The AFGS French Canadian Hall of Fame recognized 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. The hall of fame program was conducted between 2003 and 2018.
Class of 2018
Sr. Helene Cote, pm has devoted more than a half century to religious life. Sr. Helene was born and raised in Woonsocket. . More
Marc A. Cote is a Rhode Island state senator who represents Woonsocket and North Smithfield. He has earned the support of the electorate in those communities for the past 24 years. More
Joseph Drouin started the family genealogy enterprise. He was a distinguished lawyer who around 1913 began a hobby of making family trees for friends. More
Lillian G. Leger was also inducted posthumously. Born and raised in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. She began researching her Acadian roots after attending a cultural event in her city. More
Class of 2017
A remarkable young fiddler from Bristol, Connecticut, Daniel stands out as a player because of his technical skill and his complete absorption in Québécois culture. More
Director of the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, R.I., Anne strives behind the scenes and on the public stage to share the story of French-Canadian history and culture. More
Former Cumber Police Chief enjoyed a successful career in law enforcement for more than three decades. More
Bishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, R.I. and the first Bishop of French-Canadian ancestry to serve as Bishop of the Providence Diocese. More
Class of 2016
Accountant and business advisor, author and historical reenactor. He is also an appointed member of the Woonsocket School Committee and President of the Museum of Work and Culture Preservation Foundation. More
Director of the French Institute at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass., educator, award-winner author, and executive of numerous French Canadian historical and research organizations. More
Leading Acadian genealogist, author and lecturer. More
Internationally-known blues and jazz recording artist. More
Class of 2015
Award-winning high school assistant hockey coach and Little league baseball coach. More
Award-winning journalist, educator and former Senior Vice President and Managing Editor of the Providence Journal. More
Founded in 1915, it was Rhode Island’s first licensed credit union, noted for its support of the French-Canadian immigrant community, primarily in Central Falls, RI. More
Leader in French and French Canadian social organization, he has authored numerous books on the American Revolutionary War and is a Revolutionary War reenactor. More
Class of 2014
Retired Pawtucket business owner and philanthropist. He has devoted decades to advocating for the “voiceless,” including the elderly, at-risk youth, and the homeless. More
30 year career as principal and teacher in the Dept. of Defense Dependents School System. He volunteers and is a docent at the Museum of Work and Culture John Brown House, and Slater Mill. More
Economist and author. He has collaborated on many research presentations about French Canadians in New Bedford, Mass. More
Highly-decorated Vietnam War veteran. After his discharge, he entered the priesthood and serves as Chief Chaplain of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs in Boston and Chaplain of the NE VA Healthcare System. More
Class of 2013
Former Executive Director of the Rhode Island Food Bank and past Senior Vice President of the Global Foodbanking Network in Chicago. More
Retired Special Agent-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Office. More
Executive Director of the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center in Woonsocket and former bank marketing executive. More
Decorated World War II Army veteran and co-founder of the Pepin Lumber Company in Woonsocket. More
Class of 2012
Dedicated public servant, veteran banker and certified financial planner. More
Retired Woonsocket High School teacher and a history of community public service. More
Director Emerita of the French Institute at Assumption College, Professor of French and Author of books on French and French Canadian history. More
Renowned Acadian genealogist and author. More
Class of 2011
Devoted most of his working life to education. More
Established the San Miguel School in Providence in 1993. More
Ttransformed a family-owned, family style restaurant in Westport, Mass. More
Maybe the most beloved figure in Woonsocket during the immigrant transformation in the early 20th Century. More
Class of 2010
Co-Director, Museum of Work and Culture historian, retired Woonsocket educator. More
Hall of Fame Baseball player. More
Governor, State of Rhode Island 1909-1915 and 1925-1928. More
Administrator Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community Exeter, Rhode Island. More
Class of 2009
Professor/lecturer in French – Providence College. More
Retired educator. More
Renown woodcarver and violin maker. More
Unites fraternally minded persons of French-Canadian origin living in the US to contribute to their individual and collective progress. More
Class of 2008
Founder of the 130 store Aubuchon hardware chain. More
Religious order involved in American education since 1847. More
Owner of Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. More
Columinst, Valley Breeze newspapers. More
Class of 2007
Co-owners WNRI Radio, Woonsocket, Rhode Island. More
Author, genealogist, photographer, taftville, Connecticut. More
Founder and first President LeFoyer, Pawtucket, Rhode Island. More
French-Canadian singer and songwriter. More
Class of 2006
President and CEO of ChemArt. More
Retired physician Woonsocket, Rhode Island. More
French radio program host, retired Coventry Police Chief. More
Superintendent Rhode Island State Police. More
Class of 2005
President and CEO of Gilbane Building Company. More
Former major league pitcher. More
Former Mayor Woonsocket, Rhode Island. More
Member of Congress, second district, Rhode Island. More
Class of 2004
Former RI State Senator, World War II and Woonsocket Police Department veteran. More
Mt. St. Charles Academy hockey team coach, the only team to win 26 consecutive state championships. More
Physician from Warren, R.I. who compiled birth and marriage records for the early French-Canadian parishes in Rhode Island. More
Author of numerous articles on French-Canadian history and genealogy. More
Class of 2003
Researched the early French-Canadian settlers in Woonsocket. More
In 1900, created the first credit union in North America, the Caisse populaire. More
Historian, genealogist, and demographer, has written more than 20 repertoires on French-Canadians. More
Chairman and owner of the Pawtucket Red Sox. More
