Membership

• Access to the Research Library, which is open every Tuesday, 1 pm to 9 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm. (Closed Saturdays during July)

• Access to the Members-Only Online Library which includes a wealth of vital records.

• The Je Me Souviens quarterly magazine filled with resources for genealogists, member-submitted stories about their research and ancestors and much more on the members-only area on this web site.

• Members have access to individual assistance and training from experienced researchers.

• Members unable to conduct their own research can access library resources through the Research Committee, a staff of experienced researchers available at low member rates.

French Canadian genealogical research resources are available on the Members-Only Online Library. With a few clicks, members have access to a wealth of  resources, some of them highlighted below. Additional digital resources are being added regularly.

Je Me Souviens – This quarterly journal has been published since 1978.  Every issue is available to read or download. The articles are searchable in our online database by name or key word.

Le Réveil Acadien Journal – Published by the Acadian Cultural Society between 1985 and 2010, is written in English. The journals were donated to AFGS when their society disbanded in 2010.  They are posted on our site with permission and are searchable by keyword. You will find them a great resource for researching difficult Acadian lines.

Our French-Canadian Ancestors – A 30-volume collection of biographies written by Thomas J. Laforest, is viewable by permission exclusively for AFGS members.

Jesuit Relations – Also known as Relations des Jésuites de la Nouvelle-France, they are chronicles of the Jesuit missions in New France. The reports were written annually and printed beginning in 1632 and ending in 1673. You can read the entire 72-volume collection sent to France by the 17th Century missionaries.  It is a valuable resource for the Iroquois and Algonquin cultures and for the interactions between Amerindian and the French in New France.

Dictionnaire généalogique des famille canadiennes – Written by Msgr. Cyprien Tanguay, the seven-volume set contains marriages in Quebec between 1608 and 1700.  A searchable complement to the collection, written by Joseph-Arthur Leboeuf is also included.

Dictionnaire National des Canadian-Français (aka Red Drouin) – Produced by Gabriel Drouin, this 1985 revised three-volume edition contains marriages in New France between 1608 and 1760.

Video Workshops/Lectures – A collection of lectures recorded by AFGS on a variety of genealogical, historical, and related topics.  The videos are viewable at your convenience and may be watched as often as desired. Many contain downloadable notes and suggested resources provided by our expert presenters.

Obituary Files – a collection of 600,000+ searchable obituary images submitted by AFGS members from across the United States and Canada.

Headstone Index – This collection contains 120,000 searchable headstone names from 77 cemeteries in the northeast United States.

Funeral Cards- There are hundreds of searchable cards submitted by family members.  AFGS members are encouraged to submit their family cards for this growing collection.

AFGS Collection of French-Canadian Marriages – This alphabetical, searchable collection features 1.5 million marriages, mainly in the Province of Quebec, between 1760 and 1935.

Name Variations and dit Names – a 37,000-name alphabetical listing of French names and their commonly used variations and spellings.

Definitions and Abbreviations – Terms and definitions provided to help members understand the general content of genealogy records.  Languages available: French, Latin, Italian, Polish, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Family Histories – We are adding family histories to our Members-Only Online Library as we receive permission from the authors.

Five-Generation Pedigree Charts (downloadable) – A visual way to record your ancestry.

Family Group Sheets (downloadable) – A visual way to record a family unit, with husband, wife, and their children.

Relationship Chart – An easy way to determine how two persons are related to each other.

Introduction to DNA Research – Briefly outlines the types of DNA tests, explores triangulation, submitting a DNA sample, how to order FamilyTree DNA test kits.

Digital Catalog of AFGS Library Holdings – A listing of over 20,000 books, repertoires and microfilm in the Society’s library.

Research Requests – Members may submit online requests for repertoire records, and microfilm copies. Research is conducted at a discounted rate for members.

Useful Links – An alphabetical listing of website links that may help in your research.  They are provided for your convenience and are not an endorsement by AFGS.

How to Type French Accents – A downloadable “cheat sheet” with instructions for typing accented letters on a PC or Mac.  Includes a brief explanation of the different French accents.