Virginia Hall Historical Routes Project
Publish an evidence-based reconstruction of Hall’s 1942 crossing, including maps, primary sources, competing route hypotheses, and materials for educators and independent visitors.
Our Mission
Past, Present, Future
The Foundation uses the motto “I Shall Find a Way or Make One.” Its work is organized under three headings, each with a defined objective and approach.
Past
Remember the Way
- WHAT
- Preserve the legacy of Virginia Hall, her fellow members of the Allied resistance, and lesser-known individuals whose wartime actions deserve wider recognition.
- HOW
- Through archival research, accessible public education, and commemorative expeditions grounded in documented history, including careful treatment of unresolved historical questions.
Present
Forge a Way Together
- WHAT
- Strengthen personal bonds of friendship, trust, and cooperation between Americans and their European allies.
- HOW
- Through shared challenges, historical expeditions, and meaningful experiences that build lasting relationships across borders.
Future
Empower Others to Find Their Way
- WHAT
- Inspire students and future generations to understand and practice the courage, resilience, ingenuity, judgment, and spirit of service exemplified by Virginia Hall.
- HOW
- Through historical study, mentorship, educational partnerships, and experiential programs open to students from diverse academic and career interests, including those considering intelligence, diplomacy, national security, and public service.
Programs Worth Building
What we hope to build.
The following programs are proposals for phased development. They are not yet funded or formally approved.
Past
Historical Preservation and Public Education
Research and Education Fund
Support archival work, translations, historians, lectures, and public resources about Hall and lesser-known members of Allied resistance and escape networks.
Memorial Trail
Explore interpretive signs and other public materials in consultation with French and Spanish authorities and local historical organizations.
Present
Shared History and Allied Fellowship
Annual Memorial Trek
Organize a guided educational expedition with structured historical preparation, opportunities for US and allied participants to learn together, professional logistics, and appropriate safety measures.
Transatlantic Gatherings
Hold historical lectures, discussions, and reunions in the United States and Europe with an educational focus.
Fellowship Network
Maintain contact among expedition alumni and supporters through periodic educational events and collaborative projects.
Future
Emerging Leaders and Mentorship
Emerging Leaders Fellowship
Offer a competitive, transparent program for college-aged students and early-career participants from the United States and allied countries. Support may include educational instruction, mentorship, and participation assistance based on merit and financial need, without publicly distinguishing recipients by payment status.
Educational Partnerships
Work with universities, museums, and relevant nonprofit organizations on seminars and firsthand historical perspectives addressing resistance, escape, displacement, intelligence history, ethical judgment, and service. Any guest speakers or site visits would be subject to separate arrangements.
Young Historians Projects
Support supervised research by students and early-career historians, with public outputs.
A Focused First Phase
Proposed priorities for 2027.
- A public Historical Routes Project
- A second Memorial Trek with structured predeparture education
- A small and openly selected Emerging Leaders cohort
- Basic administration
Outreach to Hall’s surviving relatives, where feasible, and review of naming, historical interpretation, and appropriate use of archival materials would precede major public branding commitments. Additional programs would depend on funding, capacity, and evidence of educational value.