Opportunity to Participate in an Exceptional Celebration:
 The Final Commemorative Event
Celebrating the 225th Anniversary of the American War for Independence
"The Peace Treaties Signed at Paris and Versailles
on 3 September 1783"

On 3 September 1783 Great Britain formally acknowledged the independence of the United States with a definitive treaty signed in Paris. On the same date, Britain signed a peace settlement with France – the main formal ally to the Americans – and Spain at the château de Versailles.Manchester signed for Britain and Vergennes signed for France.
Unfinished painting shown here is by the contemporary artist Benjamin West to commemorate the signing of the 1783 Treaty of Paris. The painting shows the American signers John Jay, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. However, it inaccurately depicts Henry Laurens, who was not present. Also shown is William Temple Franklin, Franklin's grandson and secretary to the American delegation, but not a signer. The unfinished area was reserved for the British commissioners, Richard Oswald and David Hartley, who declined to pose. The signing took place at the British commissioner's lodgings at the Hôtel d'York, in the Quartier Latin of Paris. .


The commemorative program covers various activities in and around Paris, France, from 1 through 5 September 2008.


On a space available basis, there is an opportunity to join members of the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution in this exceptional program sponsored by the French chapters of both these patriotic heritage organizations. As available space permits, the Daughters and Sons welcome interested participants from the general public.
The ceremonies planned offer American and French participants occasions to relive this shared history and celebrate the official Peace of 1783 observance, while visiting beautiful palaces and chateaux, historical museums and attending gala parties and dinners. Detailed program, and registration form, can be accessed either by going to an Adobe Acrobat file posted on the NSSAR website at: http://www.sar.org/news/FranceSocietyInvitation.pdf or by clicking on the following link to the Peace of 1783 website: http://www.polynome.fr/peace1783.



Page posted 16 March 2008, revised 24 April 2008,