Myths and Mysteries of the Bastille with Roger Mummert

Thursday, July 13; 4:00pm 
Federation of Alliances Françaises USA
Online
In English

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, perhaps more than any other event, is emblematic of the French Revolution and the triumph of les peuple over tyranny. This organically generated uprising would mark the beginning of the end for ancien régime and the emergence of France as a modern democratic republic. But as happens with celebrated historical events, the Bastille (destroyed almost immediately after its storming) has been assigned a myriad of political and ideological interpretations. We will examine the facts and myths of the storming of the Bastille prison, and explore how “the Bastille” became a worldwide symbol and central focus for human rights struggles—from 1789 right up to today’s demonstrations over pension reform.

Roger Mummert is a writer, photographer and founder of the website www.theparisproject.net an experiential resource for appreciating Paris as a city of ideas. He recently hosted “Paris: A City of Ideas” with the Federation of AF USA. 

This event will be on Zoom and is free for all Alliance Française members, AATF members, and invited guests of the presenter or publicist. Non-members or persons who have no AF chapter nearby can purchase tickets ($10).

Blog image: Model of the Bastille, Musée Carnavalet