Sedona, AZ — Learn about an incredible moment of international unity at the Sedona Heritage Museum on Wednesday, February 25, at 12 pm. Daphne Schmitz Davis, President of Questers International, will share the story of the Merci Train. Davis’ talk is free to attend.
In 1947, Americans sent $40 million worth of donated food and other supplies to a war-torn but rebuilding Europe. As a token of their gratitude, over 6 million people across France and Italy donated items to send back to the Americans. In February 1949, 49 boxcars full of the donated items arrived in New Jersey from France. The French boxcars became known as the Merci Train. Merci is French for thank you.
The boxcars were distributed to each state. Arizona’s boxcar is one of the few remaining which is fully restored. It is on display at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. The 5 tons of donated gifts are part of the collection of the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records. You can see the items by visiting the Ariona Memory Project at https://azmemory.azlibrary.
Davis will share what she calls “an amazing love story between America and France.”
The Sedona Historical Society operates the Sedona Heritage Museum located in Jordan Historical Park, 735 Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona, Arizona. Open daily 11 am – 3 pm. For more information call 928-282-7038 or visit www.sedonamuseum.org.
