FoB164A_FoB_Newsletter_May2017_EMail_SM

Spring 2017 Museum Opening 1 Travel Exhibition 2 3Two documentaries vol. 27.01 Picardy, France – After more than Los Angeles, USA – Centennial on Anne Morgan 10 years of construction, renovation Exhibition American Women France – Two films on the life and work of Anne Morgan to appear and expansion, the Franco-American Rebuilding France 1917-1924 to open on French television. Museum, Château de Blérancourt at the Louis Stern Fine Arts Gallery reopens to the public. on July 15, 2017. Construction of the new Museum entrance hall Rendering of the expanded Museum A New Era for the Franco-American Museum On June 24, 2017 the Franco-American Museum, Château de Blérancourt will reopen to the public after more than 10 years of construction, renovation and expansion. It’s an exciting time for everyone who the newly-opened rooms never seen The new museum layout will enable has been involved with Blérancourt before, followed by dinner and a jazz visitors to have an overview of the all these years. “The new architecture concert in the Compiègne gardens. collections. Much of the artwork and is absolutely gorgeous, and the large For the inauguration, a chartered bus objects have never been seen before hall is magnifique—that’s the word,” will leave in the morning from Paris for lack of space. Visitors will now says Carole Gragez, who started for Blérancourt and will return to be able to see the Museum’s brand new as a curator at the Museum in 2015. Paris at night from both Blérancourt galleries, a new visitors’ entrance, the and Compiègne. interactive educational exhibits as Many American donors, Board members and active members are __________ planning to attend the Opening. →⟶ Continued on page 2 The activities include the official opening ceremony with speeches A Banner Year for the by French government officials, ribbon-cutting and a private visit to the American Friends of Blérancourt Museum for the American Friends of Blérancourt, les Amis français, and Dear Friends, the other VIPs, and a buffet lunch. As AFB’s new executive director, I’d like to introduce myself Later at the Palace of Compiègne and welcome you to AFB’s new format for news and events. nearby, there will be a private visit to This is undeniably a momentous year for the American Friends of Blérancourt. After a long period of expansion and renovation, the Franco-American Museum, Château de Blérancourt will finally re-open its doors to the public on June 24, 2017.Picardy Châteaux Prestige Tour Without your steadfast and generous Our incoming leaders, Board Chair support over the past three decades, Franck Laverdin and PresidentTour of nine rarely seen châteaux in Picardy — June 24-28, 2017 this new iteration of the only Dorothea de La Houssaye will help museum of its kind to celebrate and chart a new course for AFB. Along with This year Eugénie Anglès, President memorialize the unique friendship the entire Board’s help, we will provide of AFB, decided to organize her between the United States and France more events and activities that you can yearly Prestige Tour in Picardy itself, would not have been possible. take part in—such as a Young Members Blérancourt’s region. This tour features Committee, gallery tours, symposia, châteaux that are “off the beaten Now in its 32nd year, the American and an expanded Fall Gala with the track” and are often overlooked, and Friends of Blérancourt has raised funding presentation of the Franco-American yet they are fine representations of and promoted the Franco-American Award of Blérancourt. Medieval and neoclassical styles. Museum, Château de Blérancourt, keeping alive and well the historical, The Museum’s re-opening presents One of the visits will be to the Château artistic, and cultural exchange between new opportunities to strengthen the of Pierrefonds, which is a recreation our two nations. From the outset, friendship between our two nations. of Middle Ages fortress architectureTop: Château de Pierrefonds, Picardy, France in the 12th century. Actual châteauxBottom: AFB members enjoying lunch during a previous of that age were created and then laterPrestige Tour to Paris in 2015 destroyed. Napoleon III commissioned the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc to build the ideal château such as it would have existed during the Middle Ages. __________ →⟶ Continued on page 4 We extend our special thanks to all the Aerial view of Château de Blérancourt during construction and renovation supporters of the American Friends of Blérancourt who AFB owes its existence and much of its It is also a model for other countries helped fund this expansion and renovation of the sustenance to Founder and Chairman to develop their own institutions for Franco-American Museum. didi d’Anglejan and President Eugénie cross-cultural exchange. Blérancourt Anglès. Soon to retire from the Board can play an important role on the inter- Please join us in France on June 24th of Directors, those exemplars of energy, national stage by offering an improved tenacity, and dedication spent the better and unique demonstration “of how one for this milestone event or if you would like more part of the last 30 years working to people builds and constantly renews its information, please contact us at: [email protected] support the Museum and develop its image of the other, and vice-versa,” stated or call (212) 725-5380. American patrons. Robert Darnton, an American historian __________ →⟶ Continued on page 4 1

17 2017On CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION Centennial ExhibitionAnne Morgan’s Traveling ExhibitionOut of the devastation of the in Los Angeles and American Womenwar came the creation of hundreds Additional Venuesat the Atlanta History Centerof U.S. volunteer organizations, among 2017representsAmerican Women Rebuilding them the American Red Cross, the Rebuilding France France 1917-1924 exhibition W19a1r7I–, 1924 OptehneingcseSnumtemnenr 2i0a17lApril 6,AA2mm0eerr1iicc7aan,ntFChioeemldmcSieetrtveniectefe,orannDndeivtahaesltoatfedthe entry of the U.S. into World 2017LooufisAStmerneFriniecAar’tss, Leons Atrnygeles, CAthe AtlantaFraHncise,toheraydeCd ebynAtnenre hMoorsgtaen,d in McElreath Hall theCoenptenennialinExghiboitiofn from the into World War I,July 15-August 5the exhibitdoifaousnegvheAtnernyoenfaeJrsP,MMunoodrgregarntah. eOnvp’seorwWaerpfaeurlrio: dAmerican Women RebuilFdrainnCchgoâ-AtFemraeaurindceacnBeMl,éursaenucmourt www.louissternfinearts.com1917-1924 fleraodemrshtiphoef AFnrnaenMcoorg-anA,mmoererithcaann Museum, Château de BlérancouPrictar.dy, France 350 American women volunteers went to Picardy, France to rebuild the This powerful exhibition displays authentic photos and region and bring aid to the French black-and-white film footage depicting France’s devastated known as the Great War, and the first citizens still remaining. Picardy post-WWI and the American women volunteers EVexAaarhctmntwiievbiaersriis.cUtaaTi.ngohSie.nasrsw:(muOapJesupdpoalfryeomtnroc1afiejn5oAsrlg-alsiAne)te:ddupJNtguhfaoueltryisUotn.1Ss55., th, 5-8 pm; who helped rebuild the region. This remarkable historical which changed its diplomatic strategy This photo exhibition, American Women testament has appeared in important museums, libraries Rebuilding France 1917-1924 is from and French cultural institutes throughout the U.S. and InfrcomolnlaebutorarlatotiaocntivewpiatrhticitphaetioAn lliance the Anne Morgan archives at the continues to travel. Fracabonnroçtianaduisetoes etoondfplcLaoyontoflsdicAatsyn., agreolleest,heAUt.oSu. t France, Franco-American Museum, Château de Blérancourt in Picardy, France. Today the exhibition has been seen by more than These images were initially created 200,000 people in the following locations: to raise funds to support the efforts of CARD (Comité Américain pour les 2010 The National World War I Museum – Kansas City, MO AmeRreicbaunildWinogmFreannce1917–1924 FrTehniscwharHisekrniotwangeasStohec“iefotrygoottfenSwoaur”thern Régions Dévastées). Miss Morgan used 2010 CabanleicdfaoyuerstneitiitcaihsaalnnittgldeedktnthhoeewwnCobruyldlAtfmourereravieclraSnes,rvices of the latest technologies of photography 2011 The Morgan Library and Museum – New York City 2017Centennial Exhibition from the thaendFrweans cpihvotCalofonr sFurelnacthe-American and film, hiring such notable artists as 2011 Franco-American Museum Harry B. Lachman, to present to the The Woodrow Wilson House – Washington, DC Château de Blérancourt relations. 2012 Picardy, FranceMore than nA7em0eedgrifcuoarenasitpdsefoowprleeFrrteehneicnrheacaliitvtytileioanfntsdhfaeonlulorcwgeein.ngt 2013 The French Cultural Center / Alliance Française More than 4,000,000 American familiesThe progratmhe winarc. lLuacdhemdanawwasealcnoemxpaetrbiayte of Boston – Boston, MA sent their sons and daughters to servePresident anlpivadiinngtCiningE,PObauritsohafitsttwhheoertkimHfoerissCttuAodRryDiynbgrought 2014 in uniform during the Great War.Center, ShehfimfierledcoHgniatiolen,aasnadphroetomgraaprhkesr by 2014 The Wally Findlay Gallery – Palm Beach, FLMargaret Ctah.nedRefiexlhmisibemitriaooknefar.rteMhhaeinsyJ, oaolhfotnnhgewHimith.agthese in 2014 More than 116,000 U.S. soldiers gaveand Wilhelbmlaicnk-aanDd-w. hHiteafroloatangde. Charitable The Arsenault Gallery – Naples, FL; with the their lives in combat. Another 200,000FoundationpArmwouehrdicotaosnehoFgnriroerantndhsdesomef BaomlétahrazeninrcgouArmt eisrican 2014 Alliance Française of Bonita Springs, FL were wounded, a casualty rate far greaterserved in WwWomeIn. whose love of France and 2015 than in World War II. 2015 Alliance Française of Philadelphia – PA humanity represent the generous spirit More than 350,000 African-Americans of our country and the bond which 2015 Molly Brown House Museum – Denver, CO served in the U.S. military, as did Native 2017 Americans and members of otherThe event atilessousfestailtl utordeady toCFhraanicrem. an-elect 2017 The Newberry Library – Chicago, IL; with the LouwmisoinSmtoeerrinntyFjoginirneoeuAdprtstsh.geaAlnlreadrny,kffoosurnotdfheterhLefiorUusit.sStSi.mteren, Alliance Française of Chicago 2017 armed forces. The Alliance Française of Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN Additional Venues Baldwin Wallace University – Berea, OH The Indianapolis Public Library with the Alliance Française of Indianapolis, IN The Coral Gables Museum – Miami, FL The Atlanta History Center – Atlanta, GA Louis Stern Fine Arts – Los Angeles, CA; with the Alliance Française of Los Angeles University of Southern Maine – Lewiston, MEof AFB, Franck Laverdin, and historical www.americanfriendsofblerancourt.org Atlanta History Center, Brochure design by Magical Monkey | www.magicalmonkey.compresentations by Elaine Uzan Leary McElreath Hall, Atlanta, GAand Miles Morgan, great-grandson of Cover of the commemorative brochure for the Centennial April 6 – September 30J.P. Morgan. Also in attendance Exhibition “American Women Rebuilding France – 1917-1924” www.atlantahistorycenter.comwere the Consul General of France, Also present were AFB Chairman and University of Southern Maine’sLouis de Corail and the Consul General Founder didi d’Anglejan and President Lewiston-Auburn College, Lewiston, MEof Belgium, William De Baets. Eugénie Anglès, and other members August 28-September 22 of the AFB Board of Directors. Despite www.usm.maine.eduThe event was hailed as: “A great tributeto the friendship between France tornadoes and delayed arrivals, it was If you would like more information,and the United States. Wonderful job Large image on top: Atlanta History Center; Small images a most successful evening! We are very please contact us at [email protected] inspiration!” – Louis de Corail, (left to right): (1) Jean Astrop, Miles Morgan, Elaine Uzan Leary; grateful to the Atlanta History Center or call (212) 725-5380.Consul General of France. (2) Robert & Margaret Reiser, Sheffield & Elizabeth Hale; and in particular to Donald Rooney, (3) didi d’Anglejan, Consul General of Belgium, William De Baets Director of Exhibitions, and to our dear“Beautiful pictures of a beautiful Following the reception and visit to friend and supporter Jean Astrop forepisode of solidarity after dark years of the exhibition, AFB Board member her generosity, which made this eventwar. Thank you for bringing this Jean Astrop hosted a private dinner in possible. The exhibition is on displayexhibition to Atlanta.” – William her lovely home for AFB Board members at the Atlanta History Center untilDe Baets, Consul General of Belgium. and loyal supporters from Atlanta. September 30, 2017. former outbuilding of the Château, is being set up as a new education wing.First extension – In 1989 the Franco-American Museum A New Era for the Franco- Credit for the Museum’s new architecture Side view into the new exhibition hall pavilion built in 1989within the ancient Blérancourt Castle underwent a first American Museum and design goes to two major creative on top of the original foundations of the Château duringextension with the construction of a small pavilion on top figures in France. Yves Lion, a renowned the first extension of the Franco-American Museumof the old foundation. __________ urban architect, is responsible for the Continued from page 1 current renovation and expansion of the design. The new presentation wasPlease join us in France on June 24th Museum. This is the second reconstruction created in three sections: Ideals,for this historic milestone event! well as the always celebrated gardens he has undertaken for the Museum. Challenges and Arts. Gardère hasFor more information on the opening and arboretum. This new architecture establishes worked for major museums aroundor travel arrangements, please continuity and cohesion in the building the world, including the Louvrewrite us at [email protected] The Museum will facilitate student by linking the main entrance and access Museum in Paris, the Royal Academyor call (212) 725-5380. groups to have discussions with their to the existing pavilion. Lion’s firm is of Arts in London, and the Aga Kahn teachers on a variety of topics in full known for pioneering important urban Museum in Toronto among others.AFB members receive special rates view of the pertinent works, for development projects in numerouson La Compagnie business class air example on the French and American major cities in France, including the We extend our special thanks to alltravel between New York and Paris. revolutions, discoveries of other creation of Marseille’s new waterfront the supporters of the American Friends countries, of other peoples, or art for which it won the Best Urban of Blérancourt who helped fund this movements like Impressionism. Regeneration Project prize. expansion and renovation of the More student exchanges are being Franco-American Museum. planned for French and foreign students. Adrien Gardère, a world-class At the same time the Orangerie, a museographer (the person responsible for the design and general organization of the museum), has given the Museum a new presentation, a new layout of the collections and created its interior2 Spring 2017 | vol. 27.01

Anne Morgan, Subject of Two New Launching theDocumentaries on French Television Junior CommitteeTwo films on the life and work of Anne Morgan (the fearless founderof the Franco-American Museum, Château de Blérancourt) will AFB is launching a Junior Committeesoon appear on French television. to engage young members for the Franco-American Museum. We are delighted that Board member The Château’s unique history and the Museum’s fascinating James Gerard is leading these efforts cultural exhibits attract sophisticated visitors across generations. and will chair the Committee to develop this important branch of the American Friends of Blérancourt. Our special thanks go to Board member Sonja Morgan who will host a kickoff event for the launch at her home on June 6th. For anyone interested in joining the Junior Committee or obtaining further information, please contact [email protected] Morgan using photography and moving pictures to raise American awareness and support for the war-devastated Picardy regionin France – “Anne Morgan – Une Américaine sur le Front” / Artline Films, 2017The French documentary team during and after World War I. UsingFlair Productions in Paris is producing previously unseen archival footage,an hour-long film for France 3 (one the film will highlight Anne Morgan’sof the leading channels on French pioneering work in humanitarian relieftelevision) called L’Autre chemin des and activism, as well as the broaderdames (American title, Anne Morganand Her 350 Friends).Letters from several volunteers Museum as Guest of Honor atrecounting their daily lives, while Rare Book Fair at Paris’ Grand Palaishelping Anne Morgan, run throughoutthe documentary to tell the film’s Still from the Anne Morgan film from Flair Production on Rare works and representative items from the Franco-American Museum,story. The letters are interspersed with France 3 (TV), May 29, 2017 Château de Blérancourt’s graphics collections on display in Paris.interviews of several people testifyingto Anne Morgan’s legacy, with achievements of CARD (the American The Franco-American Museum,extensive use of archival footage. The Committee for Devastated France) and Château de Blérancourt was the Guestfilm includes rare historic photos that the Committee’s historic significance of Honor at this year’s Rare Book Fairoriginally were the images by a number for France. The story is told from both (Salon du Livre Rare) held at theof photographers that Anne Morgan sides of the Atlantic, and reveals the Grand Palais Museum from April 7-9.had hired to document the devastation exceptional fate of a woman in thein France and relief efforts during the vanguard of both feminism and The timing of the salon was perfect,period 1917-1924. The documentary humanitarian action. Artline Films is just two months before the Museum’saired on France 3 on May 29, 2017. currently in discussion with PBS about an reopening on June 24th, giving people a English language version for American taste of what they will see there.The other film, Anne Morgan: Une television. In France, the film will be The Museum had its own room whereAméricaine sur le front (The American seen on France 5 in the fall of this year. posters of Anne Morgan, Uncle SamWoman on the Front) is produced by and others lined the walls.Artline Films, one of France’s premierdocumentary companies. It depicts For more information about the two Displays of pictures, rare works and artifacts from the On display were rare works andthe little-known and exemplary story films, please contact Larry Horne, Franco-American Museum, Château de Blérancourt during the representative items from the Museum’sof Anne Morgan and her friends and Executive Director of the American 2017 Rare Book Fair at the Grand Palais Museum in Paris graphics collections, photos andvolunteers who rebuilt a particularly Friends of Blérancourt; Email: furniture items from the libraries ofravaged area of northern France (Picardy) [email protected] CARD (American Committee for Devastated France), and works from the Palm Beach Dinner Kickoff Celebration Museum’s first temporary exhibition, of the Museum’s Reopening Here we are, Lafayette! Thousands of visitors attended the Rare Book and Art Objects Fair. please join us for a On April 3rd American Friends of Blérancourt held a kickoff celebration at Here is the Salon du Livre Rare’s site: Sant Ambroeus in Palm Beach of the reopening of the Franco-American Museum, https://www.salondulivrerare.paris kick-off celebration Château de Blérancourt in France and in commemoration of the centennial of the U.S. entry into World War I. ––––––––– of ––––––––– Chairman of the Board, didi d’Anglejan -the re opening of the and board members Miles Morgan, Franck Laverdin and Dorothea defranco-american museum, La Houssaye, hosted a very nice group of Palm Beachers and international château de blérancourt friends for cocktails and an elegant dinner at this popular new restaurant. france Everybody enjoyed the party and and in commemoration of we look forward to this event as an annual seasonal celebration the centennial of the of AFB in Florida.u.s. entry into world war i––––––––– on –––––––––monday, april 3 7:00 pm cocktails 8:00 pm dinner The following were some of the guests at the kickoff dinner in Palm Beach: Jane Smith, ––––––––– John Browne, Lorraine Odasso, Robert Spencer, Barbara de San Damian, Peter Behr, Lars Bolander & Nadine Kalachnikoff, Louise Stephaich, Anthony & Mary Underwood, sant ambroeus Maurice Amiel, Brenda Neubauer Straus, Priscilla Rattazzi, Bradley & Catharine Geist, Dorothy Slover, Howard & Patricia Lester, Michael Kovner, Helmut Koller & Helga Wagner,340 royal poinciana way, palm beach, florida 33480 the Ledes family, Jeremiah & Sanda Lambert, Robert & Millie Monks, Barbara Price, Victoria Donaldson, Howard & Patricia Lester, Judith Guest, Nicole Hirsch, Alice Lynch, ––––––––– Anne Webb and AFB’s former executive director, Elaine Uzan Leary.for more information:212.725.5380 [email protected] invitation to the AFB Kick-Off Celebration asfeatured in Palm Beach’s main society magazinesAmerican Friends of Blérancourt | www.americanfriendsofblerancourt.org 3

Blérancourt: French-American Friendship is Picardy Châteaux Prestige TourAlive and Well in the Hauts-de-France Region __________Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France Calendar Continued from page 1region, on the Franco-American Museum JUNE The Château de Folembray is one ofXavier Bertrand is the President of the Hauts-de-France region, the most successful places for chasse àone of France’s 13 administrative regions which includes Picardy, 6 Junior Committee Launch – courre (hunting with hounds) inwhere Blérancourt is located and the theatre of Anne Morgan’s A new initiative starting with Picardy. If luck has it, participants willmission during both world wars. His strong support of the a kickoff party at Board see the hunters and their houndsFranco-American Museum is expressed in the statement member Sonja Morgan’s home performing their ritual on the lawn inhe wrote for the American Friends of Blérancourt’s newsletter. .in New York City the front of the Château.“Here we are, La Fayette!” That was the Thus, I hope we will strengthen our 24 Re-opening of the Franco- Château de Condé, Picardy, Francefamous declaration made on July 4, 1917 partnerships in all areas, whether American Museum,when American troops arrived cultural, intellectual but also Château de Blérancourt – Current château owners will in manyin France during the First World War. economic, so this unique site can Tour of the re-opened Museum, cases host a luncheon or provide a continue to demonstrate America’s lunch, opening ceremony and private guided tour of the château andYet the place that best embodies this influence in France and our region, ribbon-cutting at Blérancourt; grounds. The tour celebrates its finalFrench-American friendship, forged as well the Hauts-de-France private visit and dinner at evening at Le Clarence, an excitingthrough the ravages of war and a region’s influence on the other side the Palace of Compiègne new two-star restaurant in Paris.common struggle for freedom, is the of the Atlantic. I also hope that It belongs to the Haut Brion group,Château de Blérancourt, which is we will write new chapters in this 24-28 Picardy Prestige which is presently run by Princestill not as well-known as it should be. French-American friendship. Tour – Visit to nine châteaux Robert de Luxembourg. with private tours andThe creation of the Museum, Château de Blérancourt, 1923-1924; © RMN-Grand Palais (Château de Blérancourt) / Harry Bréjat meals with château owners. A Banner Year for the American Friends of BlérancourtThe upcoming re-opening of the Indeed our two countries share the Château de Folembray, Picardy, FranceFranco-American Museum will certainly same basic tenets of freedom, and we __________revive the memory and the relevance both have a special role to play on July – AUGUST Continued from page 1of this friendship! the international stage, particularly in certain areas of conflict where we 15 Opening Reception “American of 18th century France, after a review ofThe Museum’s presence on the soil of must band together in the fight against Women Rebuilding France the Museum and its collections.the Hauts-de-France region, marked by terrorism with common purpose. 1917-1924” – Louis Sternthe crosses of the American graves Fine Arts, Los Angeles, CA As AFB’s new executive director—withfrom both world wars, is a reminder of large shoes to fill left by my predecessorwhat we owe our American friends, and executive director nonpareil,and also highlights the memory of the Elaine Uzan Leary—I will work hardAmerican Revolution and the role to expand the partnerships withFrance played in it. foundations and corporations so we can offer expanded student exchangeBut Blérancourt is not just a memorial Château de Blérancourt Museum building with a 1785 Houdon 15– 5JULY programs, cross-cultural scholarly Design by Magical Monkey | T 212.414.0228 | www.magicalmonkey.comor a museum; it is also a vibrant place statue of George Washington in the foreground AUG exchanges, and complete the Orangerie,thanks to the activities of its American a renovated building to house all theand French Friends of the Museum and Our bilateral relationship must not Photo Exhibition “American Museum’s education programs.their members, and to its own research be lacking in ambition or imagination. Women Rebuilding France,library. It is a place that is as alive today We have to be able to offer young 1917-1914” – at the Starting with this issue, the new formatas the ties that bind our two countries. people on both sides of the Atlantic gallery Louis Stern Fine Arts, for AFB’s newsletter will highlight something other than trade or military Los Angeles, California relevant news, events and people whoThat was the wish of its founder Anne agreements. Our friendship is not make a difference for the AmericanMorgan, and it has remained the solely based on the past, it must serve Friends of Blérancourt. Please letgoal of this national museum and its to shape a better future—that is me know if you have ideas for thestaff, as well as the many patrons who the profound and unique mission newsletter and the organization as acontinue to support it. of Blérancourt. whole. I heartily welcome your input: [email protected] bond that was forged between Xavier Bertrandour two nations is indestructible, President of the Hauts-de-France Region I look forward to welcoming as manyas is the bond between the of you as possible at the Re-openingHauts-de-France region and the of the Franco-American MuseumBlérancourt Museum itself. in Picardy on June 24. For more information, please visit Larry Horne www.americanfriendsofblerancourt.org, Executive Director, American Friends of Blérancourt contact us at [email protected], or call (212) 725.5380.4 Spring 2017 | vol. 27.01 | American Friends of Blérancourt | www.americanfriendsofblerancourt.org