WOONSOCKET, R.I. (AP) – A genealogical society plans to open a Franco-American cultural center in a Woonsocket church it recently purchased.

The American French Genealogical Society plans to base the center inside the former First Universalist Church. Woonsocket, a city in the Blackstone River valley, once attracted thousands of French immigrants from Canada who came to work in the region’s textile mills.

Sylvia Bartholomy, the society’s spokeswoman, says the center could eventually house its genealogical library, displays about French history and culture and perhaps even space for French language classes.

The society has about 1,400 members in the United States and Canada.

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Information from: The Call, http://www.woonsocketcall.com

AP-ES-11-27-07 1025EST