Save the Dates (third weekend in September).

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, we will be holding two events in the Philadelphia area…

At noon on Saturday, September 16th, we will be unveiling a new beer called THE LAFAYETTE. The beer is a collaboration among the American Friends of Lafayette, the Artillery Brewing Company of West Chester and Heavy Seas Beer of Baltimore. This is the first of a series of beers honoring Lafayette and the Bicentennial of his Grand Tour as America’s guest. The beer is made from French inspired ingredients.

Michael Loveless of Artillery Brewing said, “We are honored to work with the American Friends of Lafayette and Heavy Seas Beer in crafting this French-inspired homage brew. We’ve researched the recipes of Lafayette’s day. Our company’s brand was founded in honor of our nation’s fight for independence.”

Caroline Sission of Heavy Seas Beer added, “We are headquartered in Baltimore and Lafayette has strong ties to both Baltimore and all of Maryland. We’re excited to be part of this grand celebration and The Lafayette.”

The unveiling of The Lafayette will take place at Artillery Brewing’s new location, 4221 Ferne Blvd., Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania (noon on Saturday, September 16). AFL members can order lunch and sip their newest beer. Lafayette will be there as well!

…and then 12 miles away… at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 16th, there will be a pre-game tasting at the soccer match between the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati. Artillery Brewery is a partner of Major League Soccer’s Union team and the American Friends of Lafayette will have an opportunity to interact with fans as they enter the stadium for the match (which starts at 7:30pm).

This is a wonderful opportunity to promote Lafayette and the AFL’s bicentennial plans to thousands of folks all at once. We will have our traveling exhibit panels on hand and will be giving out brochures and other “Lafayette swag”. This will be fun and meaningful. Lafayette will be here as well!

After the pregame festivities, if you would like to attend the match with two top MLS teams clashing, tickets are available at philadelphiaunion.evenue.net. They plan on honoring the American Friends of Lafayette on the scoreboard during the game.

The stadium (Subaru Park) is located at 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester, Pennsylvania.

On Sunday, September 17, 2023, we will celebrate Lafayette’s birthday (belated) at the very place where he turned twenty years old.

At 3:00pm on Sunday, September 17, we will gather 40 miles south of Philadelphia at the historic Hale-Byrnes House. AFL President, Alan Hoffman will be giving a talk about Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. After his talk, food and beverages will be served. We will be collecting $10 per person at the door.

On September 6, 1777, (Lafayette’s twentieth birthday) George Washington held a war council at the Hale-Byrnes House. George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, Henry Knox, Lafayette and other Continental Army officers attended. Their goal was to plan the defense of Philadelphia.

The Historic Hale-Byrnes House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a site on Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. Hale-Byrnes House is on old Route 7 just south of Stanton, Delaware, near the intersection of Route 4 East and Route 7 North. The street address is 606 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, Delaware.

The third weekend in September looks to a fantastic Lafayette experience for all!