French Canadians of Dartmouth get together and get historical

Oui oui, residents of Dartmouth and Westport with French Canadian roots are invited to get together on August 5.

The event will be hosted at the Handy House, located at 202 Hix Bridge Road, Westport at 10 a.m. It is sponsored by the Dartmouth Historical and Arts Society and the Westport Historical Society.

Those in attendance will take part in an informational discussion and share historical and genealogical information.

Attendees are encouraged to bring historical documents and photos. These will coincide with discussion of how French Canadian families made it to Dartmouth and traditions that have carried on since the Canadian days.

French Canadians first began to settle in Westport and Dartmouth in the mid-1800s. Many came to work at the Fall River mills and for the Westport Manufacturing Company. By 1900, French Canadians made up ten percent of Westport’s population. Many settled in the Westport Factory Village located on Forge, Union, Beeden, and Highland Roads.

This event will be held outside under a tent and is free. Register by calling 508-636-6011 or email westporthistory@westporthistory.net.