Beginning in 1755, nearly 10,000 French inhabitants of Nova Scotia, also known as the Acadians, had their homes and property confiscated and were forcibly deported to other British colonies in America.
Of these, some 2000 found themselves bound for Massachusetts. Destitute and among foreigners of a diff erent religion and language, these Acadian families were distributed among many Massachusetts towns, where they were forced to rely on local residents for basic support.
Having been under British rule since 1713, the Acadians were removed by authorities at the outset of the French and Indian War because of their refusal to take an unqualifi ed oath of allegiance to the British crown. Since they preferred to remain neutral, they were referred to as the “French Neutrals” by British authorities and their Massachusetts “hosts.” Th is exhibit tells the story of the Acadian experience in Massachusetts, where they were compelled to remain until the end of the war in 1763.
In 1763 many Acadians began to petition the Massachusetts General Court for permission to leave the province, preferring to return to Nova Scotia or relocate to France, St. Domingue (Haiti), or Quebec, areas populated by those who shared their language and religion. Many Acadians eventually made their way to Louisiana. Th eir descendants today are known as the Cajuns. A few remained in their new homes in Massachusetts