2023 French Heritage Festival
June 10, 2023
26th French Heritage Festival
Ste. Genevieve
June 10-11, 2023
Join in the fun at the French Heritage Festival to celebrate the unique traditions, architecture and music of Ste. Genevieve’s French and Creole heritage in Missouri and the Mississippi River Valley. Opening Ceremony at 10:30 on Saturday June 10 at the Church of Ste. Genevieve, activities in Lion’s Club Park and each of the historic tour homes, National Park sites and museums. Explore the beauty of the historic homes, gardens, and art centers, sample delicious food and live music in the National Historic Landmark District. Stay overnight for more live music on North Main Street and join the guided Audubon’s Bird Walk at the levee Sunday morning. Other than some of the historic sites’ admission fees, the activities throughout the French Heritage Festival are free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve. Learn more at VisitSteGen.com and HistoricSteGen.com .
Our Mission
Missouri's Oldest Town
The Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization that was founded in 1967 with the expressed purpose of promoting preservation and restoration of historic structures and other property that illustrate Ste. Genevieve's early history and culture. The Foundation also supports the acquisition of knowledge concerning the early settlements and its people by maintaining and sharing the area's history with the public.
In order to accomplish our mission, the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve:
-
Maintains and presents the 1806 Jacques Guibourd Historic House, a registered NRHP Site, and provides public tours, events & services.
-
Maintains and presents the 1813 Kiel Schwent historic house as its administrative office, and the location of the Mecker Research Library on its premises, as a source of information on the history of the area.
-
Manages the restoration and upkeep of Ste. Genevieve's Memorial Cemetery.
-
Provides guidance and assistance to individuals, organizations, and governments desiring to preserve and restore Ste. Genevieve's historic structures.
-
Promotes tourism as a means to preserve Ste. Genevieve's French Colonial History.
-
Is the sponsoring organization for the annual events of the King's Ball, the French Heritage Festival, the Deja Vu Spirit Re-union in Memorial Cemetery, and the Fall History Conference.
-
Maintains a Speakers Bureau presenting informative presentations on the area, its people and customs at no cost for non profit organizations.
-
Provides educational awards to stimulate further interest in the area of historic preservation.
Come visit Ste. Genevieve and explore its rich French Colonial history!
For more information about Ste. Genevieve attractions, lodging, and dining, go to visitstegen.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall History Conference
09-16-23
Deja vu
Spirit Reunion
10-21-23
King's Ball
02-03-24
Preservation and Restoration
Ste. Genevieve is home to the best collection French Colonial architectural treasures
including three of the five existing poteaux en terre (posts in the ground) buildings remaining in the United States as well as many poteaux sur solle (posts on sill) structures. In addition, the town includes early 19th century American and German vernacular buildings that show the influence of migrations into the area after the Louisiana Purchase.
As part of its mission, the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve actively sup- ports the preservation and restoration of these important buildings.
The Ste. Genevieve National Historic Landmark district was established in and recog- nizes the historic and cultural importance of the town’s buildings.
See related articles and information in Wikipedia on:
The Foundation has developed a Guide for Homeowners in the Historic District to help them understand the ordinances, standards, and available tax credits applicable to the District. To download the guide, click the button below.
For more information on historic preservation:
-
Secretary of the Interior: Standards for Rehabilitation
-
National Park Services: Technical Description of Standards