Lafayette Bicentennial NYC Kick-Off Weekend

Gather in New York City for an unforgettable four-day extravaganza as Lafayette sets foot on American soil for the first time in 200 years! LET'S MAKE HISTORY TOGETHER!

We've planned an unparalleled experience celebrating the Bicentennial of Lafayette's Farwell Tour of 1824/25 that will go down in history, complete with "Lafayette" himself and special guests, including best-selling authors, French and American dignitaries, and hundreds of AFL members. Access to unique locations, boat excursions, plays, music, historic walking tours, book signings, and a chance to meet our special guests . . . direct descendants of Lafayette joining us for the first time from their home in France!

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August 15, 2024 (Thursday) SOLD OUT

Step off the NYC Ferry from Brookfield Place onto the same shoreline Lafayette first set foot upon for his return to America in 1824! Charter buses will shuttle you to the beautiful Sailor’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center for a dancing and dinner in the historic Great Hall. Mingle with new and familiar faces as you indulge in period entertainment and witness a reenactment of General Lafayette's warm reception from Daniel D. Tompkins on the very same night two centuries ago.

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August 16, 2024 (Friday)

Picture yourself boating through New York Harbor, accompanied by Lafayette and his companions, just as they did two centuries ago. Join us as we once again welcome the Guest of the Nation! Not only will you have the pleasure of the company of our beloved French hero, you'll also have the honor of meeting his 8th and 9th generation granddaughters, Virginie, Heloise, and Adelaide La Fayette, making their inaugural visit to the United States.

Don't miss the opportunity for memorable photos as we glide past the Statue of Liberty on our way to a grand reception on the plaza in front of the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. Our arrival party will feature the Cadets Lafayette band, Boy Scouts, military personnel, dignitaries, and devoted fans. Following a warm welcome with a ceremonial troop review by Lafayette and the French and American national anthems sung by special guests, we will assemble for a grand procession across Liberty Street and down Broadway to Evacuation Day Plaza for a flag-raising ceremony. BROOKFIELD PLACE, PROCESSION AND FLAG RAISING IS ALL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND NO TICKET IS REQUIRED.

Our journey continues to City Hall for an historic group photo on the famous steps! In the Council Chambers, we will take a moment to admire the Samuel F. B. Morse portrait of Lafayette before boarding a coach to the Alexander Hamilton Customs House.

Engage in Q&A with a world class author, scholar and the head of the Oneida Nation a lecture about the contribution of the Native Americans during the Revolution and then visit the National Museum of the American Indian. FREE TO THE PUBLIC BUT RESERVED SEAT REQUIRED. CLICK ON TICKETS!

Next we will visit the iconic Fraunces Tavern Museum. View a special Lafayette exhibit and stand in the very room where George Washington bid farewell to his officers. The day will culminate with laughter, love, and many fascinating stories, all while enjoying libations and fine fare in Fraunces Tavern. SOLD OUT

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August 17, 2024 (Saturday)

Start your day in lower Manhattan, where you'll have the chance to capture a memorable photo with Lafayette and his companions in front of Castle Clinton, a significant stop on his Farewell Tour. Embark on a guided walking tour (SOLD OUT) of historic lower Manhattan, visiting landmarks such as Trinity Church to pay homage to Lafayette's close friend, Alexander Hamilton, and St. Paul's Church, where George Washington once worshipped. Explore various sites and stories linked to both the American Revolution and Lafayette's Farewell Tour.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Conclude your tour (or start your day) at South Street Seaport and surround yourself with Living History events, historical buildings, lectures, and tours. Step aboard the majestic tall ship Wavertree for a discussion on the history of L'Hermione, the vessel that transported Lafayette and French soldiers to aid in America's fight for freedom during its darkest hour. Learn about the current state of the replica ship, which graced the NY Harbor in 2015 and now seeks support for its preservation. Hear about Lafayette’s interest in technology of 1824 including Robert Fulton’s steam ferry, which revolutionized international transportation, the Black Ball line to Liverpool, which advanced communication to Europe, and the construction of the 362-mile Erie Canal, one of the greatest engineering projects of the 19th Century (all spawning right here at South Street!)

SOLD OUT Next, journey to the Park Avenue Armory for a delightful lunch and an exclusive tour of this magnificent building. Marvel at the renowned Veterans' Room, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, a member of the Seventh Regiment. Engage in period activities, games, and style showcases, and meet esteemed authors like Mike Duncan, NYT bestselling author of Hero of Two Worlds, Stephanie Dray, NYT best selling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette, and AFL president Alan Hoffman, who translated Lafayette's secretary's diary during the Farewell Tour.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE Continue your cultural exploration with a brief stroll to L'Alliance Florence Gould Hall Theater, where you'll Hear the music of Francis Johnson, one of America’s first internationally renowned composers. Lafayette himself will make a special appearance to introduce the cast and share anecdotes from his Tour. Last but certainly not least, join a lively Q&A session with world-famous podcaster and NY Times bestselling author Mike Duncan.

The evening concludes with a festive reception at the French Consulate, celebrating Lafayette and the enduring friendship between the United States and France. SOLD OUT

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August 18, 2024 (Sunday). SOLD OUT

Start the morning with a tour of the Bartow Pell Mansion house and gardens. The director of the Bronx Historical Society will speak about the significance of the American Revolution in The Bronx (a much-underappreciated borough of NYC!) and about Lafayette's 1824 visit.

Next, a private tour of St. Paul’s Church and graveside visit where Lafayette’s friend Colonel Pell is buried. Members will be transported by charter bus (or follow in their own cars) passing several locations where Lafayette stopped during the Farewell Tour on the way to Westchester County.

First stop: New Rochelle where the Huguenot and New Rochelle Historical Society will depict life during the Farewell Tour in a living history experience. This will be open to the community to educate the public about our “Favorite Fighting Frenchman,” complete with reenactors, music, and children’s events. Enjoy lunch provided by the Beechmont Tavern.

Next stop: Mamaroneck for a multimedia presentation and then to Rye to visit the Square House where Lafayette actually ate during the Farewell Tour! The final stop of the tour will be at the Byram River at the Connecticut border for a handoff to the Connecticut Lafayette contingent, just where it happened two hundred years ago.

After a day filled with proclamations, plays, historic discussions, and food trucks, we will top it all off at the Pavilions at Rye Beach with dinner from the Barley House in a magical setting overlooking the beach and Long Island Sound at sunset!

Transportation back to NYC will be provided for charter bus ticket holders.

Don't miss out on this epic event!