Join us for an opening preview, reception, lecture, and optional dinner on June 24 for Fraunces Tavern® Museum’s upcoming special exhibition, Lafayette: A Hero’s Return, opening to the public on June 25.
Marquis de Lafayette, a young, wealthy French aristocrat, volunteered for and later led the Continental Army to victory with General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. Before his death in 1834, Lafayette returned to the United States in 1824 as the last living American General from the War. His visit not only helped President James Monroe celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary, but also reignite its patriotism. He was welcomed with great fondness and fanfare by Americans in each of the then 24 states he visited over 13 months, especially in New York.
Fraunces Tavern® Museum joins with other peer institutions and organizations in celebrating the Bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s return to the United States. This exhibition will showcase objects illustrating both his heroic war-time service and his tour of America.
Join us for the opening preview event for our special exhibition commemorating the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return to America, featuring a lecture, The French Are Coming! The Franco-American Military Alliance 1780-1782, presented by Général de Brigade Vincent de Kytspotter, PhD, Head of Military and Defense Mission at the French Permanent Mission to the United Nations.