The Republican is proud to present “Building a Better Life: The French Canadian Experience in Western Massachusetts.” This hardcover book from our Heritage series chronicles the history of French Canadians from their life in Canada and the mass migration of more than a million, many of whom ended up in Massachusetts.

Many of these migrants did build a better life not just for themselves but for others who benefited from their skills as carpenters and builders responsible for thousands of homes in Western Massachusetts. Follow us as the French Canadian population morphs into Franco Americans and becomes a major force in all walks of life in their adopted country.