Return of the Marquis de Lafayette
From July 1824 to September 1825, the French
Marquis de Lafayette, the last surviving major
general of the American Revolutionary War,
made a tour of the 24 US states existing at that time. He
was received by the populace with a hero's
welcome at many stops, and many honors and
monuments were presented to commemorate and
memorialize the visit.
This year the
American Friends of Lafayette will
commemorate the Bicentennial of his return to America.
To let you know what is happening in each town, including Hampton, click here. When you are there, just click on Hampton, NH and we'll pop up.
On
September 1, Lafayette (an actor) will make his way on a
similar route made on Sept.1, 1824 to Hampton Falls,
Hampton, North Hampton, Greenland, and Portsmouth.
Hampton's September 1 celebration of this historic event will include a
book exhibit at the Lane Memorial Library, a Lafayette
exhibit at
the Tuck Museum, and will conclude with our "
Jubilee of Liberty"
celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We'll welcome the
Marquis to the HHS barn and Meetinghouse Green as he
arrives in his horse-drawn carriage.
Following a brief presentation, we'll share pastries and
French coffee with the Marquis before he continues north
on his tour of the NH seacoast. Please plan to join us for
this commemoration of one of the earliest foreign friends
of our nation.
Here are more details about the additional events that will
be taking place in Hampton:
Throughout the
month of August, the Lane Memorial
Library will have a
Lafayette Book Exhibit.
On
August 21 and 23 from 1 to 4 p.m., HHS will have an
Open House with a shelf Exhibit of General Moulton,
General Lafayette, and other Revolutionary War figures.
On
September 1 the Marquis event itself, as detailed above.
On
September 18, HHS and the Lane Memorial Library will
welcome "
President John Adams" for an evening of history
and entertainment which will include information about the
friendship between President Adams and Lafayette.
The
Hampton Falls Historical Society has a number of
events planned to commemorate Lafayette's visit including
making a red, white, and blue Lafayette Cockade, a book
club discussion, and additional speakers who will discuss
Lafayette's time in the United States. Please visit their
website for additional information.