World War II Discussion Group - History of Vichy France

Cyril Lagvanec, PhD, the curator of the American-Italian Research Library located on the second floor of the East Bank Regional Library, will give a lecture on the history of Vichy France, at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 3, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

Vichy France was a French rump state established on July 10, 1940 and lasted until Aug. 9, 1944 when France was liberated by Americans. It was headquartered in the resort town of Vichy in the unoccupied “free zone” where officials were responsible for the civil administration of France, though technically, Paris remained the capital of France. The government was headed by Marshal Phillippe Petain, a hero of World War I. Vichy France adopted a policy of collaboration with the Nazis.

Cyril Lagvanec earned his undergraduate degree in history from Baylor University, his master’s degree in British and European History from Tulane University, and his doctoral degree in American History from Texas A&M University. Through his long career, Dr. Lagvanec has taught at Jesuit High School, Tulane, Loyola, Delgado, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, East Carolina University, and Texas A&M. 

The World War II Discussion Group, headed by local teacher and historian Brian Altobello, meets the first Thursday of every month. Speakers focus on the events of the 1930s and 1940s. Free and open to the public; registration is not required.