On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at a private club in Manhattan, the New York Chapter of French Heritage Society (FHS) celebrated the winning author of the Seventh Annual French Heritage Society Book Award, Esther de Costa Meyer, for her extraordinary Dividing Paris: Urban Renewal and Social Inequality, 1852-1870.
The event program included a delightful cocktail reception, a momentous book signing, and a captivating discussion led by Ms. da Costa Meyer. It was moderated by Caroline Weber, a distinguished figure in French and Comparative Literature, renowned for her work “Proust’s Duchess,” which received the Third Annual FHS Book Award. Notably, Ms. Weber, who was once a student of Ms. da Costa Meyer, brought a unique perspective to the conversation. Elizabeth F. Stribling, esteemed Chairman of FHS and Co-Chair of the Award, extended warm greetings to the audience prior to the engaging dialogue. Jennifer Herlein, the Executive Director of FHS, bestowed upon Ms. Da Costa Meyer the esteemed Jefferson Cup and a $5,000 prize, symbolizing both recognition and support for her exceptional achievement. Additionally, Ms. Herlein shared a touching letter penned by Christian Draz, an esteemed FHS Board Member and Co-Chair of the Award, expressing admiration and appreciation for the author’s groundbreaking work. The evening culminated in an elegant dinner, providing a fitting conclusion to an evening filled with intellectual stimulation and celebration.
The event was made possible by FHS Book Award Co-Chairs Elizabeth F. Stribling and Christian Draz and the FHS Book Award Steering Committee, Clydette de Groot and Dena Kaye; and the New York Chapter Chairman, Guy N. Robinson. A jury comprised of Susan Hiner, Professor of French and Francophone Studies at Vassar College, Cheryl Hurley, Immediate Past President of the Library of America, and Caroline Weber chose Dividing Paris: Urban Renewal and Social Inequality, 1852-1970 unanimously from a shortlist of four titles which illuminate elements of French cultural and/or historical patrimony.
Esteemed Guests included FHS President Comte Denis de Kergolay, Board Members CeCe Black, Silvina Leone, Brenda Howard, Liz McDermott Barnes, and Jacqueline Wilson;,as well as Joel Bell and Marifé Hernández, Baroness Véronique Bich, Lee Black, Marian and Richard Bott, Rosalie Brinton, Michelle DeFeo, Carole and John French, April Gow, Penny Grant, Christopher Hailey, Elizabeth Harnett, Roberta and Arthur Hougton, Cheryl Hurley, Ambassador Brenda Johnson, Helen K. King, Lily O’Boyle, Titina Penzini and Carlos Valedon, Barbara de Portago, Paul Stuart Rankin, Stephanie Stokes, and Christopher English Walling.
Upcoming FHS celebrations include:
- Annual Dîner des Mécènes honoring Joseph Achkar and Michel Charrière in Paris on May 21st
- Second Annual Summer Soirée in the Hamptons on July 19th
- Chairman’s Circle Trip to the Côtes du Rhône October 17th-23rd
- New York Gala Dinner Dance at the University Club on November 15th
About French Heritage Society
FHS is a community open to all who cherish France’s rich cultural tapestry. Our mission is to safeguard the treasures of French architecture and heritage, ensuring they continue to captivate, educate, and inspire future generations.
For over four decades, we’ve been dedicated to this cause, providing more than 6850 grants for restoration and cultural projects across France and the U.S. We’ve also empowered over 580 university students with transformative internships at prestigious institutions.
With 11 dynamic chapters—10 in the U.S. and one in Paris—membership opens the door to a wealth of cultural experiences. Join us in preserving France’s legacy, uniting lovers of French heritage worldwide.
