Acadian genealogy is defined by the unique history of French settlers who arrived in Acadia (present-day Maritime Provinces) in the early 1600s. The pivotal event, the Acadian Expulsion (Le Grand Dérangement) of 1755, led to the dispersal of families and makes tracing lineage challenging, requiring specialized records pre- and post-expulsion.
The Acadian Story and Historical Context
Acadians flourished along the fertile Annapolis River and settled mainly in coastal regions of the Bay of Fundy. Their prosperity came from cultivating tidal marshlands through a system of dykes. The community was ceded to the British in 1713, becoming Nova Scotia, but their Roman Catholic faith and neutrality became problematic. Their refusal to take an oath of allegiance that included fighting against the French led the British to forcibly remove and disperse them in 1755.
- Dispersion: Acadians were deported to various locations, including New England colonies, the Caribbean, France, and later, Louisiana, where they became known as Cajuns.
- Return: After the Treaty of Paris (1763), some Acadians returned to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, continuing to form a distinct part of the population.
Essential Acadian Records
Tracing Acadians requires utilizing unique records that documented their settlement, expulsion, and resettlement.
Acadian Resources
Records often cover the original settlement period and attempts to document families after the Expulsion.
- 1752 Acadian Census
- Acadian Cemeteries of New Brunswick, Canada : Tombstone photographs for nearly 50 cemeteries.
Facebook Pages & Groups
Online communities provide a place to connect with other descendants, share resources, and seek help with unique Acadian research challenges.
- Acadian Genealogy
- Généalogie Acadienne / Acadian Genealogy
- Acadian Northwoods Heritage, History, and Genealogy
- Acadian & French-Canadian Genealogy & History
- Acadian Memorial Genealogy Group
Ready to Dive Deeper into Acadian Research?
You have the historical context and the records. The key to unlocking your Acadian family history is persistence in tracking records across multiple jurisdictions—from the Maritimes to Louisiana—and leveraging the support of specialized historical and genealogical societies.
- Need Expert Guidance? If your brick wall involves a missing record from the expulsion era or a difficult-to-trace resettlement lineage, get a personalized Research Plan or Brick Wall Busting Session with an Atlantic Canada expert. Book a free 30 Minute Consultation
- Want More Stories? Listen to our podcast for ancestral stories about the resilience of Acadians and other migration narratives in the Maritimes. Check out our YouTube Channel