The French Immigration Connection to the Gold Rush

46min 23sec   |   French Book Series

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Presented by Olivier Lafaye

Olivier Lafaye’s presentation highlighted the history of immigrants to San Francisco from the area of France known as Béarn, and the unique contributions of the Béarnais people to San Francisco’s history. Mr. Lafaye was joined by two panelists, David Bourdet and Jean-Pierre Bernard. This fascinating and little-known story of San Francisco’s Béarnais immigrants is told in Mr. Lafaye’s book, The Béarnais of San Francisco. Thanks to La Société Française de Bienfaisance Mutuelle, the English translation is now available.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Béarnais himself, Olivier Lafaye, 68, retired after a professional life in aerospace and high tech in top European companies. He has embarked on a new path, writing books, with the aim of passing on memories and stories to new generations. He graduated from Bordeaux University and the Harvard Business School, and attended the Master class in history at San Francisco State University. He has received several awards, including the Legion of Honor.