|
Become a Sponsor of the Clemenceau Museum, Site of History and Memory
If the apartment and private garden rented by Georges Clemenceau from 1895 to his death on November 24, 1929 was transformed into a museum shortly after the death of the "Tiger," it was thanks to an American patron, James Stuart Douglas, who owned copper mines in Arizona. In 1926, at auction, Douglas had purchased the building on Franklin Street, which had been put up for sale following the death of its proprietor. This action allowed the building's illustrious tenant to remain there.
Upon the death of Georges Clemenceau, Mr. Bacon – Mr. Douglas' representative in Paris – created a foundation. He donated the building to the foundation and designated that it be used for a social purpose: "to keep the apartment open for visitors in the exact state in which it existed on the day of Georges Clemenceau's death." This foundation became an officially recognized non-profit organization in 1932.
As for the Tiger's three children, they agreed to leave everything within the apartment as it was at the time of their father's death, with the exception of a painting by Claude Monet, which can now be found in the collection of the Queen of England.
Thus since 1931, the Clemenceau Museum, to which a document exhibit was added in 1936, has continually welcomed visitors keen to discover the work of the "Father of Victory" and to see the unchanged décor reflecting his life as collector, writer, journalist (the Dreyfus Affair), member of parliament, Interior Minister, President of the Constitutional Council (1906-1909), and finally, as both President of the Council and War Minister (1917-1920). Clemenceau never lived in any official ministry residence.
For many years, the foundation has sought to restore Georges Clemenceau's office in the apartment under the supervision of the Historical Monuments association (the location has been classified as such since 1955), and in particular the wall hangings, which are more than a century old and in very poor condition. The foundation's budget, supplemented with a grant from the city of Paris (which has decreased over time) only just covers the operating costs and basic maintenance of the museum and is thus inadequate to cover the costs of this restoration project (the cost of which is estimated at 100,000 Euros). It is for this reason that we are asking for your help.
As you know, since the passing of the August 1, 2003 law on corporate patronage, every business subject to corporate taxes can give a monetary gift to a foundation of "a scientific and cultural character that contributes to the preservation of national heritage" (art. 238 of the general tax code). In turn, the business may receive a tax credit equal to 60% of the amount donated (subject to a certain upper limit based on sales revenues).
For its part, the Clemenceau Museum will recognize your gift on its website and through mutually agreed arrangements will put facilities at your disposition to suit your needs (for example, for private guided visits for your clients or business partners).
If you are a private individual, you may also make a donation. This gift is tax deductible at a rate equal to 66% of the amount given (not to exceed 20% of taxable income). In order to benefit from these tax reductions, all you need to do is include the tax receipt, which we will provide for you, with your tax declaration form (a receipt will be provided within a few weeks of each donation).
Eric Clemenceau
Board member
Fondation du Musée Clemenceau
Traduction : Leslie Kalhofer |
