Les Filles du Roi

Event begins at 1pm PT / 2pm MT / 3pm CT / 4pm ET

Join us for a discussion with genealogist Lisa Elvin-Staltari of the Société des Filles du Roi et Soldats du Carignan who will talk about the remarkable legacy of the Filles du Roi, the "King's Daughters," and the soldiers who helped establish New France.

The society’s mission is to preserve and promote understanding of these pioneers' pivotal roles in shaping Quebec's history, particularly during the transformative years of 1663 to 1673. By exploring the historical context, recruitment, journey, and settlement of the Filles du Roi, as well as their enduring legacy, the society illuminates a fascinating chapter of colonial history.

This journey begins with an overview of Quebec's history from 1572 to 1663, setting the stage for Jean Talon's ambitious plan to build New France through the immigration of the Filles du Roi. These young women, recruited from diverse backgrounds across France, embarked on a courageous voyage across the Atlantic, bringing dowries and dreams of a new life. Upon arrival, they faced the challenges of settling in a harsh and unfamiliar land, navigating courtship rituals, and establishing families. Their legacy endures in the towns and villages they built, the demographic transformation they initiated, and the countless descendants who trace their lineage to these brave women. Through detailed case studies, we will link present-day North America to its colonial roots.

Lisa Elvin-Staltari’s professional background includes over 20 years as a professional teacher, sales consultant trainer public speaker, radio host and writer. As a genealogist for over 15 years, she has turned her childhood fascination into a career. Originally from Drummondville, Quebec Canada, she claims both French and English Canadian heritage.  She and her family now reside in Tucson, Arizona. Her website and blog “Have Roots, Will Travel” began in 2013, and eventually evolved into her YouTube Channel where she produces videos on a weekly basis focusing on French Canadian Genealogy and series on the Filles du Roi, which is now celebrating its 300th episode and the Filles À Marier which has over 100 episodes. She is the Membership Chair for La Société des Filles du Roi et Soldats du Carignan as well as a board member. She also coordinates their educational outreach. She speaks to a variety of genealogical groups across the country and works with individuals on a variety of genealogical projects as a professional genealogist. She is a proud member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogical Society, New England Genealogical Society in addition to several state genealogical societies.