Activities

Conferences, ceremonies, study trips, publications and historical research

SAR France organizes activities throughout the year to perpetuate the memory of the American War of Independence and strengthen Franco-American ties. Conferences, commemorative ceremonies, study trips, publications, and historical research punctuate the life of the Society and its members.

Conferences and Visits

The Society regularly offers conferences and visits in Paris and across the regions of France, as well as gatherings among its members. These presentations help our members and American friends better understand our shared history, including lesser-known episodes of the American War of Independence.

Commemorative Events

Members are invited to attend ceremonies in memory of French and American combatants (Arc de Triomphe, cemeteries of both World Wars, individual or collective graves of those who fell during the American War of Independence) as well as study trips to the United States to maintain the bonds of friendship forged between the French and American peoples at the birth of the American nation.

Historical Research

The Society actively encourages historical research on the American War of Independence and Franco-American relations of that era. This mission takes several forms:

  • Collection and analysis of little-known family archives
  • Compilation of a ancestors’ dictionary of SAR France members’ ancestors, comprising 150 entries available upon request
  • Award of the “Jacques de Trentinian” Prize, recognizing academic research on the American War of Independence

Publications

The Society publishes an annual journal, “L’Alliance Franco-Américaine”, produced by its members, as well as collective works and educational films devoted to France’s contribution to American independence. These works are detailed on the Journal and publications page.

The Society also maintains a library of books, documents, and archives relating to the American War of Independence and the history of Franco-American relations.

Recent Events

  • Conference by Patrick Villiers in Versailles (January 2026)
  • General assembly and dinner at the Palais du Luxembourg (February 2026)
  • Conference by Stéphane Meffre for the 400th anniversary of the French Navy (March 2026)

Learn More