Valley Talks, a series of free historical lectures, continues on Sunday, Feb. 23, 1:30pm, at the Museum of Work & Culture.
In her talk, Jeanne Douillard will bring a fresh look to the story of “un petit people” of New France, including their struggle to reclaim pride in their heritage in a new nation. She will discuss how those who moved to Canada and Acadia also moved in different ideological directions. The talk will address their respective histories and end with an exploration of the issue of the “silent presence” of these people in their new homeland.
For over 25 years, Douillard has delved deeply into conflicting historiographies and irreconcilable views of La Nouvelle France and its people. She contributed to “Building a Better Life – The French-Canadians in Western Massachusetts” and was featured on “Maple Stars and Stripes: Your French-Canadian Genealogy” podcast. Her narrative poem, “NOT SO MUCH THE SAME PLACE,” is included in the recently published “Heliotrope,” an anthology of women writers of French heritage. Douilard has also authored her own book, I Remember… Je Me Souviens…, which tells the story of the French in the Americas, Douillard’s journey to France, and the Deerfield raid of 1704 in Deerfield, MA. There will be a book sale and signing after her talk.
Seating is limited to 75 and is first-come, first-served.