About FHS / 25 Years of Accomplishment / Board and Honorary Directors
Partners and Benefactors / 25th Anniversary Sponsors

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25 YEARS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

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Founded in 1982 as Friends of Vieilles Maisons Françaises as an American 501(c) (3), the organization evolved into what formally became French Heritage Society in 2002. From the beginning, its strength has been the passion for the French architectural patrimony shared by friends and benefactors on both sides of the Atlantic and the commitment to preserving, understanding, and enjoying this magnificent legacy.

In 25 years, French Heritage Society has contributed to more than 400 restoration grants and provided more than 10 million dollars, including matching funds, to projects in nearly every department of France, as well as to projects which reflect French influence in the United States. The requirement that recipients of FHS grants obtain matching funds from private and government sources significantly increases the impact of our action.

Local Chapters in the United States and in Paris organize events throughout the year that are open to all members. In addition, FHS sponsors educational exchanges and cultural trips and seminars intended to broaden familiarity and knowledge of the architectural treasures of France. FHS has also published two books, one on regional French châteaux and cuisine, the other on the French legacy in America.

In response to natural catastrophes, FHS has been quick to organize emergency campaigns, for example “Storm Damaged Châteaux,” in 2000, after severe wind storms in France and “Katrina Heritage Rescue Fund,” in 2005, after the devastating hurricane on the American Gulf Coast. To date, FHS has provided $200,000, much of it generated in France, to the Katrina Fund for the rebuilding effort. This reciprocity exemplifies our goal that our activity be a “two-way street.”

We take seriously our role as ambassadors for French culture, art, and history. The historic French-American friendship lies at the heart of all our endeavors.