Inauguration of the Terre Blanche Archives : 200 Years of PSA Peugeot Citroën History

Inauguration of the Terre Blanche Archives : 200 Years of PSA Peugeot Citroën History

On 24 September 2010, Thierry Peugeot, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën, inaugurated the Terre Blanche archives in Hérimoncourt, France. Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board, attended the ceremony.

Located at one of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s historical production sites—still partially in operation—the Terre Blanche archives are designed to serve as a documentation centre for materials from all the Group’s manufacturing and non-manufacturing facilities. After a four-year renovation, this perfect example of 19th century industrial architecture now houses a rare collection of historical records, photographs, technical drawings and other unusual objects that have been uncovered over the years and brought together for safekeeping.

Set up as an endowment fund (Fonds de Dotation Peugeot pour la mémoire de l’histoire industrielle), the archives will work in close partnership with such existing heritage funds as the Peugeot Museum of Adventure, onservatoire Citroën, Collection de l’Aventure Automobile in Poissy and Fonds Panhard.

The Terre Blanche archives will open its doors to historians, researchers and students interested in consulting its materials. The centre welcomes gifts and loans from current and former employees, as well as automobile enthusiasts. Not only will these donations enrich the archives, but they will also be preserved and digitalised under optimal conditions.

The materials brought together at the Terre Blanche archives illustrate 200 years of manufacturing history created by the Group and its brands, as well as the history of the European automobile industry in general.