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NYC Bicentennial Farewell Tour Kickoff Weekend: SATURDAY (South Street Seaport, Park Avenue Armory, Theater, and More!)

August 17, 2024 All day

  • SATURDAY’S MAIN TICKETED EVENTS ARE SOLD OUT!
  • SATURDAY Evening’s Florence Gould Theater Event with Lafayette, Francis Johnson and Mike Duncan can be purchased HERE (All-Inclusive and Saturday Ticket holders, your tickets include entrance to this event.)

Start your day at Battery Park, where you’ll have the chance to capture a memorable photo with Lafayette and his companions in front of Castle Clinton, a significant stop on his Farewell Tour. Embark on a guided walking tour of historic lower Manhattan, visiting landmarks such as Trinity Church to pay homage to Lafayette’s close friend, Alexander Hamilton, and St. Paul’s Church, where George Washington once worshipped. Explore various sites and stories linked to both the American Revolution and Lafayette’s Farewell Tour.

Conclude your tour (or start your day) at South Street Seaport and surround yourself with Living History events, historical buildings, lectures, and tours. Step aboard the majestic tall ship Wavertree for a discussion on the history of L’Hermione, the vessel that transported Lafayette and French soldiers to aid in America’s fight for freedom during its darkest hour. Learn about the current state of the replica ship, which graced the NY Harbor in 2015 and now seeks support for its preservation. Visit New York’s oldest printing press firm, Browne & Co., Stationers, established in 1775. Join a walking tour delving into Robert Fulton’s steam ferry, which revolutionized international transportation, the Black Ball line to Liverpool, which advanced communication to Europe, and the construction of the 362-mile Erie Canal, one of the greatest engineering projects of the 19th Century (all spawning right here at South Street!)

Next, journey to the Park Avenue Armory for a delightful lunch and an exclusive tour of this magnificent building. Marvel at the renowned Veterans’ Room, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, a member of the Seventh Regiment. Engage in period activities, games, and style showcases, and meet esteemed authors like Mike Duncan, NYT bestselling author of Hero of Two Worlds, and AFL president Alan Hoffman, who translated Lafayette’s secretary’s diary during the Farewell Tour.

Continue your cultural exploration with a brief stroll to L’Alliance Florence Gould Hall Theater, where you’ll Hear the music of Francis Johnson, one of America’s first internationally renowned composers. Lafayette himself will make a special appearance to introduce the cast and share anecdotes from his Tour. Last but certainly not least, join a lively Q&A session with world-famous podcaster and NY Times bestselling author Mike Duncan.

The evening concludes with a festive reception at the French Consulate, celebrating Lafayette and the enduring friendship between the United States and France.