In the Valley, family roots reach back to 1785 and the first 17 Acadian families, and its dramatic history, unique culture, and language have inspired descendants to preserve what is special there by returning to explore and reconnect with their origins. Through generations of large families, these descendants now gather in massive French and Acadian family reunions, with one founding Acadian family claiming 60,000 descendants in 2014 and Cyr reunions drawing 4,000 relatives. Genealogical research is supported by local museums, historical societies, libraries, and the Acadian Archives acadiennes at the University of Fort Kent. Near the river stands a symbol of the first cross erected in 1785 by the earliest Acadian settlers in gratitude for their safe haven, and founding families celebrate reunions there. The Valley’s early Acadian settlers were joined the next year by French-Canadian in-laws, a source of extended family support and one secret of their success.