ABOUT US

  One hour south of St. Louis, the small village of Old Mines, Missouri bears a dialect of French once spoken by thousands of people in the Illinois Country (Pays des Illinois) from the Ozarks (Aux arcs) in Missouri all the way to Vincennes, Indiana. Twenty years ago, one could walk through Old Mines (La Vieille Mine) and hear French being spoken by the locals, but those days could soon be gone. With only a handful of people fluent, this dialect of French may finally be taking its last breath. 

   We want to change that.

   Our mission is to revive this dialect. For many locals in the Illinois Country, preservation of their French heritage and their traditions is vital. Although these locals have preserved and recovered these aspects, language is escaping their grasp. But along with the loss of language comes the loss of stories, music, a lifestyle, and a way of thinking that has existed and carved the foundations of life in Illinois Country for over 300 years. After many years and many people wanting to learn this sub-dialect of French with no luck, we are making it possible for those interested to learn.

Bienvenue!