FN041 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 1 of 7

Through a combination of four PowerPoint presentations and three walks—based on the book "Paris:  Birthplace of the U.S.A."—attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the critical role France played in the success of the American Revolution.

During this first session, our talk and presentation will explore and showcase:

• Hôtel des Ambassadeurs de Hollande, rue Vieille du Temple, once the headquarters of Beaumarchais and the fictitious trading company that channeled arms, ammunition, and uniforms to the American Insurgents.
  
• Hôtel de Coislin, on Place de la Concorde, where the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce were both signed on the same day (the latter being the treaty by which France recognized the independence of the USA).  
• Cimetière de Picpus, rue de Picpus, site of the graves of La Fayette and his wife, which allows a discussion of La Fayette’s military career in America and France.
  
• John Paul Jones’s residence, rue de Tournon, where Jones spent his last years after a brilliant naval career in the American Revolution and after.  
• The residence of Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, on rue  du Cherche-Midi, which allows discussion of his actions during the American Revolution, including the Battle of Yorktown, and founding of the Society of Cincinnati. 
  

About the Series

This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €20 apiece for individual talks / walks, or €100 for the entire series of seven talks / walks.

Note: The dates, times, and location are provisional until the autumn trimester begins on 16 September 2024.

About the Organizer

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, former elected official, public relations consultant, and independent historian, with a special interest in the French connection to the American Revolution.

While living in Paris she was introduced to the book "Paris: Birthplace of the U.S.A." She has used this book as the foundation for walks and presentations, which she has conducted since 2013 for the American Library in Paris, the American Embassy, private groups, and WICE.

She lives in North Carolina, and does presentations at Lifelong Learning programs at community colleges, Furman University, Wofford College, and others. She is donating all proceeds from this series to WICE.