Press Release 

September 3, 2024

 

WASHINGTON, DC – In 2024-2025, communities throughout the U.S. will commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America. Between July 1824 and September 1825, ”the Hero of Two Worlds” toured America, visiting all twenty-four states and the District of Columbia. Nearly fifty years after the American Revolution, Lafayette was received with parades, banquets and military salutes. In October 1824, he paid a visit to Martha and Thomas Peter at Tudor Place, a much-awaited reunion between Lafayette and Martha Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington.

The American Friends of Lafayette, in collaboration with Tudor Place and other historic sites nationwide, announce a bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s tour tracing his footsteps as the “Guest of the Nation” in the exact order he traveled. Join Tudor Place in celebrating this bicentennial commemoration with a lineup of related events:

• Watch the launch video produced by American Friends of Lafayette with Director James Lee, to bring awareness and excitement to this historic reliving.
• Friday, September 6 online at 12:00 p.m. Washington Informer Interview. Executive Director Mark Hudson and Curator Rob DeHart, in conversation with Denise Rolark Barnes, will explore what Lafayette did in Washington DC and as a supporter of equality and liberty, how he addressed the slavery he encountered during this visit. They will share details about Lafayette’s October visits and the banquet held at Tudor Place in his honor. Click to watch on September 6.

• Tuesday, September 10 @ Tudor Place at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Remembering Lafayette in the Nation’s Capital. As part of the 2024 Landmark Lecture Series, Executive Director Mark Hudson will chronicle Lafayette’s national tour, with an emphasis upon his time in Washington and interactions with the grandchildren of Martha Washington. The program will explore why the tour captured the young nation’s imagination and why the memory of Lafayette continues to be celebrated two centuries later. Click for tickets. 

• Tuesday, October 15 @ Tudor Place at 5:30 – 7:30 PM. The Night Lafayette Came to Tudor Place. Guests are invited to a celebratory evening in honor of one of Georgetown’s most historic events, which will include a performance by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and a meet and greet with the guest of honor, Lafayette. View an installation of objects and ephemera around themes of Lafayette’s visit to Tudor Place in the historic house, followed by dinner and music on the South Lawn. All are welcome. The American Friends of Lafayette – Lafayette at Tudor Place (Wash DC) (wildapricot.org)

• October 15-November 30^th @ Tudor Place. Welcoming Lafayette. See rarely displayed collection objects and ephemera in the historic house around themes of memories and mementos of Lafayette’s visit to Tudor Place in 1824. Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4:00 p.m.

 

ABOUT TUDOR PLACE: Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked here for nearly two centuries. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past. Open Tuesday – Sunday for guided tours of the historic house and self-guided garden visits. www.tudorplace.org.

ABOUT AMERIAN FRIENDS OF LAFAYETTE. The American Friends of Lafayette is an organization aware of the ideals and life of the Marquis de Lafayette; the visionary leader, the inspirational quality of his remarkable career, his contributions to our own struggle for liberty and his ceaseless efforts to forge an eternal bond of friendship between the United States and France. For more information, please visit www.lafayette200.org.

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Contact

Janet Wall

Director of Development & Communications

press@tudorplace.org | 202-580-7323