Student Researches the Impact of the Catholic Church in 19th and 20th Century Franco-American Communities

For Megan Brewer ’26, a Classical Archaeology and History major, summer meant studying the role of the Catholic church in the formation of Franco-American communities in New England and northern New York in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Brewer’s detailed research observed la survivance: French-Canadian immigrants’ dedication to the retention of their culture, language, and religion in the dominant Anglo-American society. Their migration to the American northeast was sparked by urge for employment and political freedoms.

Since Irish hierarchy existed in the church, Franco-Americans were often at odds. As Franco-Americans sought to develop their own ethnic parishes with French clergy and services, internal conflict arose amongst their religious communities. In addition, Brewer observed how the newly established churches functioned in communities of different sizes, location, and industry. She investigated the varied outcomes of ‘la survivance’ across the communities where Franco-Americans settled and how religious cooperation varied between French and Irish Catholics depending on the town’s most dominating industry.

Brewer found her research to be incredibly rewarding and deeply beneficial to broadening her understanding modern Franco-American communities. As a Franco-American herself, she felt deeply connected to her studies. Through this historical research, Brewer gained a deeper awareness of the local Manchester community (home to many Franco-Americans) and learned about the challenges French-Canadian immigrants faced 150-years ago. These challenges still exist for immigrants in the city today – such as the language barrier, a need for fair working conditions, and the right to practice the religion of their choice.

“The history of French-Canadian immigration and Franco-American communities is an incredibly important aspect of the history of New England, but it is often one that many people don't know about,” said Brewer. “A deeper understanding of our region's history can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of our communities today.”