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commandantskip t1_iuyy5d9 wrote

You should visit the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, there was a significant amount of French Canadian immigration dating back to the late 17th century. Perhaps also reach out to the Franco-American School in Providence, they might have some resources for you, too.

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nahrgs t1_iuz19ts wrote

Rochambeau camped over in the Eastside when he was helping out is boy Georgey.

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aly-moon t1_iuzuqdn wrote

A couple times a year newport historical society does events and opens several of it's properties with ties to french history. They announce them on their website.

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aly-moon t1_iuzv0or wrote

Also... rhode island historical has information, they have a library on hope street. Ri Preservation has an online pdf, and several town archives will have access for you. I went to school for this type of thing... if you have any questions... feel free!

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VitalTanks t1_iv0h4dl wrote

There’s the French language school in the city on Smith St. They might be able to help you out.

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Kelruss t1_iv0jjj3 wrote

  • There’s the Rochambeau trail that marks the journey of Rochambeau’s army down the East Coast to Yorktown. Starts in Newport, there’s a marker for a campsite he made on Providence’s East Side. Sure there are other points along it.
  • Frenchtown in East Greenwich derives its name from Hugenot refugees that came during the colonial period.
  • Aram Pothier (Governor) and Felix Toupin (Lieutenant Governor) were both prominent French Canadian diaspora politicians in early 20th Century RI (both from Woonsocket). They represented opposite sides of the spectrum. During a particular contentious and long debate on the RI Senate floor under Toupin’s leadership, Republicans stink bombed the chamber (Toupin was unaffected as his face was under a wet cloth as he was getting shaved during the incident, and the Journal blamed the incident on Democrats).
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brewce47 t1_iv0wyxm wrote

Replying to babsonnexus (#442,028)

Funny thing is,I grew up in Woonsocket pretty much my whole life but never visited the museum. Most likely because my grandparents told me a bunch of stories AND in high school I took a “ Woonsocket History “ course, which was great! I really should still visit the museum though 😁

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