Mission, Vision, and Values
Alliance Française de Philadelphie engages the greater Philadelphia community in the study and exploration of French language and Francophone cultures, in all their rich diversity, through welcoming educational and cultural experiences.
Our vision is to serve as the heart of Philadelphia’s thriving community of Francophone culture and language enthusiasts. We achieve this by cultivating a sustainable network through collaborative engagement, strengthening personal and organizational connections, promoting equity, and nurturing cross-cultural appreciation.
Values
A bit of History / Un peu d'histoire
The Alliance Française de Philadelphie was founded in 1903 by a group of Francophiles who wanted to promote French language and culture in the city of Philadelphia. At the time, French was considered the language of diplomacy, and the alliance aimed to foster cultural understanding and exchange between France and the United States.
In the early years, the Alliance Française de Philadelphie held cultural events, lectures, and language classes. It also supported French-speaking immigrants and helped them to integrate into American society. During World War I, the Alliance Française de Philadelphie provided assistance to French soldiers and their families, and during World War II, it helped French refugees who fled Nazi-occupied France.
Over the years, the Alliance Française de Philadelphie continued to expand its programs and activities, including French language classes for adults and children, cultural events, film screenings, and art exhibitions. Today, it remains an important cultural institution in Philadelphia, promoting French language and francophone cultures through a range of educational and cultural programs.