Organization Launched to build National Franco-American Heritage Museum

Franco-American Heritage Museum, Inc. to raise funds for museum of American French-Canadian history and culture.

Boston, April 30, 2002: The Franco-American Heritage Museum, Inc. today launched a campaign to raise funds for the building of a national museum to recognize the heritage and contributions of Americans of French-Canadian descent. Between 1840 and 1930, almost 1,000,000 French-Canadians immigrated to the United States, with most ending up in New England and the Midwest border states. Franco-Americans represent the second-largest ethnic group in New England, after Irish-Americans.

Many groups in the United States are recognized by museums, memorials, and through other philanthropic efforts. The Franco-American community is a relatively assimilated ethnic group which is in danger of losing all vestiges of its heritage and culture," said Michael Marcil, Executive Director of the Museum. Our goal is to preserve this history and culture and to share it with our fellow Americans," Marcil added.

The museum, planned for a yet-to-be-determined New England location, will provide information, exhibits, artwork, writing, and other materials to teach all Americans about the heritage of their Franco-American compatriots. With the surge of interest in genealogy in the United States, the Museum plans to include research facilities for Americans seeking to learn more about their French-Canadian roots.

The Museum, is seeking support in the form of contributions and volunteers. This is truly an American endeavor: by the people and for the people," Marcil stated. The Museum's website can be visited at www.franco-american.org.

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