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France in the White House: A Conversation on Historical Perspectives

Run-of-Show: May 4, 2017

This event will be held at the White House Historical Association. Arrive at the entrance at 748 Jackson Place, NW, Washington, D.C. for the symposium on May 4, 2017.

May 4 Program

8:30am - 9:15am

  • Registration and light French breakfast in Decatur House

9:15am - 9:30am

  • Break and transition to Carriage House

9:30am - 9:45am

  • Welcome
    • The Honorable Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., Chairman of the Board, WHHA
    • H.E. Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France
    • Dr. Curtis Sandberg, Director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History at WHHA

9:45am - 10:30am

  • 200 years of France in the White House: A Historic Panorama; Dr. Edward Lengel, White House Historical Association Chief Historian

10:30am - 11:15am

  • French Decorative Arts in the White House from 1800 to the Present; Dr. Barthélémy Jobert, Président, Paris-Sorbonne

11:15am - 11:45am

  • Decorative Arts in the White House; William Allman, Curator, The White House

11:45am - 12:00pm

  • Break and transition to Courtyard

12:00pm - 1:45pm

  • Luncheon inspired by menus from White House State Dinners with French leaders and French wines associated with early U.S. presidents
    • Featuring: a) welcome by Stewart McLaurin, President, WHHA; b) introduction by Embassy of France DCM Nathalie Broadhurst; c) brief remarks about the dessert by former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier d) The home of James Monroe in Paris - Dr. William Seale
    • Musical interlude: French or French-inspired pieces performed at the White House during its 217-year history: Opera Lafayette

1:45pm - 2:00pm

  • Break and transition to Carriage House

2:00pm - 3:45pm

  • Panel discussion moderated by Dr. Matthew Costello (WHHA) followed by Q&A.
    • U.S.-France/White House Cultural Encounters; Dr. Laura Auricchio, Professor of Art History, Parsons School of Design, New York, New York
    • U.S.-France/White House Intellectual Exchanges: Dr. François Furstenberg: Professor of History, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
    • Outstanding Examples of French Decorative Arts in the White House and their Impact on its Inhabitants: Dr. Wilfried Zeisler, Curator, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington, D.C.

3:45pm - 4:30pm

  • Reception in Decatur House Courtyard featuring French or French-inspired music performed at the White House in historic times
    • Music: Opera Lafayette
    • Reception fare to include cognac with historic White House antecedents