The Puritans of France: Huguenot Memory and Identity in 19th Century America

The Puritans of France Master’s Thesis by Gregory Michael Smith, M.A. presents an analysis of 19th century American discourse about Huguenots. One cannot escape the conclusion that the Huguenots’ example, as viewed by 19th century eyes, is still remembered and recognized in a remarkably consistent substance and spirit today. The Thesis demonstrates that Huguenots are a shining example of immigrants who not only assimilated what today are considered to be traditional American values of liberty and freedom of conscience, but more importantly, significantly contributed toward the formation, development, and perpetuation of those traditional values in American life. Huguenot descendants continue to do so today through membership in The National Huguenot Society and other patriotic hereditary organizations. Huguenots cannot be overlooked in the history of the founding of America.