Alliance Française DuPage, Inc. - P.O.Box 3992 - Naperville, IL 60567 - USA
Mini-Zooms
About Mini-Zooms
AF DuPage continues a new concept – the mini-Zoom session – a 20 minute focused presentation on a French-themed subject.
Most sessions will take place on Thursday afternoons promptly at 12:30 pm, a perfect midday break to add some French culture into your schedule.
The topics and presenters will vary. Most will be conducted in English, but we may add some French language mini-Zooms into the mix. Zoom links are reserved for AF DuPage members and will be sent out the day before the session. Visit our Membership page to join or renew your membership.
Do you have a great idea for a mini-zoom? We would love to hear about it. Please contact us at afdupage@gmail.com with your ideas.
L’Islande en français
Thursday February 19 at 12:30 PM CT on Zoom
Iceland is a remarkable country in the heart of the north-Atlantic which can serve as a convenient stopover point while on your trips between the USA and France. In this 25
minute Mini-Zoom en français, Charles Coulon will share highlights of his adventures on the island in October 2025. You will also learn a few geological terms in French.
Level of French will be suitable to intermediate and advanced speakers. The pictures on the PowerPoint will be accessible in any language!
Zoom links are reserved for AF DuPage members and will be sent out the day before the session.
The Making of the Great Museums of Paris
Five consecutive Thursdays, January 15 through February 12 at 12 noon CT on Zoom.
The Making of the Great Museums of Paris – From 1900 Until Today
A series of Zoom lectures dedicated to “The Making of the Great Museums of Paris – From 1900 Until Today”, with the directors and curators of some of Paris’s most iconic museums. Hosted by AF Miami Metro and AF Chicago.
Tickets to attend individual lectures: $10 for members of any AF chapter and $20 for non-members.
Tickets to attend the entire series of five lectures: $40 for members and $80 for non-members.
The French Heritage Corridor and La Francophonie in Illinois
Tuesday, January 20th, 7 - 8 PM CT on Zoom
The French Heritage Corridor and La Francophonie in Illinois: Connecting the Past to the Present
Presented by Lisa Kahn, Director, French Heritage Corridor Initiative, and Jim Paul, FHC's ambassador for Illinois
Cultural heritage isn’t just about the past. It’s about connecting it to the future. Whether you are a passionate historian, dedicated student, or a traveler curious about French history and culture in the Midwest, this is an inclusive network to connect to our shared history and resources and, most of all, the French Heritage Corridor is a welcoming place to explore, learn and have FUN! Come learn about the FHC and its vast network of French heritage sites, organizations and events throughout Illinois.
online cooking demo: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 AM CT on Zoom
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Ah, Dauphinoise potatoes! It’s difficult to imagine a more delicious potato dish. The name itself makes you ask for second helpings! Most people are surprised to learn that the traditional recipe doesn’t use cheese, with only milk and cream providing the velvety consistency.
Join Chef Chris Thielman and Karen Thielman as they present one of their favorite French dishes.
Program duration: about 30 minutes
Chef Chris Thielman and Karen Thielman would like to sincerely thank all the AF DuPage and AF du North Shore members who have joined them over the past 5 years for our monthly online cooking and baking demonstrations. Your dedicated participation, insightful questions, and positive feedback have helped to create a wonderful culinary community!
The recipe will be posted at https://afdupage.com/recipes .
For AF DuPage and AF du North Shore members only.
AF DuPage members do not need to pre-register for this event.
A Zoom link will be sent the day before the event to all AFD members.
For AF du North Shore members only, please send an RSVP request to
Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable: Chicago’s Black Father
Sunday, February 8 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM on Zoom
Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable: Chicago’s Black Father
Presented by Dr, Courtney Joseph, Associate Professor of History and African American Studies, Chair of African American Studies at Lake Forest College.
Dr. Joseph will lead a talk on Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, Chicago’s first non-native settler. DuSable was a Black man from the island of Ayiti (Haiti), who helped to shape the city of Chicago that we know of today. This talk looks at the important parts of his life and legacy: a son of Haiti,
Potawatomi kin, co-creator of Chicago, early American diplomat, successful business, and the father of Chicago.
(in English)
Federation of Alliance Françaises USA Featured Events
Indulge your love of French from the comfort of your home by attending online events. Talks on a variety of intriguing subjects are available from the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA as well as AF chapters from across the United States. Many events are free for AF members and available to non-members for a small charge.
View a list of upcoming events at AF network's free online national events.
Links to recordings of past events can be found on YouTube.
