Millions of people in the United States have French Canadian ancestry. French settlements stretched down what is today the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries, and a century-long diaspora of Québécois further spread French-speaking culture throughout the continent.
My grandparents were part of that diaspora, as either immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants. I and other researchers have to learn about the history of Canada, contemporary record systems, and an often-unfamiliar language.
But with time and practice, you can discover the rich history of your French Canadian ancestry. Here are some of the most-important records for finding French Canadian ancestors, and how you can use them.
Note: This article covers the history and records of ethnically French settlers who lived in what became the British colony of Canada (i.e., the St. Lawrence River Valley). It does not cover French speakers who lived in other parts of modern Canada, such as Acadia. See the
