Join us for “Farewell to Lafayette,” an all-day commemorative event marking the close of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824–1825 Farewell Tour of the United States. The day will honor Lafayette’s legacy and reflect on his enduring influence on American liberty, democracy, and friendship. Welcomed with great fanfare across the new republic, including multiple visits to Woodlawn, Lafayette’s journey was a powerful reaffirmation of the Franco-American bond. Now, two hundred years later, we bid him farewell with history, storytelling, and community.
This event not only marks the end of Lafayette’s national farewell tour anniversary but also invites us to consider how history is remembered and celebrated. At a site rich with connections to Washington, liberty, and civic ideals, “Farewell to Lafayette” is both a tribute and a call to reflection.
Schedule of Events:
(Subject to Change)
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Open House Tours at Woodlawn
Explore the historic 1805 Woodlawn mansion at your own pace. Knowledgeable interpreters will be available throughout the day to share insights into this remarkable site, which was once part of George Washington’s original Mount Vernon estate and later transformed by Quakers into an anti-slavery colony in the years preceding the American Civil War.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Specialty Presentation: “Lafayette at Woodlawn”
Step into the world of 1824 with a presentation focused on Lafayette’s celebrated visit to America. Learn more about Lafayette's visits to Woodlawn, his relationships with the Custis and Lewis families, and how his progressive personal values impacted the National Tour and influenced those around him on this specialty tour.
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: “Embodying Lafayette”
Gather for an engaging conversation with a distinguished panel of three Lafayette historical interpreters, Mark Schneider, Michael Halbert, and Benjamin Goldman. They’ll share personal insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections on portraying the Marquis during this bicentennial year. Discover how performance and research bring history to life and why Lafayette’s message still resonates.
Moderated Q&A to follow.