Friends and fans of all things French gathered at the Denver Central Library February 21 to admire the exhibit – En Face, L’Amerique – featuring photographs and artifacts from Denver’s Sister City, Brest, France.

The exhibit highlights photos which show the consequences of war — Brest was largely destroyed in World War II — as well photos that show the resurgence of this Naval city located in Northwestern France. Modern photos feature the Brest American Football Team posing in landmarks around the city.   

Brest became Denver’s Sister City in 1948 after local schoolchildren raised thousands of dollars to help rebuild the city. A donation of books helped rebuild the war-ravaged town’s library. 

One young girl who donated a book was Denver native and local author Marne Davis Kellogg.  Marne attended the reception at the Library and mingled with other guests who marveled at the exhibit and sampled French and American appetizers including pastries and crudité.  

Brest is Denver’s first official Sister City and was only the second established in the U.S. 

En Face, L’Amerique: City of Brest, France is on display through April 27, Western History/Genealogy, Level Five, Denver Central Library.

Submitted by Dianne Lapierre, Director

Community Relations

Friends Foundation

Denver Public Library