Bridgehampton Meets the Belle Époque: French Heritage Society Hosts Summer Soirée at the Fishel Residence
On a midsummer evening in Bridgehampton, elegance met preservation as the French Heritage Society (FHS) held its third annual Summer Soirée—a fête that seamlessly blended French glamour with philanthropic purpose. Hosted at the Bridgehampton home of Kenneth and Maria Fishel, the evening unfolded poolside with music, heritage, and meticulously set tables, creating a scene as carefully curated as a Parisian salon.
The evening’s Host Committee—CeCe Black, Maria Fishel, Rosann Gutman, and Ann Van Ness—welcomed a discerning crowd of cultural patrons, tastemakers, and society figures, all gathered in support of a singular mission: the continued safeguarding of French architectural and cultural treasures.
A Tribute in Song and Style
The soirée featured a musical tribute to Josephine Baker performed by Grammy-nominated vocalist Jennifer Jade Ledesna, whose set honored Baker’s indelible French-American legacy with both reverence and vibrancy. The performance was produced by Revel Rouge, known for bringing experiential artistry to luxury settings, and added a spirited cultural resonance to the evening.
Around the pool, guests sipped Whispering Angel rosé, admired Christofle silver accents, and enjoyed an atmosphere styled with the support of DESTREE, whose French sensibility underscored the evening’s aesthetic focus. These details, while quietly luxurious, never overshadowed the greater purpose: to champion FHS’s long-standing commitment to cultural conservation.
Remarks from Cultural Stewards
Attendees included FHS Trustees such as Jennifer Farrell, Brenda Howard, Liz McDermott Barnes, Maureen Nash, and Jean Shafiroff, alongside notable guests like Leesa Rowland, Kathy Prounis, Michael Gregson Reinert-Sessions, and Maribel Lieberman.
Speaking to the gathered guests, FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein, Olivia Bourrat (Director of Museums and Cultural Heritage at Villa Albertine), and host Maria Fishel each underscored the importance of supporting cultural legacy—not as nostalgia, but as a responsibility to future generations.
“French Heritage Society plays a unique role as an ambassador of preservation,” Bourrat noted, highlighting the transatlantic scope of FHS’s work and its power to shape the cultural consciousness on both sides of the ocean.
A Mission With Reach
Proceeds from the evening directly support FHS’s restoration grants and cultural exchange initiatives, which over the past 43 years have awarded more than $16 million to nearly 700 projects across France and the United States. These include châteaux, museums, libraries, and architectural landmarks whose survival depends on such private support.
Equally impactful is FHS’s commitment to education: the organization has supported over 600 university students through transatlantic internships at leading institutions, ensuring that the future stewards of heritage are as thoughtfully nurtured as the sites themselves.
In the heart of the Hamptons, where leisure and legacy often intertwine, the French Heritage Society’s Summer Soirée stood out—not for its polish alone, but for its purpose. It was a celebration of culture as living memory, and a reminder that heritage, much like hospitality, thrives through generous hands and thoughtful care.