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In collaboration with “The Friends of Nicolas CHOPIN”, first association created in 1984 at Marainville, the village where Frederic’s father was born, the Association “A la Recherche des Chopins” (“Discovering the Chopin family”) created by the Genealogical and Historical Circle of the region of Charmes, came into being in 1997 for the preparation of the CHOPIN year 1999, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the death of the musician-composer.

At that time the Association drew attention to the Lorraine origins of his paternal ancestors, the genealogy and the history of the Chopin family, made an inventory of the different places around Charmes where they lived, brought together about forty Chopin families, published a book, organised a tourist circuit using a bus of the Chopin Society, an exhibition, a conference, a genealogical forum, a concert and international contacts via Internet. It is the only association in the world situated in this privileged place in the heart of Lorraine, in the centre of Europe, which concentrates on this exceptional family.

Since then an enormous amount of work has been accomplished and the research continues (see chapter “activities”). To this effect a Colloquium took place on 24th November last, the report of which is under preparation.

It goes without saying (but it’s better said) that this work and these activities have filled an empty space and upset certain established ideas, but has also inspired a certain covetousness…

“A LA RECHERCHE DES CHOPIN” (“Discovering the Chopin family”) has fulfilled its purpose, bringing the association not only to a national but international level.

Owing to a certain amount of problems brought about by this international dimension, a better adapted structure was necessary. This has now been done. The Extraordinary General Meeting held on 2nd March 2002, in modifying the statutes of the Association, has taken the necessary measures.

The Association has become CENTRE DE RECHERCHE CULTUREL CHOPIN (CHOPIN CULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE).

Professor Gabriel LADAIQUE, full-time researcher, is the vice-Chairman; Sylvain BLAISE was elected Chairman.