Museum to host Bastille Day Celebration
As a tactical maneuver, the June 14, 1779, storming of the Bastille in Paris was something of a flop. Revolutionaries expecting to liberate the fortresses’ prisoners found only seven inmates, but the siege quickly became a lasting and endearing symbol of the French Republic’s creation and abolition of the monarchy and continues to stir hearts throughout France.
Crestview’s Bastille Day Celebration is co-hosted by the Crestview Area Sister City Program, the history museum, and the Emerald Coast Blades fencing club, with a special presentation by the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter mixed in.
There’s actually a DAR relationship with the storming of the Bastille. Much of King Louis XVI’s troubles with his rebellious subjects were due to his lavish financial and military support for Britain’s King George III’s own rebellious subjects during the American Revolutionary War.
Louis’s generosity nearly bankrupted the royal treasury, incensing the French lower classes and contributing to his date with the guillotine, though helping secure America’s independence.
Here’s what visitors to Crestview’s Bastille Day Celebration may expect:
• 11:30 a.m. in the front yard at the corner of Wilson Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue: members of the DAR will dedicate a cedar sapling, replacing a tree lost many years ago.
• All day on the front porch: Emerald Coast Blades members will conduct fencing demos and even let visitors try on the protective gear and take a stab at the sport (pun intended). Members will answer questions and discuss the ancient sport of fencing.
• All day in the Bush House kitchen, local chef Mary Richard will teach visitors how to make a proper crêpe. Samples of other French treats, including famous choux à la crème (cream puffs), will also be available.
“We wanted to share some of the incredible food we enjoy when we visit Noirmoutier,” Richard said. “I found original recipes for the treats we’ll share.”
Sister City Program members will be on hand to share the island’s culture, show displays and videos about Noirmoutier. This year, the organization is observing its 30th anniversary of friendship and partnership with Noirmoutier and is hopeful to receive a delegation from the congenial island community later this year to observe the milestone.
Bring the kids and your feathered Musketeers hat. The Bastille Day Celebration is family friendly and free.
The Bush House and its Crestview History Museum are at 198 S. Wilson St., Crestview. Ample parking is available on the street and in the Wilson Street parking lot next door.
Editor’s note: Brian Hughes is the city of Crestview’s cultural services specialist.