‘Celebrate Lafayette:  Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights’

‘Celebrate Lafayette:  Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights’

ON VIEW: January 23 – March 1, 2025
OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 5:30pm to 7:00pm, 
Reception is FREE and open to the public. Please REGISTER to attend by January 16, 2025.  Dress: Casual. Period attire admired but not required.

The American Friends of Lafayette are partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. The exhibit highlights memorabilia from the Farewell Tour and other vintage items on loan from American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) member, Bill Cole. The AFL’s traveling panels and a detailed map of the Farewell Tour route through the 24 states that Lafayette visited will also be on display.

The free opening night reception on January 23rd includes French appetizers, three Lafayette wines from the Williamsburg Winery, and “Heart of Lafayette” limited release beer from Post Secondary Brewing in Portsmouth. Come and listen to a pianist playing the music that Lafayette would have heard. AFL member Frank Womble will give an update on the bicentennial events in Suffolk. Guests are encouraged to wear timeline attire (1777 – 1825).

Bicentennial Tour

Throughout 2024–2025, the American Friends of Lafayette, AFL, will host educational programming across the United States and in France to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America as the “Guest of the Nation.”

There will be hundreds of planned events, both in large cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Savannah, as well as in the multitude of small towns Lafayette visited, still brimming with pride that America’s favorite fighting Frenchman came through their municipality. Our goal is to educate the public about the roles played by both Lafayette and France in our war for independence. We will accomplish this through planned festivities, informative programing, and meaningful remembrances.

Why Lafayette

In 1824, the United States was in the throes of a very contentious national Presidential election. Our country was divided and in turmoil. President James Monroe thought it would be a good idea to bring back the last living American General from the Revolutionary War for a short tour of popular cities as a way to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary and reignite its patriotism. At the time, many U.S. citizens knew that Lafayette had been involved in other revolutions in Europe and South America. In fact, he had been imprisoned for over 5 years as a result of the French Revolution. During and after the American Revolution, Lafayette strongly supported human rights for all, especially religious freedom and equality for women. He was an abolitionist and always fought for Liberty, Equality, and Freedom. Upon his return to the United States, Lafayette was welcomed with universal affection and gratitude by Americans in all 24 states. Everyone enthusiastically embraced the last surviving general of the American Revolution.

His arrival in New York inspired four days and nights of continuous celebration—a response replicated during his visits to each of the other states. Everywhere were reported parades, balls, dinners, and other celebratory events hosted in Lafayette’s honor. His three-month tour turned into 13 months as he was welcomed by all as the “Nation’s Guest!”. Indeed, Lafayette loved America and, without a doubt, Americans everywhere loved him right back!