Glory and Gratitude to the United States
Come and discover two exhibitions that recount the daily lives of the people of Liège after the bloody fighting of August 1914.
This life came after many sacrifices; very soon, shops were empty, food became rare and expensive, households saw their savings disappear and more.
The municipal authorities organised the distribution of supplies and humanitarian aid under the auspices of the National Committee for Relief and Food, which was led by Belgian financier Emile Francqui.
In October 2014, the Commission for relief in Belgium was created. It was directed by the American Herbert Hoover. Aid quickly arrived from North America and eased the suffering of Belgians in need. Tons of goods were distributed: flour, rice, corn, beans, wheat, meat, etc. This incredible story is narrated across the two exhibitions.
Glory and Gratitude to the United States
Created in October 1914, the work of the American-born Herbert Hoover and Belgians Emile Francqui and Ernest Solvay allowed supplies for the Belgian population to be organised on a large scale. The history of the Commission for relief in Belgium is covered by the exhibition, which has been organised by the US Embassy in Belgium.
An unprecedented plan that saved millions from starvation: thanks to the funds raised in America, tons' worth of food was sent to our country.
The links created between the two countries are strong to this day, in particular, thanks to the action of the Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF). This was created by Hoover and organises educational and research exchanges between the United States and Belgium.
Information:
Grand Curtius – Féronstrée 136 – 4000 Liège
+32 (0)4 221 68 17
infograndcurtius@liege.be
► Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 10am–6pm. Closed on Tuesdays and 25/12–01/01
Dear benefactors, Letters from Belgian children to Americans
Exhibition of a selection of letters of gratitude to the American people, in particular, for their assistance with food and clothing.
These letters were written and superbly illustrated by young people from Liège, aged 9–10, in 1915.
That same year, they were handed over to Alexander Heingartner, who was, at that time, the United States consul in Liège (1911–1917); he is now buried in Robermont Cemetery.
Today, the testimonies of the young people of Liège are preciously preserved in the United States in the leather trunk – made in Liège – of their American owner. His great granddaughter, Nancy Heingartner (University of Wisconsin, Madison), having been moved by these memories that she considers a treasure, is offering the people of Liège a chance to open the trunk and discover these amazing documents. Lucid, touching and sincere, they are once again crossing the ocean for an exhibition. The selected letters come from various schools in Liège.
Information:
Ulysse Capitaine Library – Féronstrée, 118 – 4000 Liège
+32 (0)4 221.94.74 or +32(0)4 221.94.78
buc@liege.be
► Opening times: Monday to Friday, 2pm–5pm. Closed 25 and 26/12–1/01