Balesi To Talk On French Colonial Story Sept. 23

Dr. Charles Balesi noted scholar and expert on the French empire in North America, will be in town to give a talk on Sept. 23.

Balesi, best known for his seminal book, The Time of the French in the Heart of North America, will speak at 7 p.m., Sept. 23 at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center.

His topic will be “The Significance of the French Colonial Story.”

Seating will be limited, to allow social distancing. Attendees are asked to wear a face mask.

Reservations are required. Call 573-883-3105.

The Time of the French in the Heart of North America was published in 1992. Balesi released an updated edition in 2014.

After working as a journalist in France, Balesi received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois-Urbana in 1976. He has taught at various universities and has been Scholar in residence at the Newberry Library, as well as curator of the French Heritage Museum in Kankakee,Illinois.

He was elected Conseiller des Francais a l’Etranger in 2003 and has won various French honors, including Chevalier, (Knight) Palmes Academiques, and Chevalier, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.