Exhibition Opening Preview Reception, Lecture, and Optional Dinner for 'Lafayette: A Hero's Return'

Join us for an opening preview reception, lecture, and optional dinner on June 24 for our 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 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 the American Friends of Lafayette 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.

At this event, preview the exhibition before it opens to the public and hear from Général de Brigade Vincent de Kytspotter, PhD, Head of the French Defense Mission to the United Nations, who will present a lecture, The French Are Coming! The Franco-American Military Alliance 1780-1782. Attendees can also choose to head down to Fraunces Tavern for a delicious dinner after the program.