Faith, Flight, and Freedom: The Huguenot Society of America

Among America’s many lineage societies, few honor a legacy of religious persecution, migration, and cultural resilience like the Huguenot Society of America. Dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the French Protestants who fled persecution in Europe and helped build early American society, the Huguenot Society stands as a monument to courage, faith, and enduring contributions to the New World.

Origins: Who Were the Huguenots?

The term Huguenot refers to French Protestants, largely adherents of Calvinism, who faced intense persecution in 16th and 17th-century France. Following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by King Louis XIV in 1685—which had previously granted them limited religious freedom—hundreds of thousands of Huguenots fled France in search of safety.

Many emigrated to Protestant-friendly nations such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, England, and the German principalities. Others crossed the Atlantic to settle in British colonies, including New York, South Carolina, Virginia, and Massachusetts, where they established communities that would shape colonial religious and economic life.

Founding of the Huguenot Society of America

The Huguenot Society of America was officially founded on April 12, 1883, in New York City, by descendants of these early emigrants. At the time, there was growing national interest in genealogical societies and a revival of appreciation for the diverse roots of American identity. The founding members—mostly professionals, academics, and clergy—sought to preserve the memory of their Huguenot ancestors and promote a deeper understanding of the Huguenot experience.

Their founding charter stated the society’s purpose was:

“To perpetuate the memory and promote the principles and virtues of the Huguenots.”

This included collecting historical documents, supporting Huguenot scholarship, maintaining genealogical records, and promoting religious tolerance—a core Huguenot value.

Objectives and Mission

The Society’s mission has remained largely consistent over time and includes:

Collecting and preserving records and relics of Huguenot history,
Supporting research and publications on the Huguenot diaspora,
Promoting the values of religious liberty, education, and civil service,
Maintaining archives and facilitating lineage documentation for descendants,
Commemorating important dates and places in Huguenot history.

The society has published Huguenot genealogies, supported church restoration efforts, and partnered with similar organizations in France, England, and Germany.

Membership and Eligibility

Membership in the Huguenot Society of America is open to men and women who:

Are at least 18 years of age, and
Can prove lineal descent from a Huguenot ancestor who emigrated to America or another country due to religious persecution before 1787.

Prospective members must submit documented genealogical evidence, such as:

Church baptism or marriage records,
Immigration documents,
Wills and probate records,
Published genealogies verified by recognized sources.

The society also offers junior membership and associate membership for those interested in its mission but who may not yet be able to prove lineage.

This video provides more information on how to trace your Huguenot roots.

Huguenot Contributions to America

Huguenots were instrumental in many aspects of early American development:

In New York, Huguenots helped establish the towns of New Rochelle and New Paltz.
In South Carolina, they contributed to the religious and commercial life of Charleston.
Huguenot silversmiths, ministers, teachers, and farmers enriched the colonies with their skills and values.
Their emphasis on education, industry, and religious freedom influenced American identity.

Notable Huguenot descendants include:

Paul Revere – American patriot and silversmith,
John Jay – First Chief Justice of the United States,
Henry Laurens – President of the Continental Congress.

Activities and Preservation

Today, the Huguenot Society of America remains active in:

Sponsoring educational lectures and events,
Awarding scholarships to students of history and theology,
Maintaining an archive and library of Huguenot materials at their headquarters in New York,
Supporting projects related to religious liberty and refugee migration.

They also publish The Huguenot Society of America Proceedings and Collections, a scholarly journal containing member research, historical essays, and genealogical studies.

Conclusion

The Huguenot Society of America is more than a genealogical organization—it is a living tribute to the values of perseverance, religious liberty, and cultural contribution. From the flight across the Atlantic to the building of communities that helped shape early America, the Huguenot story is one of struggle, adaptation, and legacy. Through the work of this society, that story continues to be honored, studied, and shared with future generations.