Join the American Friends of Lafayette September 27-29 2024 for a captivating weekend in Philadelphia celebrating the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s 1824-1825 Farewell Tour!

Kick off on FRIDAY with a historical presentation, organ concert, and lunch at Christ Church followed by a fascinating “Ally of Liberty” tour at The Rosenbach showcasing manuscripts from the American Revolution. Explore Philadelphia’s rich history on a Lafayette Walking Tour and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Independence Hall. Cap the day with a lively evening of Lafayette-themed food, trivia, and fun at Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen.

SATURDAY MORNING & AFTERNOON, dive into the lively Fête Lafayette festival at Independence Mall where the day comes alive with a colorful parade, stirring musical performances, and captivating cultural exhibits, celebrating Lafayette’s legacy as the General himself arrives in a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy a box lunch and enlightening history presentation at the National Constitution Center.

SATURDAY EVENING, prepare for the Lafayette Soirée at the magnificent Masonic Temple. This elegant affair promises an unforgettable night in a venue steeped in history and grandeur. Sip on cocktails during the stylish reception then indulge in a Michelin-starred dinner amidst the Temple’s breathtaking architecture. With live entertainment, engaging speakers, and the option to don historical attire, the soirée is set to be a truly spectacular celebration blending sophistication with a touch of historical flair. This is the ultimate event of the weekend where the past and present converge in a night of glamour and revelry!

Finally, on SUNDAY indulge in an exclusive morning tour of the Museum of the American Revolution followed by a bus excursion to historic sites visited by Lafayette during his return to America. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of history and heritage!

DETAILS:

Friday, September 27:

• Christ Church: Historical presentation, organ concert, and lunch celebrating Lafayette’s 1824 visit. (11:00 AM $35)
• The Rosenbach: “Ally of Liberty” tour with manuscripts documenting Lafayette’s role in the American Revolution. (1:30 PM & 3:00 PM $15)
• Independence Visitor Center: Lafayette Walking Tour. (Multiple times $25)
• Independence Hall: Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. (5:00 PM free with registration)
• Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen: Casual evening with Lafayette-themed food, trivia, and fun. (6:30 PM $55)

Saturday, September 28:

• National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, and Independence Hall: 
  • Fête Lafayette all-day festival featuring a parade, musical performances, cultural exhibits, and history presentations. (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM free)
  • National Constitution Center: Box lunch (12:45 PM $26)
  • Two historical presentations, more music, displays, and performances. 
  • Naturalization ceremony at the Betsy Ross House
• Masonic Temple: Elegant Lafayette Soirée with cocktails, dinner, and entertainment. (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM $250)

Sunday, September 29:

• Exclusive tour at Museum of the American Revolution (8:30 a.m., $55/pp)
• Lafayette bus excursion. Departure from Museum of the American Revolution with site visits at Eastern State Penitentiary and Strawberry Mansion, plus catered box lunch at the historic mansion. (10 a.m. – 3:00pm $135/pp)

For more fun, check out our social media pages @AmericanFriendsofLafayette

~Where to Stay~

AFL has established room blocks at four (4) hotels in the city convenient for the Lafayette Bicentennial festivities. One (the Monaco) is adjacent to Independence Mall.  Another (the Notary) is adjacent to the Masonic Temple, convenient for those attending the Soiree on Saturday evening. Two others are located a little further away on South Broad St. All have heavily discounted rates from the regular rack rate for the three nights of September 27, 28 and 29. Registrants must use the links provided to secure these rates. The links will take you to the specially created AFL portal on each hotel’s website. Note that the cut-off date for registering is August 28, except for The Notary, which is September 3. After that date, all rooms are returned to the hotel pool and regular rates will apply.

HOTEL NAME	LOCATION	DATES AVAILABLE	# ROOMS PER NIGHT	AFL GROUP RADE	OVERNIGHT PARKING	CUT-OFF DATE	BOOKING LINK
Cambria Hotel & Suites	219 S. Broad, St., Philadelphia, PA 19107	Friday, 9/27/24 — Sunday, 9/29/24	20	$219	$ 64.00	8/28/24	https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/ZA43M0
Hyatt Centric	1620 Chancellor Street Philadelphia, PA 19103	Friday, 9/27/24 — Sunday, 9/29/24	20	$249	$ 57.58	8/28/24	https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/PHLCT/G- LAFA
The Monaco	433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106	Friday, 9/27/24 — Sunday, 9/29/24	20	$259	$ 59.00 + tax	8/28/24	https://bit.ly/3WndXtU
The Notary	21 North Juniper St., Philadelphia, PA 19107	Friday, 9/27/24 — Sunday, 9/29/24	20	$267	$ 56 + tax	09/03/24	https://book.passkey.com/go/AFLBicentennialCelebration