Souvenir napoléonien facts for kids

The Souvenir napoléonien is a special group that helps people learn about the exciting history of the Napoleonic era. This time period was when Napoleon Bonaparte was a very important leader in France. The group was started in 1937. Its full name is the Société française d'histoire napoléonienne, which means "French Society of Napoleonic History."

Exploring Napoleonic History

The Souvenir napoléonien was first started in 1937. A woman named Eugénie Gal created it. She was a relative of a famous general, Marshal Suchet. In 1982, the French government officially recognized the group. They called it a "benevolent association." This means it's a helpful group that works for good causes.

What the Society Studies

This society studies the history of the First French Empire and the Second French Empire. These were times when France was led by emperors. They also look at the period of the French Revolution. The group learns about the imperial family. This was Napoleon's family. They also study important places and people from this time.

How They Share History

The Souvenir napoléonien organizes many events. They hold talks and special meetings. They also arrange study trips to historical places. Sometimes, they have events to remember important moments. These events happen in France and other countries. They help people all over the world learn about this history.

Working with Others

The society works closely with another group. This group is called the Fondation Napoléon. The Fondation Napoléon helps the society financially. This money helps them print their magazine. The magazine is called the Revue du souvenir napoléonien.

How the Society Works

The Souvenir napoléonien has a team of leaders. They have a President and an Honorary President. There are also three Vice-Presidents. A Treasurer manages the money. There is also a General Secretary. This person helps run the daily activities. The main group that makes decisions is called the Steering Committee. The magazine also has an editor-in-chief.

Where They Operate

The society has special representatives. These people are called delegates. They organize events in different places. This includes cities and regions in France. They also have delegates in other countries.

• Delegations in France:
  • Nord-Pas-de-Calais
  • Picardy
  • Normandy
  • Brittany
  • Paris and Île-de-France
  • Champagne-Ardenne
  • Lorraine
  • Alsace
  • Loire Valley
  • Berry
  • Burgundy
  • Franche-Comté
  • Poitou-Charentes
  • Limousin-Quercy
  • Auvergne
  • Lyonnais
  • Dauphiné-Savoie
  • Aquitaine
  • Midi-Pyrénées
  • Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
  • Nice Alpes-Maritimes
  • Corsica

• Delegations Abroad:
  • Northern Italy
  • Rome and Central Italy
  • Belgium
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

• Overseas Correspondents:
  • Montreal
  • Bogota
  • Vienna
  • United Kingdom

The Society's Library

The Souvenir napoléonien has its own library. It started with about 500 books. These books came from Baron Jean Thiry's collection. His children gave them to the society. The library grows all the time. Members donate books. Authors and publishers also give books. The society buys new books too.

Who Can Use the Library

Members of the society can use the library. Students who are studying history can also use it. The library is located in Paris. You can find it at 82 rue de Monceau.

Magazine Archives

The library also keeps old copies of the Revue du Souvenir napoléonien magazine. They have issues starting from number 233. This issue was published in December 1967.

The Revue du Souvenir napoléonien Magazine

Many famous historians have written for the society's magazine. These include Thierry Lentz and Michel Wilmot. Others are Maurice Bernard-Catinat, Jacques-Olivier Boudon, and Jean Étèvenaux. They write about many topics. All of these topics are about the Napoleonic era. This includes the time from the Directoire to the Second French Empire.