đ Essential Resources for Researching New France
Research into the families, individuals, and history of Nouvelle France requires consulting a mix of official archives, specialized academic databases, and high-quality secondary literature.
I. Core Genealogical Databases & Archives (Primary Records)
The following resources provide the essential dataâbirth, marriage, death records, and notarial documentsâthat form the backbone of French-Canadian genealogy.
| Resource | Type | Purpose & Genealogical Value |
|---|---|---|
| PRDH (Programme de recherche en dĂ©mographie historique) | Specialized Database | The foundational tool for Quebec genealogy (1621â1849). This academic database from the UniversitĂ© de MontrĂ©al is an essential, meticulously verified index of over two million primary records, providing unique Individual and Family Numbers for almost every person who lived during the French Regime. |
| BAnQ (BibliothÚque et Archives nationales du Québec) | Official Archives | The national archive of Quebec. Crucial for accessing digitized Notarial Records (contracts, wills, land grants, inventories of goods) and original Church Records that pre-date and parallel the PRDH index. |
| Library and Archives Canada (LAC) | Official Archives | A vital repository for historical documents, censuses, military records (e.g., RĂ©giment de Carignan-SaliĂšres), and documents related to early French exploration and administration. |
| FamilySearch | Collaborative / Digitized Records | Hosts the Drouin Collection (Quebec, Vital and Church Records, 1621-1997), which is a vast collection of digitized parish registers. Also excellent for accessing family trees and connecting with other researchers. |
| Nosorigines & Geneanet | Collaborative / Indices | Large, public, indexed, and cross-referenced family trees. Excellent for quickly finding initial generational links, though information should always be verified against PRDH or BAnQ records. |
| Ancestry / WikiTree | Collaborative | General-purpose genealogy platforms that contain many French-Canadian trees and transcribed records. WikiTree is often useful for its focus on sourcing and linking to verified pioneer profiles. |
II. Historical Context & Academic Literature
Understanding the history, challenges, and cultural context of New France enhances your genealogical findings. These sources provide the authoritative background necessary for interpreting records.
A. Founding of New France & Champlain
- Champlainâs Own Writings: A primary source of immense historical value. Champlain was a prolific writer and kept detailed journals of his voyages and experiences, which are often available in translated editions (e.g., The Works of Samuel de Champlain).
- Champlain: The Founder of New France by Morris Bishop: A classic, respected biography offering an in-depth look at his life and pivotal role in establishing the colony.
- Quebec: 1608-2008: Three Centuries of History by David Hackett Fischer: Provides a detailed look at Quebec City's early years and its significance as the heart of the French Regime.
B. Life in the French Regime
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: A reliable online encyclopedia offering well-researched, foundational entries on all key aspects of New France: the Filles du Roi, the Coureurs de bois, the Seigneurial System, and pivotal figures.
- The French Regime in Canada by Gustave Lanctot: A scholarly work that explores the social, economic, and political aspects of life in New France under French rule, providing context for the challenges faced by the pioneers.
III. Digital & General Repositories
- Internet Archive: An invaluable source for finding digitized copies of rare and out-of-print books, including early genealogical dictionaries (Dictionnaire généalogique des familles canadiennes by Cyprien Tanguay or René Jetté) and local histories.
- ManyRoads Genealogy: (Your site) This repository stores copies of compiled secondary materials and specific primary source documentation referenced in its various family studies.
IV. Research Best Practices
To ensure the accuracy and reliability of your findings, always adhere to these best practices when researching New France:
- Consult Multiple Sources: Cross-reference information from at least two different sources (e.g., PRDH and a FamilySearch record) to ensure a well-rounded perspective.
- Prioritize Primary Records: Treat PRDH and BAnQ records as the ultimate sources of proof. Collaborative trees on sites like Nosorigines or WikiTree are excellent starting points but must be verified.
- Evaluate Credibility: Look for academic books and articles written by historians and specialized genealogists over casual blog posts.
- Understand Context: Use the historical literature to understand the social and political forces (like the Captives/Assimilation process or the Seigneurial System) that shaped your ancestors' lives, helping you interpret their records correctly.
Credits and Licensing
Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa & Professional Genealogist.
All materials licensed: CC BY-ND 4.0 by eirenicon llc.