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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Together, we must save the Emperor's residence on St Helena. This letter, if I may use such strong terms, is a call to arms for all who consider themselves friends to national and cultural heritages, both in general and more specifically Napoleonic. There really is no time to waste, nor is it just about saving any old building. It is Longwood House, final abode to the exiled Napoleon I, which is in danger, ravaged over the passage of time and beaten by the dreadful weather that reigns over that part of the island.
As you may know, the Fondation Napoléon has worked with the French Domains on St Helena for many years and collaborated on numerous occasions with the authority responsible for the estates, that is to say, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This ministry has decided that substantial work on the estates must be undertaken and thus the moment has come to invest in this exceptional realm of memory. This staunch and sincere resolve has however come up against the budgetary restrictions imposed on the State, hence the reason why the Fondation Napoléon has been charged with gathering together all those looking to offer their support in this essential undertaking.
That is why, alongside our colleagues at the Souvenir Napoléonien, we are here today to appeal to all those who believe that this small chunk of France on the other side of the world should be saved for posterity.
In soliciting your generosity, we enclose in this letter the outline of the project. We know all too well that the current situation is difficult, that wallets are getting lighter, but perhaps in this case, the game is worth the candle. It certainly is for this project, which is of vital consequence to the future of the Emperor's residence: a more Napoleonic operation you could not hope to find. You may also find that such effort could be at least partially recouped, in the form of tax benefits offered for donations made to charitable organisations such as the Fondation Napoléon.
The information below will give you the lowdown on the how, why and how much of the project.
I sincerely hope that this appeal, and your response, will allow us to complete this great project and that, together, we can save the Emperor's residence on St Helena.
Thank you in advance for your help and your effort.
Victor-André Masséna, Prince d'Essling
President, Fondation Napoléon
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LONGWOOD HOUSE IS UNDER THREAT
Napoleon I's residence between December 1815 and his death on the 5 May, 1821 is in danger. The property has been managed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1858, and it is divided into two principal parts: Napoleon's apartments and the part known as the "Generals Wing", where Las Cases, Gourgaud and Montholon and Dr O'Meara stayed during Napoleon's exile. This part is given over to a valuable collection of prints, furniture and objects dating from the period, which has been painstakingly assembled over the years by successive curators.
This particular section of the house is in a perilous condition. Structural alterations, the replacement of dilapidated roof coverings ill-suited to the local weather conditions, and a general reorganisation of the layout are all necessary so as better to meet the needs of the visiting public whilst at the same time respecting the history of the house. Restoration work – and even the reconstruction of an entire section of the load-bearing structure – has become essential. Indeed, without it, Longwood would simply fall to pieces.
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YOU CAN HELP SAVE LONGWOOD
Following an inspection carried out onsite by a chief architect from the French national heritage institution, Monuments historiques, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put together a project outlining the restoration and partial reconstruction of the Generals Wing.
The provisional budget required to complete the planned works, which will save and preserve this vitally important heritage site, has been estimated at €1.5 million.
The ministry believes that fifty percent of the funding for this project should come from private sources. The task of raising these funds through public donations has thus been entrusted to the Fondation Napoléon.
The Fondation Napoléon and the Souvenir Napoléonien, have come together to launch an international appeal to the Napoleonic world to help collect the 50% provided by the French Government.
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HOW TO MAKE A DONATION
If you are fiscally resident in France, please use the form (downloadable here) for your donation (in French). The Fondation Napoléon will issue you with a receipt, and this receipt should be included in your income tax declaration.
If you do not (or cannot) benefit from tax relief or other donation benefits in the USA or the European countries specified below, please send your donations to the Fondation Napoléon (148, blvd Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France) via bank transfer using the following details:
Bank: Société Générale
Account name: Fondation Napoléon - Opération Sainte-Hélène - 148 Bd Haussmann - 75008 Paris
Address: PARIS PRIVATE BANKING (03000)
Account number: 30003 03000 00050319214 20
IBAN: FR76 3000 3030 0000 0503 1921 420
BIC: SOGEFRPP
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Those resident for tax purposes in the USA, the UK, Eire, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy may benefit from certain fiscal advantages from their donation. To this end, the Friends of the Fondation de France in the USA and the different European Foundations mentioned here below have been enabled in their respective countries to receive donations on behalf of the Fondation Napoléon and to issue (where appropriate) tax deduction receipts. Please however do not forget also to send us an email (operation-saintehelene@napoleon.org) informing us of your donation. A list of donors (in French) can be viewed on the site.
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ROLL OF HONOUR
All donors will receive a souvenir diploma. "Gold" donors (over €1,500) will receive a certificate and a commemorative medal whilst "Platinum" donors (over €10,000) will receive a special certificate signed by the Prince Napoléon and a special large commemorative medal, both to be presented to "Platinum" donors at a ceremony held at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris. The names of "Platinum" donors will be inscribed on a special plaque to be placed in Longwood House. A special Longwood Appeal page has been created for the site, so as to keep you informed on the appeal's progress.
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INTERNATIONAL APPEAL
Patron: H.I.H. the Prince Napoléon.
STEERING COMMITTEE
President: Professor Jean Tulard, of the Institut
Assisted by:
Victor-André Masséna, Prince d'Essling, President of the Fondation Napoléon
And
Christian Fileaux, Président of the Souvenir napoléonien.
See the full list of the Steering Committee.
THE FONDATION NAPOLÉON
The Fondation Napoléon (founded in 1987) is a registered charity committed to the encouragement of the study of and interest in the history of the First and Second Empires and the preservation of Napoleonic heritage.
Contact:
Save Napoleon's House on St Helena
operation-saintehelene@napoleon.org
Fondation Napoléon
148 boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris - France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 56 43 46 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 56 43 46 01
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