LA DEMEURE HISTORIQUE
France

La Demeure Historique, is a professional association of private historical monument owners. It was founded in 1924, was recognized as being useful to the public in 1965, and is one of the oldest associations for the protection of the patrimony of France.
Its scope is to assure the defense, conservation and best presentation of the private architectural patrimony. It groups the private owners of historical monuments which are classified, registered and approved or in conditions to be approved (presently 2, 300) with enthusiasts of art and history who wish to defend the cause of the patrimony ("The friends of La Demeure Historique").

The activities of D.H. may be briefly described as follows:

To inform and advise the owners in terms of safeguarding their property as historical monuments:
a. the classification, realized through the representation of the association in the heart of the Superior Commission of "Monuments Historiques";
b. the registration, thanks to the help of the delegates of la Demeure Historique in the heart of the regional commissions for historical, archeological and ethnological patrimony (COREPHAE).


To obtain, through the association, fiscal information from the Francis Lefebvre cabinet, the council of the Historical Department.


To assure tourist and cultural promotion of the 1, 000 historical dwellings open to the public, by publishing brochures, propagating documents, organizing public relations events, by scheduling film shootings and gatherings, by creating itineraries for visitors (Routes Historiques), etc.

To permit certain special restorations to take advantage of financial contributions made by patrons of the arts thanks to the American Foundation for la Demeure Historique.

To counsel members on their problems in protecting sites and environment.