Quoting from http://www.psnews.com.au/aps/502/news/archives-signs-up-for-french-connection?utm_source=aps502&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news1&utm_campaign=newsletter_aps
Archives signs up for French connection
The National Archives of Australia (NAA) has signed an agreement with its French counterpart, Archives Nationales de France, to strengthen links between the two institutions.
Announcing the Imagination, Exploration, Memory: French–Australian Shared Histories Project in Paris, Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove said it was a commitment to celebrate the experiences of history that united Australia and France.
Sir Peter said the idea of “sharing histories” was conceived in 2014 when French President, François Hollande visited Telopea Park, the French–Australian high school in Canberra.
He said President Hollande had met students working with the NAA on a joint Centenary of Anzac project.
He said using records from the NAA, students had identified some of the 140 French citizens who joined the Australian Imperial Force during World War I.
Institutions agree to share histories
Sir Peter said the idea had since grown into a six-year collaborative program between the two national archives.
Director-General of the Archives, David Fricker said he was hopeful the project would evolve into an even stronger partnership between the French National Archives and the NAA.
“Strengthening ties between global archival institutions helps ensure we preserve, care for and use the world’s valuable archival heritage appropriately,” Mr Fricker said.
“A professional exchange for a French historian to visit Australia for the centenary of the end of World War I is part of the project, which will also include an international seminar and an archival exhibition.”
At the launch, the French Minister of Culture, Audrey Azoulay presented Mr Fricker with the award of Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) in recognition of his work in the field of cultural heritage.
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