Lafayette Visits Marietta, Ohio – May 23, 2025
Schedule of Events Updated Frequently – Please check back for more details.
August 16, 2024 saw the kick off of the monumental Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s grand tour of America, when he visited all 24 states over 13 months, traveling 6,000 miles. Hundreds of events are planned to trace Lafayette’s footstep on the exact dates and in the exact order he followed on his tour of America as the “Guest of the Nation” between 1824 and 1825. By circumstance, he arrived in Marietta on May 23, 1825. Click here to learn more about his visit to Marietta.
EVENTS
Now Open through June 23: Vive Lafayette!
Campus Martius Museum is proud to partner with the American Friends of Lafayette on Lafayette 200, the Commemoration of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to the United States in 1824-25. The Marquis visited Marietta on May 23, 1825. Join us in Marietta on May 23, 2025 for our commemoration, and throughout the month of May as we celebrate Marietta’s relationship with France for over 200 years. This temporary exhibit is included in regular admission.
Friday, April 4, Noon, Campus Martius Museum
Discovering History Speaker Series
Wes Clarke – “Nathaniel Clark, Lafayette, and the Sinking of the Steamboat Mechanic”
This event is FREE and Open to the Public.
Friday, May 2, Noon, Campus Martius Museum
Discovering History Speaker Series
Alan Hoffman, President of The American Friends of Lafayette – “Lafayette and Human Rights”
This event is FREE and Open to the Public.
Sunday, May 4, The Betsey Mills Club
French Themed Fun – Come to learn some French or practice your French with native French Speakers. Play games, make cockades, and more!
(This event is still in the planning stages – email us if you’d like to help: christy@mariettamuseums.org)
This event is FREE and Open to the Public.
Sunday, May 18
1:00 PM Dedication of Marietta’s new marker on The Lafayette Trail.
2:00 PM Julien Icher of The Lafayette Trail speaks at The Betsey Mills Club. Reception follows. This event is FREE and open to the public.
LAFAYETTE DAY – FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025
9:00-11:00 AM – Join the Marquis on a Brunch Cruise aboard the Valley Gem. This is a ticketed, paid event. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
11:00 AM – Welcome the Marquis at the Levee! Music, cannons, poetry, special words from special guests, a Proclamation from the Mayor, and more. This event is FREE and Open to the Public.
2:00 PM – Memorial Day Event with the Sons of the American Revolution at Mound Cemetery. More information coming soon.
6:00 PM (Doors Open)- The Lafayette Ball at The Vault. Music, dancing, and wonderful food! This is a ticketed, paid event, with a limit of 100 tickets sold. Click here to purchase tickets.
Learn more from the American Friends of Lafayette.
Suggested Reading:
(all titles available at Campus Martius Museum)
Non Fiction/Biography
Lafayette in America in 1824-25, Unabridged English Translation by Alan Hoffman/Original French Text by Auguste Levasseur
Lafayette in Two Worlds, Lloyd Kramer
The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered, Laura Auricchio
Hero of Two Worlds, Mike Duncan
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, Sarah Vowell
Historical Fiction
The Women of Chateau Lafayette, Stephanie Dray
Children
Lafayette and the American Revolution, Russell Freedman
Revolutionary Friends, Selena Castrovilla, Illustrated by Drazel Kozjan
Celebrate other Lafayette 200 events in Ohio:
Cincinnati: https://lafayette200.org/event/bicentennial-of-lafayettes-tour-visits-cincinnati-oh/
Gallipolis: https://lafayette200.org/event/lafayette-bicentennial-day-in-gallipolis-oh/
