French-American Cultural Foundation partnership with Versailles
French-American Cultural Foundation partnership with Versailles
When Louis XVI supported the American War of Independence, he forged ties between France and the United states that have endured to this day.
Fast forward to World War I when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors, ending a war that had exhausted France. The palace was in a damaged state. John D. Rockefeller requested the honor of helping France to restore the palace in a letter to Prime Minister Raymond Poincaré, launching the beginning of a long tradition of American patronage at Versailles.
More recently, in December 1999, Versailles was hit by hurricane force winds that devastated the gardens of Versailles. American friends of the palace were the first to react and help replant trees in the historic gardens.
With that shared history in mind, the French American Cultural Foundation has formed an official partnership with the Palace of Versailles to federate new American patrons around an exceptional heritage site.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can make a tax deductible contribution to support the Palace of Versailles, please contact Debra Dunn, Executive Director of the French-American Cultural Foundation, at ddunn@frenchamericancultural.org.
Exciting Campaign Updates from Versailles
We are excited to share the following updates for ongoing restoration projects at the Palace of Versailles.
The Montgolfier Brothers ride again
As we watched Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos push space flight into a new era over the last few weeks, we took a look back at the history of human flight and the role that French innovation has played in the industry.
60 Years Ago: The Kennedys at Versailles
On June 1, 1961, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy visited the Palace of Versailles. It was the first official visit by an American head of state since Woodrow Wilson in 1919.
Water at Versailles
For over 350 years, the fountains at the Palace of Versailles have been showing off their water effects.
Springtime and Garden Restoration at the Palace of Versailles
As spring arrives and the world around us is in bloom, we are thinking about the stunning gardens at the Palace of Versailles and looking forward to the day – hopefully soon – when we can visit again.
Documentary: Battle At Versailles – The Competition that Shook the Fashion Industry
On November 28th, 1973, social elites gathered for a showdown between French and American designers in the Palace of Versailles.
Virtual Versailles
While it may be a while before most of us can visit the Palace of Versailles in person, fortunately there are many ways to virtually visit and experience this historic property.
December Updates from the Palace of Versailles
In coordination with the Palace of Versailles, we are pleased to offer updates about projects that are currently underway at the Palace.
Aerial footage of Versailles
These aerial views of Versailles highlight the many reasons why we are inspired to help with the effort to preserve the palace.
Our new partnership with Versailles
The French-American Cultural Foundation is very excited to announce a new partnership with the Palace of Versailles!