Genealogy, Massive French & Acadian Family Reunions

English: , Genealogy, massive French and Acadian family reunions link past and future , While some Americans proudly trace their roots to the Mayflower, here Valley roots lead back to 1785 and the first 17 Acadian families. , Returning to the Valley , The Valley's dramatic history, unique culture and language inspire a desire to preserve what is special here. Descendants, their numbers swollen through generations of big families, come back to explore and reconnect with their roots. In 2014, one founding Acadian family claims 60,000 descendants. Imagine a family reunion with 4,000 Cyr relatives attending. It happens right here. , Interested in genealogy? , Find an abundance of resources here and at other local museums, historical societies, and libraries. The Acadian Archives acadiennes at the University of Fort Kent also offers a wealth of material and guidance for novice and expert alike. , ”We know who we are, but the young ones don't… And that's why they come, for instance, to our family reunions. They come from every province in Canada. They come from every state in the Union. Why? They come to find out who they are.” , , Bernette Albert of Madawaska at the Maine Acadian Culture Preservation Commission (June 1993), Voices of the Valley , ”In the historical documents is proof of our real history. Not Acadian folklore, but truth. And it is far more complex and interesting than myths! History strives for the truth. In that quest, we must be on guard against historical anachronisms , projecting the thoughts of our own time onto people who never thought our way.” , , Guy F. Dubay [above, 2013]: author and co-author of dozens of books on the history of Saint John Valley's families; towns; industry; capitalism and culture; including Chez-Nous: The Saint John Valley, Acadian Cross Memorial , Near the river below: A symbol of the first cross erected in 1785 by the earliest Acadian settlers in gratitude for their safe haven. "Founding families" celebrate reunions here. [Property of the Madawaska Historical Society] , ”Acadian, French… what difference?! Yes, we have Acadian family names who settled here first. But their French-Canadian in-laws joined them the very next year! That was one secret to their success , having that extended family support.” , , Guy Dubay, Madawaska Historical Society ,