Society of Friends of Old Chambéry

The Société des Amis du Vieux Chambéry (Society of Friends of Old Chambéry) is a French heritage association founded in 1933 in Chambéry, in the Savoie department. It was recognized as being of public utility by a decree of 5 December 1969. Its purpose is to defend Chambéry's heritage, promote its assets, and prepare for the future by remaining vigilant about the city's current affairs. The initiative for its founding came from sculptor Mars Valett, curator of museums and leader of the Société savoisienne des Beaux-arts, together with bookseller Marius Dardel. After the death of Mars Valett in 1956, Doctor Robert convened a group of Friends of Old Chambéry on 10 April 1957, leading to a general assembly on 9 May 1957 that relaunched the association. The society organizes numerous activities including publications, exhibitions, and conferences. Its annual bulletin collects historical works. It also organized reunions between Caudebec-en-Caux and Chambéry, the latter being godmother to the former in 1942 after its destruction, and the fiftieth anniversary of the bombing of Chambéry in 1994. The association is led by a president; past presidents include Mars Valett (1933), Jean-Baptiste Carron (1957), André Leprovost (1988–1990), Jean-Olivier Viout and Claude Fachinger (1980s–1990s), Monique Dacquin (until 2013), Michèle Chappuis (2013–2018), and Jacques Viout (since 2018). The society maintains an active website listing upcoming conferences and events, often held at the Université de Savoie-Mont-Blanc and other venues in the region.

The Société des Amis du Vieux Chambéry was founded in 1933 in Chambéry, in the Savoie department of France. The initiative came from sculptor Mars Valett, curator of museums and leader of the Société savoisienne des Beaux-arts, together with bookseller Marius Dardel. Notable figures of the former capital of the Duchy of Savoy united to protect the heritage of the commune. After the death of Mars Valett in 1956, Doctor Robert took the initiative to gather a group of Friends of Old Chambéry on 10 April 1957 at the syndicat d'initiative. This led to a general assembly on 9 May 1957 at the salle de Bissy, where the members laid the foundations for a new start, marked by the association's continuity and ongoing activity. The association was recognized as being of public utility by a decree of 5 December 1969. Over the decades, it has organized numerous activities: publications, exhibitions, and conferences. Its annual bulletin collects historical works. It notably organized reunions between Caudebec-en-Caux and Chambéry, the latter being godmother to the former in 1942 after its destruction, and the fiftieth anniversary of the bombing of Chambéry in 1994. The association has been led by several presidents: Mars Valett (1933), Jean-Baptiste Carron (1957), André Leprovost (1988–1990), Jean-Olivier Viout and Claude Fachinger (1980s–1990s), Monique Dacquin (until 2013), Michèle Chappuis (2013–2018), and Jacques Viout (since 2018). Today, the society continues to be active, organizing conferences and events, often in partnership with the Université de Savoie-Mont-Blanc.

• 2018

  Jacques Viout becomes president.

• 2013

  Michèle Chappuis becomes president.

• 1994

  Organizes the fiftieth anniversary of the bombing of Chambéry.

• 1969

  Recognized as being of public utility by decree of 5 December.

• 1957

  Doctor Robert convenes a group on 10 April; general assembly on 9 May relaunches the association.

• 1956

  Death of Mars Valett, a principal founder.

• 1933

  Foundation of the association in Chambéry by Mars Valett and Marius Dardel.

A heritage association dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and patrimony of Chambéry.

• Annual bulletin

  A yearly publication collecting historical works.

1. 1Accueilamisduvieuxchambery.org
2. 2Conférence décentralisée : Histoire de l’abbaye de Tamié et visite de l’église abbatialeamisduvieuxchambery.org
3. 3Société des Amis du Vieux Chambérywikidata.org
4. 4Société des Amis du Vieux Chambéryfr.wikipedia.org