Board members of French Azilum, Inc. want to take the time to thank the community for their support of the organization’s endeavors. On Saturday, July 22, the French Azilum historic site will be hosting “Descendants Day.” They would love to see the community come out and meet some descendants of the French Azilum settlement, an amazing place of history nestled in the mountains and along the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna River .
Descendants are an important part of the site’s heritage, and relatives of those who lived at the French Azilum settlement from 1793-1803 are being sought. Key names associated with the settlement include Homet, LaPorte, Brevosts or Prevosts, and LeFever. Readers sharing those names and others who settled in Bradford County, or knowing someone who does, are encouraged to contact the board.
Descendants and their friends are encouraged to stop by throughout the day on July 22 from 11 am to 5 pm. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and explore the grounds, talk to other descendants, take a tour of the LaPorte House and look at the collection of history and fiction books on the subject available in the gift shop, including a new work of fiction about Azilum, of which signed copies are available.
There will be costumed interpreters strolling the site on July 22. Guests may come as they are or dress in period clothing to receive a discounted tour. French Azilum, Inc. is currently working on genealogy posters of the families of Azilum and would like to include as many family histories as possible. Those having a story to share with the community about French Azilum are encouraged to contact Lee Kleinsmith at (570) 750-1402 or (570) 265-3376 to schedule a time for a phone interview.
A river float from French Azilum to Sugar Run in honor of descendants will be held on Sunday, July 23. This is an opportunity to experience the settlement from the beautiful Susquehanna River, by which the original settlers arrived. Those interested should contact Keith Brown at Endless Mountains Outfitters (570) 746-9140 for more details or Lee Kleinsmith at French Azilum to reserve a space. Reservations are recommended. It is not a requirement to be a descendant to participate in any part of the weekend.