Manchester NH
ReplyDeleteHe should be able to give you lots of history from the area. He is a distant cousin of mine.
Thanks for commenting. I know Bob Perreault. I met him through the gathering of Franco-American writers and artists under the auspices of the U. of Maine and through his books. He came to a presentation I did in Manchester, NH last spring. He's a great source of information.
DeleteCongratulations David,
ReplyDeleteFrance brought so much to North America including a fine relationship with Amerindians. So many Québécois and Acadiens settled in the United States. My grandfather did and my Huguenot ancestors. Thank you for keeping all of us together. Un joyeux Noël.
I read your article on cultural invisibility in Le Forum. Very interesting analysis. As an American with Huguenot roots, I feel that my ancestors are equally "invisible," largely because many N. England Francos claim I am not an authentic Franco-American, since my ancestors were Protestant and didn't arrive her thru Canada. Do you think that is a valid perspective? I'm curious. BTW, Paul Revere was a Huguenot, as was FDR. Thanks for your reply.
ReplyDeleteThe Huguenots made a major contribution to the USA and were found in all sections of the 13 Colonies. In addition to those you mentioned, we'd have to add names like Faneuil, Bowdoin and Thoreau. I would be happy to see Huguenot-Americans become less invisible.
DeleteHuguenots have a different history from the descendants of Canadiens and Acadiens in the USA. The descendants of the French in what became Canada forged their own North American identities. The Canadien and Acadien did not merely arrive in the USA "thru Canada." They invented what it was to be a new nationality. Then they brought it to New England where they fought fiercely to maintain that identity, which was not just Catholic but deeply imbued by the Church in all its institutions. This is a different history from Huguenots who came to what became the USA in the 17th c. and became integrated with respect to language and religion with their neighbors at a very early date. These histories are distinct and each should be respected for its distinct contribution to N. American history.
In the broad sense, both the descendants of Huguenots, and of Quebec and Acadie are Franco-Americans in that all are Americans of French descent. I don't think that Huguenot-Americans are invisible because of New England Francos, though. I think more people need to call attention to the history of Huguenots and their contribution to the 13 Colonies. It would be great for Huguenot-Americans to make their history better known as a distinct contribution to the USA.
Are there other ways to support your work? The crowdfunding effort seems to have ended.
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds like an excellent resource. As I've grown older I find myself anxious to discover my French-Canadian roots, very little of which have survived, but I find that there are few sources available in English and the French parishes in Massachusetts have all but been closed, sold off and demolished.
Matt, thank you for your comment and for your interest in my work. I've gone a long way toward completing this project in 2017 but could still use the support if you are interested. My crowdfunding campaign with that platform ended, but if you'd like to help please send me an e-mail at: johnniejazzer[at]yahoo.com.
DeleteThanks again for getting in touch.
David Vermette
I recently sent a critical comment, which has disappeared. I guess you don't welcome those who disagree with your positions. Disappointing...
ReplyDeleteComments on this blog are moderated to weed out spam. I publish the comments I receive unless they are spam or use abusive/threatening language. If your comment didn't fall into those categories, it was not published because I never received it. Thank you for your interest in my blog.
DeleteDavid Vermette
On this date in 1572, the St. Bartholomew's Massacre took place in France. Do you find that historical event disturbing in any way?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is deeply disturbing whenever there is violence with religion as the pretext. The 16th-17th c. saw religious wars in Europe that, hopefully, we will have sense enough not to repeat.
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