Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.
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.
The second walk, which will last about three hours, starts at the Palais du Luxembourg, which was a prison during the French Revolution and was where American Patriot Thomas Paine was held.
From there we stroll to John Paul Jones’s residence on rue de Tournon. We’ll drop by 10, rue de L’Odeon to see the plaque noting where Thomas Paine lived 1797 till his return to the U.S. in 1802.
Next, Café Procope, which was patronized by Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Voltaire, etc. We’ll walk along Quai des Grands Augustins, following in the steps of Thomas Jefferson where he bought many books, which were eventually used to establish the U.S.Library of Congress.
Next, Hotel des Monnaies, quai de Conti, the Royal Mint, which was a brand new building when Franklin and Jefferson were in Paris (it was completed in 1777). Jefferson was interested in the production of coins for the new American government, so was a frequent visitor here.
We’ll finish at Hotel d’York, rue Jacob, where the Treaty of Paris was signed, giving independence to the American colonies.
At the end of the walk we can settle into a local café and discuss what we saw.
Note: Participants will gather at 13:30 just inside the gate to Jardin du Luxembourg labeled Porte l’Odeon, to the LEFT of the Palais du Luxembourg on rue du Vaugirard. The gate is across rue du Vaugirard from the Odeon Theater. The organizer, Mary Jo Padgett, will have on a scarf. Participants will gather inside the garden gate, and then walk to sites in the Odeon area, along Quai des Grands Augustins, and finish on rue Jacob. We expect the walk to take about three hours, so please be prepared with comfortable walking shoes, water, umbrella, the usual things you need in Paris.
About the Series
This is a fundraising activity for WICE, and the series is open to all interested persons. The cost is €25 apiece for individual walks.
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.