History Walks in Paris, France, this May 2023.
I will be conducting history walks in Paris, France in May 2023 – specifically on the topic of The American Revolution in Paris. Please see the description below – but dates and/or times may change … I will update from time to time. I am also available to schedule private tours described below for you and your group on days and times convenient to you in May. If you want to sign up for the walks in Paris or if you have questions, please be in touch. Thanks for your interest in American Revolution History in Paris. (Walks are conducted in English.)
A Walking Tour Through the American Revolution … in Paris
Americans are taught little in school about the “French connection” that helped make the American War of Independence a success. Yet there are statues, buildings, parks, and squares throughout Paris that reflect and confirm this Franco-American partnership and the significant intertwining of the two nations.
On three Thursdays and Saturdays in May, tour groups will discover the Paris traces of John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, General Rochambeau, the site of the signing of the Treaty of Paris ending the struggle of American colonists for independence from England — and much more.
This tour is in three parts … participants are encouraged to attend one, two, or all three parts. Each walk takes about 3 hours and each is limited to twelve people. Cost is 10 euros per person per session, which are scheduled on the following days. Meeting details will be provided.
May 11 or 13 — From Auteuil to the Champs-Elysees (learn about Benjamin Franklin, Rochambeau, Thomas Jefferson, de Grasse, etc.).
May 18 or 20 — From Concorde to Île de la Cité (visit locations where treaties signed, LaFayette interview with Marie Antoinette, hotels where early envoys stayed, etc.)
May 25 or 27 — Along the Left Bank (stops related to post-Revolution relations with France, America’’s growth and France’s move toward revolution, etc.)
Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, public relations consultant, and independent historian who lives most of the year in North Carolina. She conducts these walks for the American Embassy in Paris periodically each year.
Starting in June 2023 through November — History Walks in Hendersonville, NC
Historic Main St. … Oakdale Cemetery … 7th Ave. Train Depot District … and — new this year — Murals, Mosaic, and Ghost Signs
Take a 90-plus minute walk along Historic Main Street to learn about Hendersonville’s history and architecture and hear fascinating stories of the past. Or, see the Look Homeward Angel grave marker, the inspiration for Thomas Wolfe’s novel, and hear lively stories about former colorful residents while strolling through Oakdale, Hendersonville’s municipal cemetery. Or, stroll along 7th Avenue/Historic Depot District, where the action was when the first steam engine locomotives rolled into town starting in 1879 bringing hundreds of tourists. Or, join the newest walk — Murals, Mosaic, and Ghost Signs.
2023 Guided History Walks
Four Choices! Main Street, Hendersonville, N.C. …
Historic Oakdale Cemetery … 7th Ave./Historic Depot District … and, new this year:
Murals, Mosaic, and Ghost Signs
Walk on Historic Main Street
10 a.m. — 2023 June-Nov. Dates to be Announced
Be charmed and informed by Hendersonville’s history, architecture, and colorful stories. Learn how the town got its name, who donated the land, the old Opera House, bordellos, the oldest block of buildings, amazing fires, trolley lines … and more. These 90-plus minute walks occur rain or shine. Please make a reservation.
Meeting Place: Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (at corner of 5th Ave. E. and King St.)
In Historic Oakdale Cemetery
10 a.m. — 2023 June-Nov. Dates to be Announced
Join me along the pathways of Hendersonville’s Historic Oakdale Cemetery where the famous “Look Homeward Angel” statue is located. Among quiet, artistic grave markers discover Hendersonville’s buried past through lively stories of its Black cemetery, white cemetery (segregated in the old days), and Jewish cemetery residents and other noteworthy citizens. These 90-plus minute walks occur rain or shine. Please make a reservation.
Meeting Place: at the Cemetery, U.S. 64 W. at Valley St.
7th Ave./Historic Train Depot District
10 a.m. — 2023 June-Nov. Dates to be Announced
The district surrounding the historic Railroad Depot was where it was happening in the Gilded Age of Hendersonville from 1879, when the first steam locomotive arrived with hundreds of tourists daily, till the Crash of 1929 … learn about the drays, the hustle, the inns, the summer visitors, the shoot-outs, growth of agriculture, and popular candy stores. These 90-plus minute walks occur rain or shine. Please make a reservation.
Meeting Place: Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (at corner of 5th Ave. E. and King St.)
Murals, Mosaic, and Ghost Signs
10 a.m. — 202 June-Nov. Dates to be Announced
Learn about the stories and artists behind more than 6 murals (including 3 restored Coca-Cola signs), a mosaic created by Russian immigrant artists with 250,000 pieces of glass, and numerous ghost signs (old and faded hand-painted advertising signs on the exterior walls of buildings) still barely hiding in plain sight. All in downtown. These 90-plus minute walks occur rain or shine. Please make a reservation.
Meeting Place: in front of Historic Courthouse on Main Street
All tours: $10 per person
age 10 and over. Children under 10 yrs. free with paying adult.
Schedule a private tour anytime for your group.
Reservations/information: 828-545-3179