The Role of the Chambrun Foundation in the Memory of Lafayette | French-American Histories

French-American Histories, One Story, Two Narratives is a program of virtual talks launched by Villa Albertine in collaboration with the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA. Each episode reveals a different facet of the vibrant French-American tapestry, through interviews with leading scholars, experts, and practitioners conducted by Dr. Iris de Rode, an expert in the history of French-American relations. The interviews are broadcast live and recorded at the French Embassy or other locations in the United States. For this edition, we are thrilled to host Vincent Bouat-Ferlier, Director of the Chambrun Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting General Lafayette’s enduring legacy. In this discussion, we will explore the Foundation’s pivotal work in conserving and restoring Lafayette’s historic home, the Château de Lagrange, as well as safeguarding the General’s personal artifacts and extensive archives. 

Click here to access our upcoming Zoom webinar.

As we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour in 2024, and look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, it is fitting to honor one of the most renowned French figures who contributed to American independence and championed its ideals across the Atlantic—the Marquis de Lafayette, famously known as the “Hero of the Two Worlds.” 
  
The Chambrun Foundation’s mission is to ensure the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of Lafayette’s château, while classifying, enriching, and promoting the invaluable archives of the General and his family. These efforts not only protect a significant chapter of both French and American history but also illuminate Lafayette’s remarkable life, his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, and his lasting influence on both sides of the Atlantic. 

A Conversation with Vincent Bouat-Ferlier, moderated by Iris de Rode, PhD

Vincent Bouat-Ferlier

Vincent Bouat-Ferlier joined the Fondation Chambrun in December 2022 from the Musée National de la Marine, where he was Scientific Director and Head of the Museographic Project. 

Vincent Bouat-Ferlier is an alumnus of the École nationale des chartes and a graduate of the Institut national du patrimoine and Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne. He previously worked for the French National Archives and the Ministry of Culture. 

He is responsible for the conservation, study, enrichment, and promotion of the Fondation’s pieces of work inherited from General La Fayette, in particular from his Château de La Grange-Bléneau, his archive collection classified as a national treasure, and all the collections, movable and immovable property inherited from the founders. It is also responsible for promoting and supporting historical research into the development of democratic ideas. 

The Fondation Chambrun, a non-profit organization, has been recognized as a public utility since 1959. Its purpose is to preserve, restore, and maintain General Lafayette’s château, known as Château de Lagrange; to classify, complete, and promote the archives of the General and his family; and, more generally, to make known the personality, life and ideas of Lafayette, who devoted his life to the defense of the democratic ideal. 

About French-American Histories, One Story, Two Narratives

240 years ago, fighting side by side for American independence, France was the first ally of the newly formed United States of America. Since then, the two countries have stood firm as “Sister Republics,” championing shared principles of democracy, freedom, and equality. The durable partnership has been characterized by a shared ambition and a common necessity for cooperation in a wide variety of fields in an increasingly globalized world. These encounters, spanning more than two centuries and ranging from military to economic policy, agriculture, trade, philosophy, art, science, and technology, have resulted in dynamic, fruitful, and inspirational cross-exchanges that have shaped the destiny of both countries.

The two countries have numerous similarities but also separate histories, cultures, and institutions, making their dynamic and creative relationship, which at times has been contentious. Over the years, comparable concepts that have been implemented in the distinct French and American cultures have flourished, but also encountered alteration, adaptation, or even opposition, requiring hurdles to overcome and compromises to be found. France and the United States have frequently expressed their conviction in a single, unifying story, yet they needed two narratives to tell their people: One Story, Two Narratives.