Over 350 guests gathered at The University Club for the French Heritage Society’s Celestial Ball on Friday, November 15th in New York. The Old World gala celebrated the historic reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral and recognized the role of Americans – philanthropists and artisans. French Heritage has focused on the Notre Dame Fire Restoration Fund which raised close to $2.6 million for the restoration from more than 3,300 donors only hours after the catastrophic fire in 2019. Notre-Dame de Paris will reopen on December 8, 2024, with festivities planned through June 2025.
Notre Dame: A Short History of the Meaning of Cathedrals- ‘Two days after Notre Dame burned, I flew to Paris to appear on the TV program La Grande Librairie to discuss cathedrals. The following morning I had breakfast at the Hotel Bristol with my French publisher and she asked me to write a short book about Notre Dame and what it means to all of us. She said she would donate the publisher’s profits to the rebuilding fund and, if I wished, I could do the same with my royalties. Yes, I said; of course, I’d love to.’ Ken Follett
In aid of the crucial restoration work to restore Paris’s great cathedral, Notre-Dame: A Short History of the Meaning of Cathedrals is a moving, short piece of non-fiction celebrating the stunning history of this beloved building, from Ken Follett, author of the multi-million copy selling Kingsbridge series. BUY HERE
Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, interior designer and steadfast champion of FHS, was honored for her commitment to lifting the tradition of French decorative arts by FHS Chairman Elizabeth F. Stribling. FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein honored Hank Silver, an American carpenter who spent eighteen months rebuilding the wooden roof framing of the cathedral’s nave.
Silver is part of an organization called Carpenters Without Borders which has created an international crew that reconstructs some of the most unique projects in the world using the tools of the period. Silver is also a member of the Timber Framers Guild where he has authored several articles for the guild’s journal. Silver’s accomplishments also include the chapel roof that houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci and the reconstruction of a 12th-century castle bridge in Normandy.
The foyer of the Celestial Ball Room was filled with the most generous benefactors and guests graced the carpet with photographer Annie Watt and Getty Images. Cocktails and lite bites were served in the wood-paneled Council Room beneath the antique fresco ceiling. The University Club is the perfect setting for this most prestigious occasion because of its historic and architectural significance. It’s one of the most beautiful clubs in New York. A successful live auction led by Nick Dawes, Vice President of Heritage Auctions, then guests danced the night away with Bob Hardwick Sound.
Guests were welcomed by Special Events Chair CeCe Black as well as President Denis de Kergorlay and Deputy Consul General of France in New York Myriam Gil. Special thanks were offered to Gala Chairmen Liz McDermott Barnes, Jean Shafiroff, and Ann Van Ness. They were joined by guests including FHS Board Members Timothy Corrigan, Christian Draz, Jennifer Farrell, Rosann Gutman, Brenda Howard, Isabelle de Laroulliere, Maureen M. Nash, George P. Sape, and Jacqueline Wilson, as well as Lee Black, Sharon Bush, and Bob Murray, Geoffrey Bradfield and William Featherby, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Yann Coatanlem, Gigi Fisdell, Maria and Kenneth Fishel, Lee Fryd, Meera Gandhi, Penny Grant, Marifé Hernandez and Joel Bell, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Cheri Kaufman, Michael Kovner and Jean Doyen de Montaillou, Margo Langenberg, Pamela Morgan, Guy Robinson, Sandra Ripert, Sana Sabbagh, Susan Sarofim, Daisy Soros, Barbara Tober, William Van Ness, Rebecca, and Stephen Whyte and many more.
The Pillars of the Earth
The “extraordinary . . . monumental masterpiece” (Booklist) that changed the course of Ken Follett’s already phenomenal career—and begins where its prequel, The Evening and the Morning, ended.
“Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner,” extolled Publishers Weekly on the release of The Pillars of the Earth. A departure for the bestselling thriller writer, the historical epic stunned readers and critics alike with its ambitious scope and gripping humanity. Today, it stands as a testament to Follett’s unassailable command of the written word and to his universal appeal. BUY HERE
World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge, but this sequel stands on its own. This time the men and women of an extraordinary cast of characters find themselves at a crossroad of new ideas— about medicine, commerce, architecture, and justice. In a world where proponents of the old ways fiercely battle those with progressive minds, the intrigue and tension quickly reach a boiling point against the devastating backdrop of the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the human race—the Black Death. BUY HERE
Proceeds from FHS’s events support its mission to ensure that French architectural and cultural heritage treasures survive to delight, educate, and inspire future generations. Upcoming events include:
December 5, 2024 – The Legacy of La Pausa, New York Chapter event at the Colony Club
February 16, 2025 – Palm Beach Gala at Club Colette
April 15, 2025 – Palm Beach Luncheon at Swifty’s at The Colony
May 20, 2025 – Diner des Mécènes at Cercle de l’Union Interalliée, Paris
May 21-23, 2025 – FHS Members’ Trip to Paris
July 18, 2025 – Summer Soirée in the Hamptons
About French Heritage Society
Our generous members and donors help us achieve our mission to sustain French architectural and cultural heritage by supporting activities that embody our core values of Preservation, Education, and French Art de Vivre.
Preservation
Funding the preservation and restoration of culturally and historically significant French architecture lies at the heart of our mission. To date, we have awarded $15.8 million in grants to approximately 687 châteaux, historic properties, and gardens in France and the United States. FHS also creates special funds for emergency restoration efforts, which have provided critical support following the fire at Notre Dame in Paris and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
The Complete Bordeaux: 4th edition: The Wines, The Chateaux, The People
The wines of Bordeaux are universally recognized as being among the finest in the world and in this fully revised and updated edition of his classic text, renowned wine expert Stephen Brook provides an unrivaled survey of the region and its wines.The Complete Bordeaux offers detailed information on the many communes and appellations of Bordeaux along with descriptions and assessments of all its major properties. As well as incisive portraits of the leading properties and their produce, Stephen Brook provides a detailed look at Bordeaux’s lesser-known areas and chateaux. There is also an invaluable vintage guide to the last four decades. Bordeaux encapsulates an incredible 13,000 wineries throughout 54 appellations and this book includes a thorough explanation of Bordeaux’s history, terroir, and winemaking styles. BUY HERE
Education
Each year, FHS selects and sends around 25 students from universities in France and the United States across the Atlantic for internships at esteemed institutions. Since our inception, 582 students have benefitted from these opportunities.
The Richard Morris Hunt Prize, established in partnership with the Architects Foundation, fosters cross-cultural professional exchange for architects between France and the United States. Two French or American laureates are selected each year.
French Art de Vivre
Our network includes 10 chapters across the United States and one in Paris. Collectively, they organize over 40 events each year, raising local awareness and funds for our mission while celebrating l’art de vivre. The FHS community comes together for our annual fundraising galas in New York, Palm Beach, and Paris, and members enjoy access to exclusive curated trips to France. MORE HERE
Elizabetta Men’s 100% Silk Ascot Ties, Day Cravat Neckties, Handmade in Italy
ELEGANT STYLE: Embrace a piece of Roman heritage with our Barberini Ascot, featuring a classic medallion print on dark navy blue silk.
VERSATILE: Enhance your style effortlessly by adding a touch of refinement to both formal occasions and everyday outfits, making heads turn wherever you go.
CLASSIC ASCOT SIZE: 6″ wide, 2 1/4″ mid-point collar width, 53.5″ long. A comfortably large length and width that fits most men.
100% SILK TWILL: A soft, silky fabric traditionally used in men’s tailoring for its look and its drape. Characterized by a diagonal weave which makes it very durable.
HANDMADE IN ITALY: Printed, cut, and sewn in a small artisanal workshop along the shores of Lake Como, historically famous for its silk production. MORE HERE
