Alexandria Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Visit with a Series of Events
For Immediate Release: October 3, 2024
Media Contact: Jeanene Harris, Communications and Engagement Specialist, Historic Alexandria, Jeanene.harris@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4734
Alexandria, VA – This fall, the Office of Historic Alexandria will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the marquis de Lafayette's historic return to America with a series of exciting events from lectures to a grand dinner and musical celebration. Lafayette, the hero of the American Revolution, visited Alexandria on October 16, 1824, where the city greeted him with a grand parade and fanfare. The 200th anniversary offers a unique opportunity to mark this historic moment.
Lafayette Walking Tours – SOLD OUT
Saturday, October 5 or Sunday, October 6
Old Town Alexandria
The highly anticipated walking tours managed by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee and led by public historian and author Elizabeth Reese have sold out. Guests will retrace Lafayette's steps in the city and learn about his historic visit in 1824.
Lecture and Book Signing
Wednesday, October 16, 7:30-9 p.m.
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Tickets: $15 | $12 for Historic Alexandria members & volunteers
Join Elizabeth Reese, author of Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capital Region, for a lecture on Lafayette's Grand Tour, followed by a reception and book signing. Discover how Lafayette returned to the United States amidst a tumultuous election year, and explore his deep connections to the National Capital Region.
Lafayette Dinner – only a few tickets remain!
Thursday, October 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Tickets: $150
Celebrate in style with a four-course dinner in the very room where Lafayette dined in 1824. A re-enactor portraying the marquis will offer toasts, reminiscences, and photo opportunities. The evening will highlight Lafayette's role in advancing liberty in both the United States and France. Event supported by the American Friends of Lafayette.
Hero of Two Worlds, A Musical Celebration of Lafayette
Sunday, November 24, 3-4 p.m.
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Tickets: $20
Enjoy a special concert by the period-instrument wind band Music of the Regiment, featuring music from Lafayette’s Grand Tour. Experience patriotic tunes and military marches, including works by Francis Johnson and more, all performed on instruments from Lafayette’s era.
About the Anniversary
Lafayette’s visit to Alexandria on October 16, 1824, was a momentous occasion. Thousands of spectators lined the streets, cheering as Lafayette rode into town accompanied by local cavalry and troops. Ceremonial arches lined Washington Street, and the city celebrated with parades and festivities. This anniversary offers a chance to revisit that grand celebration and honor Lafayette’s enduring legacy as a champion of liberty.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic
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For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria:
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serves as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.
Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Learn more about Alexandria’s 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.