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Last update: 01/24/2025
What is Lafayette 200?
From August 1824 - September 1825, the gentleman commonly known as the Marquis de Lafayette was "The Guest of the Nation," during the kickoff of America's 50th anniversary of becoming an independent country. He was the last living general from the American Revolutionary War and went on a grand tour of all twenty-four United States. (Think the musical Hamilton, and you will know who we mean.)
But who was Lafayette?
Today, the nonprofit, American Friends of Lafayette (AFL,) are dedicated to answering that question and are recreating Lafayette’s entire thirteen-month tour. Over 20,000 people across the US are involved in planning the local tour stops.
On June 11th, AFL and Lafayette will be in Schenectady.
The American Friends of Lafayette is an historical and patriotic society dedicated to the memory of Major General Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette and to the study of his life and times in America and France.
Activities
All activities are FREE and open to the public, unless otherwise stated
*This schedule is still being developed and may very likely change.
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Join us at Riverside Park, in the Historic Stockade of Schenectady, as the city welcomes the return of Revolutionary War Hero, General Lafayette!
132 Front St., Schenectady, NY 12305
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Experience the Historic Stockade of Schenectady, focusing on how Lafayette would have viewed the city in 1825. This will include a brief stop at the Yates Masion, where Lafayette stayed in 1778.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a one-hour tour. The sidewalks are very uneven. Walk at your own risk.
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Join the American Friends of Lafayette and the general for lunch in the City. Then explore the history of the Masons in Schenectady, including as they would have welcomed their brother, Lafayette, in 1825.
Location and price TBA. Please check back again to make reservations.
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Witness the unveiling of a new historic marker provided by The Lafayette Trail, Inc. with funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in Veteran’s Park, commemorating the visit of Lafayette to Schenectady in 1825.
State Street at Lafayette Street
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Authors:
Bruce E. Mowday (Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero)
Elizabeth Reese (The Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of American’s National Capital Region)
Two more authors TBA
Learn more about the incredible life of Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette: Marquis de Lafayette, American Revolutionary War General, Commander-in-Chief of the Parisian National Guard, Prisoner of the Bastille, Guest of the Nation, orphan, husband, and father. A panel of authors will lead us on an exploration of his life at the Schenectady Civic Playhouse.
This event is FREE and open to the public; however, reservations are strongly suggested. This event is expected to “sell out.”
Please check back soon for the reservation form.
12 S Church St, Schenectady, NY 12305
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After the Author Panel, follow us to the green room of the Schenectady Civic Playhouse, where you can meet the authors and ask them your questions.
Fort Plain Museum will be hosting a pop-up bookstore so you can purchase copies of the authors’ books to be signed when you say hello.
Please use the reservation link on this page to reserve a copy of the books you would like to purchase.
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Savor cocktails and dinner at the Glen Sanders Mansion, accompanied by live music from the late 18th to early 19th century. Winners of the Vive Lafayette! Poetry Competition will read their original compositions to the general, to be followed by a recreation of the 24 toasts raised in 1825 in honor of Lafayette’s visit. An original apple brandy will be prepared for the occasion.
For more information or to enter the Vive Lafayette! Poetry Competition, please visit HERE.
Please check back for prices and to reserve your tickets.
1 Glen Ave, Scotia, NY 12302
Reservations
*Once the schedule has been finalized, we will begin taking reservations.
Please check back!
Please support our community partners
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Fort Plain Musem & Historical Park
The Fort Plain Museum began operation in 1961 as the Fort Plain Restoration with an emphasis on rebuilding Revolutionary War Fort Plain.
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Hudson Valley Writers Guild
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild supports the efforts of writers in all genres by sponsoring readings, workshops, and contests and providing a number of valuable resources for the entire literary community of Upstate New York.
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New York State Writers Institute
Our mission is to explore and teach the writing craft; to celebrate diverse voices in all genres; to honor the power of literature as a force for individual growth and social good; and to foster a vibrant community of readers and writers who engage in meaningful dialogue.
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City of Schenectady
The area that is now Schenectady was originally the land of the Mohawk tribe of the Iroquois Nation. When Dutch settlers arrived in the Hudson Valley in the middle of the 17th century, the Mohawk called the settlement at Fort Orange "Schau-naugh-ta-da", meaning "over the pine plains." Eventually, this word entered the lexicon of the Dutch settlers, but the meaning was reversed, and the name referred to the bend in the Mohawk River where the city lies today.
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Schenectady Civic Players
The Capital District’s Oldest Community Theater
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Schenectady County Historical Society
The Schenectady County Historical Society was founded in 1905 to share and preserve Schenectady County’s history. Today we bring history and culture to life through exhibits, programs, and community events at our three sites:
Mabee Farm Historic Site
Schenectady History Museum & Library/Archives
1735 Brouwer House Creative
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The Stockade Association
The Stockade Association was founded in 1958 to protect, preserve and improve New York’s first historic district.