Franco-American Centre New Hampshire
About Franco-American Centre New Hampshire
Founded in 1990 by Franco-American leaders in Manchester, New Hampshire, the Franco-American Centre represents a vital community institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of French communities in New England and beyond. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Centre's mission centers on promoting French language, culture, and education while honoring the historic contributions and artistic expressions of Franco-American communities, both past and present. The organization serves as the primary catalyst in Manchester, NH for community members to engage with and celebrate the Franco-American experience, welcoming all people of French heritage and those interested in French culture. Over its 35-year history, the Centre has become one of the region's most important cultural institutions, particularly specializing in the French-Canadian immigration experience while maintaining connections to the broader francophone world. The Centre maintains stewardship of the Institut Canado-Americain library collection—comprising approximately 35,000 primary and secondary documents and 12,000 books—one of New England's most extensive repositories of Franco-American materials. Now headquartered at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, the Centre continues its mission of preserving the past while building the future through volunteer-driven programs, educational offerings, and cultural celebrations. The organization remains committed to ensuring that Franco-American heritage thrives for generations to come.