American Napoleonic Society

For a number of years, this was the official website for the American Napoleonic Society. The site has been archived and restored as part of the reading material for Dr. Clemson's seminars on the history of law. Noted Texas maritime attorney and expert on ancient maritime legal issues researched the content and prepared the accompanying syllabus. The site is also part of Diane Rebus' course on the history of the internet. All archived sites are required reading for both courses. Additional required reading is posted on the school's website under "Clemson/Rebus course material" and is also available from Dr. Clemson's office.
Content is from the site's 2001- 2006 archived pages.

The Napoleonic Society - and you!

The Napoleonic Society was founded in 1983 to inform and provide our members with the means to share our knowledge and views about Napoleon and the Empire. If you're fascinated with Napoleon as a military and administrative genius... if you're enchanted with the lives of Josephine, Pauline and the intrigues of the court.if you love to study Napoleonic warfare, the great naval battles or Empire style and décor, you'll be surprised and delighted by the benefits of membership.

The Society acts as a communications center, and publishes a quarterly Members' Bulletin. We hold annual conferences, Napoleonic tours to Europe, and act as a clearing house for the sale and purchase of art and artifacts related to Napoleon, Josephine, and the Empire.

Join us in spreading the excitement and fascination of the Age of Napoleon. Your membership donation can be sent by check or credit card, and you may enroll by email, fax, or regular mail.

Vive l'Empereur et vive l'Empire!

Cordially,
Douglas J. Allan
President and CEO

Membership Benefits

When you become an NSA member, you'll know about current activities related to Napoleon in the U.S. and abroad. You'll read of new discoveries — of memoirs, letters and new books and articles.
During the next twelve years, there will a steady stream of plays, movies, books, documentaries, and re-enactments. You'll find yourself in interesting company while enjoying a terrific pastime.

If you (and/or someone you know) are interested in the Napoleonic era — whether as a reader, collector, re-enactor, war-gamer, painter or miniaturist, you should become a member.
The annual dues are only $48 in the U.S., $52 (U.S.) and $62 (U.S.) in all other countries. Student memberships are only $24, $26, and $31 respectively. Your annual donation is deductible from your U.S. federal income taxes.

Send us your Enrollment Form by email, fax or mail with your credit card or check, and you'll receive a handsome membership certificate with your name in calligraphy. You'll then receive our Members' Bulletin and you'll be able to attend our fabulous conferences.

The Napoleonic Society of America, Inc. (a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation)
1115 Ponce De Leon Boulevard · Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone and Fax: (610) 581-0400

Members’ Bulletin

As a member of the Napoleonic Society of America, for the first time in your life, you’ll have an opportunity to share your enthusiasm and interests with others who are fascinated too.
To start with, you’ll receive our Members’ Bulletin, a sample copy of which will be mailed to you free, upon request. When you get it, you’ll see it is a fascinating publication. Very briefly, it contains:

• Original articles by fellow members on all kinds of subjects of interest to anyone like you who is interested in Napoleon.
• Reprints of articles from old and obscure memoirs or from new books or publications here or abroad.
• Reports of visits to European battlefields, museums, libraries and private collections.
• News of old classic movies or new ones, or plays, TV documentaries, or museum exhibits about Napoleon and his era.
• Announcements of auctions or private sales of Napoleonic memorabilia and descriptions of interesting private collections.
• Sources of books, prints, autographs, weapons, miniature soldiers, video tapes, old maps, and all kinds of other Napoleonic items.
• Items For Sale or Wanted by other members all over the world, and book reviews, Napoleonic quizzes, and dates of miniature shows, reenactments, auctions, or other events. (As a member, you can place ads for items you want to buy or sell yourself, at no charge).

Finally, you’ll be encouraged to write articles yourself on subjects of interest to you, or state your views or opinions about anything in the Letters to the Editor section.
Here is what one of our members said about our Bulletins:
“I think the Bulletins are of exceptional quality, makes very interesting reading besides being highly informative and in fine taste. I congratulate you on your ‘savvy’ in obtaining and selecting and arranging for the publication of such a fine bulletin. It has such varied, different and exciting articles that I read it through at one sitting, ignoring all else I have to do. Seldom have I read a newsletter from any organization as interesting and as professionally prepared. Once again I congratulate you for a real fine job.”

Napoleonic Conference 2006

• 2006 Conference Information
• 2006 Tour Information

Napoleonic Conference 2006
Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle, WA
September 15 - September 17, 2006

The Napoleonic Society of America and the Napoleonic Alliance are again co-hosting an outstanding Napoleonic conference, this year at the beautiful and historic Mayflower Park Hotel, located in the center of Seattle. The dates are September 15-17, the sunny and warm season in the Pacific Northwest.

Our speakers this year include:

• David Nicandri of the Washington State Historical Museum on the Lewis and Clark expedition – Exploring America’s Deal with Napoleon.

• Peter Friedman, Senior Lecturer for the Karpeles libraries on Pius X11 – Napoleon’s spiritual leader, and temporal warlord and enemy

• David Stefancic will be addressing us on Poniatowski and Dabrowski, Generals of Napoleon – and arch rivals!

Registration, which includes Saturday lunch, Friday and Saturday dinners, and the road trip to Olympia, is only $360. BUT, if you register no later than 15 August (the Emperor’s birthday), we will give you an imperial discount and your registration is only $330. A la carte pricing for family members or friends is as follows:

Friday night only: $90; Saturday only: $150 including lunch and $45 for lunch only; Saturday night black-tie optional banquet: $125; Sunday brunch: $45.

The Mayflower Park Hotel (405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98101) is giving us a special rate of $149 + tax per night. It is one of the nicest hotels in Seattle, and the rooms will fill up faster than you can say Mt. Rainier, so get your reservations in today! View the hotel and register online at www.mayflowerpark.com, or call 800-426-5100.

Don’t wait for airplane tickets to go up or hotel rooms to disappear. Register by e-mail at napoleonic1@juno.com, fax (610) 581-0400, call us at (610) 581-0280, or mail your check to the Napoleonic Society of America at 1115 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33756.

Schedule:    
Friday Evening
As always, our conference will begin Friday evening with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a presentation by David Nicandri of the Washington State Historical Museum on the Lewis and Clark expedition – Exploring America’s Deal with Napoleon.

Saturday
Saturday will feature a number of exceptional speakers including:
Peter Friedman, Senior Lecturer for the Karpeles libraries on Pius X11 – Napoleon’s spiritual leader, and temporal warlord and enemy… As a special surprise, we’ll have some important original Napoleonic documents on display.

Speaking of warlords, David Stefancic will be addressing us on Poniatowski and Dabrowski, Generals of Napoleon – and arch rivals!

A fine lunch is included. For those of you who like to duck out from time to time and see the city, the Mayflower is across the street from Macy’s, is connected to a major downtown enclosed shopping center, is a block from the heart of the shopping district, and a short walk from the world-famous Pike Place Market.

After the day’s presentations, we’ll have another cocktail reception, followed by our annual black-tie optional dinner and program.

Sunday
On Sunday, we’ll enjoy brunch and then board a bus for the short drive to the state capital of Olympia to view two premier Napoleonic collections.
First, David Markham and his wife Barbara will host a tour of their home, something of a Napoleonic museum. The private collection of snuffboxes is perhaps the world’s largest, some 150 in all, most of museum quality. Made of gold, silver, horn, ivory, wood and other materials, they are miniature works of art. There are also miniatures, ivory and bronze statues, porcelains and about 100 framed Napoleonic and Roman engravings on the walls (and another hundred unframed but available for viewing).

Then, John Welsh will host us for a visit to his townhouse, full of magnificent period furniture, engravings, medals, paintings, porcelains, bronzes, candlesticks, weapons and other reminders of that glorious era. John’s home will make you believe you are back in the days of the Empire. It is an experience no one will want to miss.

Imperial Tour to Paris, Monaco, and Venice
October 10 - October 18, 2006   

We travel with no more than 24 people, dine formally on three nights, and will be meeting some of the most exceptional people in Europe. It is open to Society members, as well as others who appreciate European culture, whom we will welcome to our ranks.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

Programme:
This trip brings you to Paris and its environs, Monaco and Venice, introducing you to both public and private places and collections, many of which are of great Napoleonic interest. The tour leader is French art historian Monique Garrigue-Guyonnaud. She is tri-lingual in French, Italian and English, lived in Italy for many years as a diplomatic wife and led our last tour.

Tuesday, 10 October 2006, Paris
You’ll likely arrive late in the morning at the Hotel Roblin (4 stars), near la Madeleine church and close to the great department stores as well as exclusive St Honoré shopping. After a welcome and presentation of the program during lunch, we’ll stroll to see the neoclassical Imperial church La Madeleine. We’ll continue to the legendary Place Vendôme with its famous bronze column, made from captured Austrian cannons. Just in front, in a splendid 18th century building, we’ll have a private tour at Chaumet, a descendant of Napoleon’s jeweller Nitot. The rest of the day and evening is free for tea, dinner, and relaxation.

Wednesday, 11 October 2006, Paris
Today, we shall visit le Chateau de Malmaison, Napoleon and Joséphine’s residence with its precious collection. We will also visit la Petite Malmaison, a gracious building that was once the winter garden and is furnished in Empire style. The owner, a Polish aristocrat, is having a reception for us. On our return to Paris we will visit the Château de Saint Cloud’s garden and museum.

Tonight we dine formally at Cercle Interallié, a private club formed by the Allies after WWI. The building is from the 18th century, absolutely exquisite, and typical of the Hotel Particulier (great city mansion) of the Faubourg Saint Honoré. The Cercle Interallié is the same type of palace and garden as l’Elysee, the French President’s residence and the American and British embassies nearby.

Thursday, 12 October 2006, Paris
Morning will be spent at les Invalides. This building dates to the reign of Louis XIV. It was constructed for the wounded soldiers in classical style and has kept its military function till the present day. We will visit the museum’s collection and the church of St. Louis by Mansart where Napoleon is buried. If you’ve already been there, you know how much time the collection deserves, or alternatively, explore the wonder that is Paris.

We can arrange an optional lunch at the “Esplanade” which has a panomaric view on Les Invalides or just lunch at the cafeteria at the Musée d’Orsay.

This afternoon, we’ll have a private visit to the Hotel de Beauharnais, today the German Ambassador’s residence. We’ll continue to a private cocktail reception at the Hotel de Bourienne, an exquisite Consulate style private palace.

Friday, 13 October 2006, Paris
This morning, we’ll visit the Musée de la Légion d’honneur located in an elegant 18th building by the Seine. The view from the adjoining bridge is one of the finest in the world.

We’ll enjoy a private visit to Maxim’s to admire Pierre Cardin’s Belle Epoque museum with the best works of the 1900 era. Lunch at Maxim’s is optional. The rest of the day and evening will be free. You can visit the Musée du Louvre, lunch at Café Marly or under the Pyramide or visit the Musée Marmottan, a private collection of Empire style furniture and paintings. You may prefer to spend this afternoon simply shopping or taking in some other of the phenomenal sites of which Paris has so very many.

Saturday, 14 October 2006, Monaco
This morning, we leave Paris for Avignon by train. We’ll board a private bus to visit the small town of Salon de Provence of the Musée de l’Emperi with its important military collection. On our way to Monaco, we’ll drive along the splendid Riviera coast, and evoke Pauline in Provence and the “flight of the eagle”.

Our hotel will be Le Méridien (4 stars on the beach, in the center of Monaco by the sea). We’ll have a champagne reception in a Belle Epoque private home with a panoramic view on the Riviera. This evening is free for dinner and the Casino of Monte Carlo.

Sunday, 15 October 2006, Monaco
Today, we visit Prince Albert II’s castle and the Napoleonic collection of his ancestors. We will then lunch together in the “Rocher”, the old city. The afternoon is free to tour the town or relax on the beach. This evening we dine formally at the Meridién.

Monday, 16 October 2006, Venice
This morning we’ll visit the home of the Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, now a private villa in Roquebrune Cap Martin. This afternoon, we’ll continue to the renowned Oceanographic Museum in Monaco. Tonight, we leave after 9 pm by overnight train to Venice, arriving in the early morning refreshed.

Tuesday, 17 October 2006, Venice
The train station’s location lends itself to a marvellous mini-cruise right on the Grand Canal to the hotel. We’ll be staying at the very charming San Moisè, a 16th century palace near Piazza St. Marco, newly restored as a 3 star hotel. If you prefer, you may choose the 5 star Monaco Grand Canal at extra cost.

We’ll visit the Museo Correr, the former Napoleonic royal palace that has been recently restored. We’ll also visit the Doges Palace by the Grand Canal, and Ca Rezzonico, a Museum of 18th century “Dolce vita” with its magnificent Tiepolo paintings. The rest of the day is free for tea at Café Florian on Piazza San Marco, a drink at Harry’s Bar, or other Venetian enticements.

Tonight we dine formally at the ravishing Monaco Grand Canal Hotel, with the finest view in all of Venice. We’ll dine formally, toast the Emperor, and hear a short presentation by Douglas Allan on Napoleon’s private life and habits.

Wednesday, 18 October 2006, Venice
Trip to the airport or enjoy one or we can arrange optional extension days in Venice.

More Background on Napoleonic-Society.com

Napoleonic-Society.com, once the official website of the American Napoleonic Society, served as a key online hub for enthusiasts, scholars, and collectors interested in the life, legacy, and era of Napoleon Bonaparte. Although the site is now archived, its influence and role in the broader Napoleonic community remain notable. This article provides a comprehensive look at the website’s history, reputation, activities, audience, and cultural significance, drawing on external sources and the broader context of Napoleonic societies and their online presence.

History and Evolution

Origins and Purpose

Napoleonic-Society.com was established as the digital arm of the American Napoleonic Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the study and appreciation of Napoleon and his era. The society itself was founded in the early 1980s, reflecting a growing interest in Napoleonic history among both academics and the general public in the United States.

The website functioned as a communications center, providing information about society events, publications, and opportunities for members to engage with Napoleonic history through conferences, tours, and artifact exchanges. Its overarching goal was to foster a community where enthusiasts could share knowledge, debate interpretations, and deepen their understanding of the Napoleonic period.

Transition and Merger

In 2006, a significant restructuring occurred within the American Napoleonic community. The American Napoleonic Society merged with the Napoleonic Alliance to form the Napoleonic Historical Society (NHS). This new entity absorbed the memberships and many of the activities of its predecessors. The NHS continues to operate today, maintaining the spirit and many of the functions that Napoleonic-Society.com once provided.

Activities and Offerings

Conferences and Events

A hallmark of Napoleonic-Society.com and its successor organizations has been the organization of annual conferences. These events, held in various historically significant cities, bring together members for lectures, seminars, social gatherings, and tours of Napoleonic sites or collections. The conferences are known for their blend of academic rigor and conviviality, attracting both leading historians and passionate amateurs.

Recent conferences under the NHS have taken place in cities such as Mexico City (2024), Austin (2023), Québec City (2022), and previously in locations like New Orleans, Montréal, Williamsburg, Havana, Chicago, Toronto, Washington D.C., Gettysburg, Baltimore, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia. These gatherings are praised for their engaging programming, opportunities for networking, and the chance to handle or view rare Napoleonic artifacts.

Publications and Newsletters

Napoleonic-Society.com provided members with a regular bulletin or newsletter, featuring original articles, book reviews, reports from battlefield tours, and news about auctions and exhibitions. This tradition continues with the NHS, which issues a bi-monthly electronic newsletter to its members. The publication serves as a forum for sharing research, reporting on society events, and offering insights into various aspects of Napoleonic history.

Membership Benefits

Membership in the society offered a range of benefits, including access to exclusive content, invitations to events, the ability to participate in artifact exchanges or sales, and the opportunity to contribute articles or research. The society’s inclusive approach meant that both seasoned scholars and newcomers could find value and community within its ranks.

Audience and Community

Diverse Membership

The website and its parent society attracted a wide spectrum of members, including:

• Historians and academics specializing in Napoleonic studies

• Collectors of military antiques, art, and memorabilia

• Re-enactors and wargamers interested in Napoleonic battles and tactics

• Art and fashion enthusiasts drawn to the Empire style

• General readers and film buffs fascinated by Napoleon’s enduring cultural impact

While the majority of members were based in the United States and Canada, the society boasted an international reach, with active participants from Europe and beyond. Notably, the NHS includes both admirers and critics of Napoleon, fostering a balanced and dynamic exchange of perspectives.

Distinguished Members

The society has counted among its members direct descendants of figures from the Napoleonic era, including Princes Napoleon and Murat, as well as recognized authorities in the field. This diversity of backgrounds and expertise enhances the society’s reputation as a leading forum for Napoleonic studies.

Reputation and Reviews

Academic and Public Recognition

Napoleonic-Society.com and its successor organizations are respected within the community of Napoleonic scholars and enthusiasts. The society’s conferences, publications, and outreach efforts are frequently cited as valuable resources for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of the period.

The NHS, which inherited many of the website’s functions, is described as a “forum for discussion, a clearing-house for information, and an opportunity for enrichment,” emphasizing its role in both preserving heritage and promoting new research. The society’s commitment to open dialogue, transparency, and member participation is reflected in its governance structure, with officers and directors serving as volunteers without compensation.

Media Coverage

While mainstream media coverage of Napoleonic-Society.com itself is limited, the activities of the broader Napoleonic community—including conferences, exhibitions, and commemorative events—are occasionally featured in local and national press, particularly in connection with major anniversaries or historical reenactments.

Online Presence and Engagement

The website was part of a network of Napoleonic organizations with a strong online presence. Related sites, such as the International Napoleonic Society and napoleon.org, offer complementary resources, including scholarly journals, forums, and digital archives. Napoleonic-Society.com distinguished itself by focusing on the American perspective and fostering a sense of community among North American enthusiasts.

Cultural and Social Significance

Preserving and Promoting Napoleonic Heritage

Napoleonic-Society.com played a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Napoleon and his era for English-speaking audiences. By organizing events, publishing research, and facilitating exchanges among collectors, the society contributed to the ongoing fascination with the Napoleonic period—a time that continues to captivate historians, artists, and the general public.

Educational Impact

The society’s activities, including its conferences and publications, have educational value for both members and the wider public. By translating and disseminating primary sources, sponsoring research, and encouraging member contributions, the society helps ensure that the complexities and nuances of the Napoleonic era are accessible to a broad audience.

Community Building

Perhaps the most significant legacy of Napoleonic-Society.com is its role in building a vibrant and inclusive community. Members are encouraged to share their interests, debate interpretations, and contribute to the society’s ongoing projects. The society’s open structure—eschewing hierarchical distinctions between amateurs and experts—fosters a welcoming environment for all who share an interest in Napoleon and his world.

Examples and Specifics

Annual Conferences

A typical annual conference might include:

• Lectures by renowned historians on topics such as the Napoleonic Code, military strategy, or the lives of key figures

• Tours of local museums or private collections featuring Napoleonic artifacts

• Social events, including formal dinners and receptions

• Opportunities for members to present their own research or participate in panel discussions

For example, recent conferences have featured presentations on the Lewis and Clark expedition’s connection to Napoleon, the rivalry between Napoleonic generals, and the display of rare documents and artifacts.

Newsletter Content

The society’s newsletter regularly features:

• Original research articles

• Book and film reviews

• Reports from battlefield visits and tours

• Announcements of auctions and memorabilia sales

• Member-submitted questions and expert answers

• Event calendars and calls for submissions

Artifact Exchanges

Members have the opportunity to buy, sell, or trade Napoleonic memorabilia, including books, prints, autographs, weapons, miniatures, and decorative arts. These exchanges are facilitated through the society’s bulletin and at in-person events, helping to sustain the collecting community and preserve historical artifacts.

Comparison with Other Napoleonic Organizations

Lasting Legacy and Influence

Although Napoleonic-Society.com is now archived, its legacy endures through the Napoleonic Historical Society and the broader network of Napoleonic organizations. The society’s commitment to education, preservation, and community engagement ensures that interest in Napoleon and his era remains vibrant.

The society’s activities have contributed to the ongoing re-evaluation of Napoleon’s legacy, which continues to inspire debate and fascination in both academic and popular circles. By providing a platform for discussion, research, and camaraderie, Napoleonic-Society.com helped shape the way Napoleon is remembered and studied in the 21st century.