Despite the extreme isolation of the French Fields of St. Helena, lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean south, they are not forgotten. For over one hundred and fifty years, France has maintained its presence there to honor one of the darkest chapters in its history. Perpetuate the memory of Napoleon's last years is not easy: her house was no exception and the hovels he had been joined together were not built to last. But did not count on the collective memory that has gripped and it perpetuates the legend, braving the weather and the ocean, the Remembrance of the Emperor.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European I entrusted the care and conservation areas under its charge. It gives me the means to maintain everyday buildings, gardens and forests that comprise it. Since the death of Napoleon, the story of his "Longwood House" is rich in adventures, barn, it was transformed into a place of memory visited by thousands of people every year, but known to all those for whom St. Helen is Napoleon.
The history of this house is not finished. We need to redefine for future generations its purpose and its place in the national heritage. It may be what we can afford it either. All scenarios were studied: destruction (assuming school) in varying degrees of restoration. My choice was that of sustainability, respect and consistency. It is also that of the Napoleon Foundation who for ten years has generously supported research and historical restoration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs that recognizes the historical importance of exceptional French Fields of St. Helena shared the same ambition. From this common understanding, a wonderful project was developed under the direction of a Chief Architect of Historic Monuments, Michael Jantzen.
This place full of history belongs to everyone. Its survival is now in your hands. By participating in recovery you write the best chapter in its history.
I propose the next few days to post on this blog, the information needed to understand this project.
For starters, here's liste du comité d’honneur de l’opération Sauver la Maison de Napoléon 1 er à Sainte-Hélène.
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THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE LONGWOOD HOUSE
Most of you will have noticed on napoleon.org and in the special letter sent out last week to our French-language readers that the campaign to save Longwood House on Saint Helena has now been launched. With contributions already coming in, there have been a number of questions regarding how to make donations if you are based outside of France. The practical details of the international side of the campaign are being finalised as we speak.
In order that donors who do not pay tax in France may benefit from the tax breaks available in their country, we have to receive authorisation from foreign foundations. This authorisation is obtained through the Fondation de France, which has been given the job of securing this agreement with the countries concerned. This stage of the process should be complete between now and the end of January, and as soon as this authorisation has been received, we shall of course give our Francophone and Anglophone friends based outside French territory a "heads-up".
For those looking to make a donation via bank transfer, the Fondation Napoléon's bank details can be obtained by contacting Pierre Branda, Either by post (the Napoleon Foundation's address CAN Be Found On The website) or by email ( branda@napoleon.org ).
This fund-raising call goes out to Napoleonic Historians and Enthusiasts, and national and Historical heritage lovers alike: we need you.
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