Preserving WWII Narratives through Immersive Education
OVERVIEW
We were proud to host a delegation of French professionals visited New Orleans from April 16–19, 2025, to explore the theme Preserving WWII Narratives through Immersive Education. Representing fields ranging from journalism and education to municipal leadership and historical memory, the participants engaged in a deep dive into how historical storytelling can foster civic engagement, cultural connection, and intergenerational remembrance. The centerpiece of the visit was a full-day immersion at the National World War II Museum, where participants examined best practices in exhibition design, multimedia education, oral history preservation, and public programming. On their final day, delegates reflected on their experience, engaged in cultural exchange with Louisiana Francophone heritage organization Nous Foundation, and met with the Consul General of France in New Orleans to discuss transatlantic collaboration on memory and history. It was a powerful case study in how U.S. institutions preserve the past to inspire civic awareness and shared responsibility across borders!
PARTICIPANTS
Magali BARTHES BARBERO
Journalist, Radio JM
Thibault BOURDIN
Content Creator and Founder, La Folle Histoire/Carbon 14
Emmanuel Raymond Lucien CARROZ
Deputy Mayor, City of Grenoble
Matthieu CHAVE
International Project Manager, Brest Métropole
Aurélia Elisabeth Marie Geneviève DU VIGNAU
Communication Director, Mission Libération
Thibaut KEUTCHAYAN
Educator and Regional Advisor, National Office for Veterans and Victims of War
Aïssata SECK
President and Founder, L’association pour la mémoire et l’histoire des Tirailleurs sénégalais
