News Release

National Park Service Signs Agreements with Ste. Genevieve Partners

Gathering at the Beauvais-Amoreux House to sign the agreements between the National Park Service and partners.

NPS

News Release Date: September 6, 2018

On August 31, National Park Service (NPS) officials signed general partnership agreements with six agencies and organizations that will be essential to helping the NPS establish Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park. Midwest Regional Director Cam Sholly, and interim Superintendent Tim Good, were accompanied by U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and U.S. Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO-8) in a signing ceremony with six key partner organizations at Ste. Genevieve. The agreements serve as an initial framework to help promote partnerships and collaboration as the unit continues to develop. The ceremony was held at the Beauvais-Amoreux House, a historic structure in the process of being donated to the NPS by the State of Missouri.

Officials from the following organizations signed agreements: Missouri Department of Natural Resources, County of Ste. Genevieve, City of Ste. Genevieve, National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Missouri, Foundation for the Restoration of Ste. Genevieve, and the owner of Chaumette, Inc.

“Generations of Ste. Genevieve residents have worked painstakingly to preserve and share this unique part of our nation’s French colonial history,” Senator Blunt said. “Thanks to their efforts, Ste. Genevieve will now be a part of our National Park System. This process took a lot of time and dedication on the part of all involved, and I appreciate their partnership in getting to this step today. I hope even more Americans will take the opportunity to visit Ste. Genevieve and experience the rich history that defines Missouri’s oldest town.”

“The people of Ste. Genevieve are proud of their mighty heritage and it is an honor to help celebrate and preserve their rich history,” Congressman Smith said. “I want to thank the citizens of Ste. Genevieve along with Senator Blunt for their tireless efforts to recognize Missouri’s first settlement as a National Historical Park and preserve Ste. Genevieve’s colorful culture for generations of Americans to enjoy and appreciate.”

“Signing these agreements is an important step forward,” said Regional Director Sholly.  “Not only does this satisfy one of the key elements of the authorizing legislation, but the agreements also signify our continued commitments to work together to develop a joint vision for the future of this site.”

Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park was authorized by Congress on March 23, 2018. Since the legislation was passed earlier this year, NPS and Department of Interior officials have worked closely with key members of Congress and state and local partners to build the park’s future framework. The signing of these agreements constitutes an important step in that ongoing process.

Image: (from left to right) Christy James, President, St. Louis Chapter, National Society of Colonial Dames in America, Hank Johnson, Chaumette Winery/ owner of Bequette-Ribault, Sara Menard, President, Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve, Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO-8) , Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) , Cam Sholly, Midwest Regional Director, National Park Service, Mike Sutherland, Deputy Director, Missouri State Parks, Garry Nelson, Presiding Commissioner of Ste. Genevieve County, Paul Hassler, Mayor, City of Ste. Genevieve, Tim Good, Interim Superintendent, Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park