The Washington Chapter was established in 1984 under the leadership of the former U.S. Minister to France, Christian A. Chapman, who gathered Francophiles throughout Maryland, Virginia and the metropolitan D.C. area with a lifelong interest in French culture.

Throughout the 23 years of its existence, the Washington Chapter has maintained strong ties with the French Embassy, participating in many joint programs and introducing to a large international audience much of the rich legacy of French art and architecture. For many years, the chapter has arranged a large dinner at the French Ambassador’s residence to benefit that year’s Washington Chapter restoration project.

Chapter programs have included a number of lectures each year dealing with various aspects of French culture. These have included, among a wide variety of topics, literary presentations, musical events specializing in classical pieces or popular cabaret music, fashion and fashion leaders, programs on important French individuals prominent in early U.S. history, and discussions of landscape design and famous gardens.

In mid-winter of every year, the chapter holds a Sunday afternoon formal champagne tea with a distinguished speaker. In late spring, there is often a garden party or a tour to an historic property in the Virginia or Maryland countryside to end the season.

Washington, D.C. museums have rich collections of French painting, sculpture and the finest period furniture and decorative arts. Frequent special exhibitions of French masterpieces are shown here and curatorial tours are offered regularly to FHS members.

Through the support of its members and the Washington community, the Washington Chapter has raised funds for many restoration projects in France such as Chartres Cathedral, the Hôtel de Talleyrand in Paris, the Château de Laye in Beaujolais, admired by visitor Thomas Jefferson, and the church of Ste. Alvère in the Dordogne. Its U.S. projects have included support for the restoration of the famous 18th century Salon Doré at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, for restorations at both Decatur House and Octagon House, all in Washington, D.C., and for the houses of Ste. Geneviève, Missouri.

Michèle Imhoff and Jeannie Rutherfoord are the Co-Chairmen of French Heritage Society's Washington Regional Chapter.

For further information or to learn more about Membership, please contact the Washington Regional Chapter directly. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.