René Houallet (1635-1722), son of François Houallet and Isabelle Bare, immigrated from Paris, France to Quebec, Quebec, and married widow Anne Rivet in 1666. They settled on land on the Island of Orleans in 1673, and after Anne died, René married Therese Mignot, widow of Nicolas Lebel, in 1675. The surname Houallet became diversified to include Ouellette, Ouellet, Hoelet, Willette, etc. Descendants and relatives lived in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and elsewhere. Many descendants immigrated to Maine and Michigan, and progeny lived in New England, Michigan and elsewhere in the United States. The "Ouellet-te" Association was created in 1966, under the leadership of Joseph-Eugene Ouellet of Quebec. The 1988 Ouellette Family Reunion was held in Madawaska, Maine, sponsored by the Madawaska Historical Society, and the reunion was officially honored by an official expression from the Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Maine.

How is local history thought about? How should it be approached? Through brief, succinct notes and essay-length entries, the Encyclopedia of Local History presents ideas to consider, sources to use, historical fields and trends to explore. It also provides commentary on a number of subjects, including the everyday topics that most local historians encounter. A handy reference tool that no public historian's desk should be without!