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UNITED STATES
2007
FORT MIFFLIN (Pennsylvania, USA) $ 25,000
Atlanta, North Carolina, and Philadelphia Chapters
A striking example of the military engineering inspired by Vauban, Fort Mifflin
was built by the French engineer Jean Montresor in 1771. Following the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 2, 1776, Benjamin Franklin organized a committee in charge of securing the city's defense. Thus began the construction of a second fort on the Delaware River, across from Fort Mifflin. When Philadelphia was retaken by the British in September 1777, the two forts were used by the Americans to stop food and munitions from reaching the city, depriving the British of supplies through the entire winter. Fort Mifflin was retaken by the British in a bloody battle on the river in November, 1777, but the insurgents held it long enough to allow George Washington to reconstitute his army and stage the final leg of his campaign to defeat the British. Fort Mifflin is known today as "the Fort that saved America" for its crucial role in the Revolutionary War.
FHS's grant will contribute to the restoration of the Commandant's House, which will serve as the centerpiece of the Fort's education programs.
FRENCH CONSULATE IN NEW YORK CITY (New York City, NY, USA) $100,000
New York Chapter
The French Consulate in New York was established in 1783 following the initial Consulate in Philadelphia, first capital of the United States. In 1942, the offices of this " House of France " at Rockefeller Center proved too small, and the French government purchased the townhouse at 934 Fifth Avenue, built in 1926 by the architects Walker and Gillette. This new site was not used until 1952 after the Second World War. For over 50 years, the style of this townhouse, inspired by Parisian decorative arts of the early 20th century, has been faithfully preserved. The new décor pays homage to its splendid tradition. The trompe-l'œil marble of the entrance hall reinforces the Italian Renaissance accent which is at its apotheosis in the pink salon, with a coffered ceiling, superb chandeliers, silk damassée fabrics, tapestries and majestic French windows looking out on to Central Park. The Consulate is thus more than just the French city hall in New York: it is a showcase for France in this vital American city.
FHS's grant will contribute to the restoration of the ceiling of the Salon Rose and to the windows of the Salon Vert.
CHATILLON-DEMENIL HOUSE (Missouri, USA) $ 12,500
Tthe Paris Chapter
Chatillon-DeMenil House is one of the most beautiful example of Neo-Greek style architecture in the Mississippi Valley. It is one of the rare houses still in existence that evokes the origins of the city of Saint Louis. Built in 1848 by Henri Chatillon, a trapper and fur trader born in France, the house was purchased by Dr Nicolas DeMenil, who owned a chain of pharmacies in Saint Louis. He was related to the Auguste Chouteau family, one of the city's founders. DeMenil employed an English architect to design the façade in the Neo-Greek style and to enlarge the house.
FHS's grant will contribute to the restoration of the columns on the front façade.
BESTHOFF SCULPTURE GARDEN, NEW ORLEANS MUSUEM OF ART (New Orleans, LA, USA) $20,000
Washington Chapter,
FHS's grant will help the New Orleans Museum of Art restore its Besthoff Sculpture Garden, which suffered $3 million in damage due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Sculpture Garden includes works by French artists, from Renoir to Magritte; and continues to serve as an important place of solace and inspiration for those citizens returning to their city, as well as to individuals who visit the Museum from all over the world.
2006
LETOURNEAU HOME MUSEUM (Bourbonnais, IL) / $5,000
Ste. Genevieve Chapter
George Letourneau was an important local figure and mayor after the Village of
Bourbonnais was established. He also held many other elected offices throughout
Kankakee County. His landmarked house, in Greek revival style, is now a museum
run by the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society dedicated to the area’s French
Canadian Heritage.
FHS’s grant will contribute to the restoration of the windows.
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