Worthington, MA. On June 13-14, 2025, the Worthington Historical Society, in coordination with the American Friends of Lafayette (AFL), plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s visit to Worthington with a Grand Ball and Worthington Founder’s Day observances.

On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Worthington Historical Society will host a Grand Ball. The following day, June 14, 2025, as part of the town’s Founder’s Day celebration, the children of the town will present Lafayette-themed projects, and town and state dignitaries will make welcoming speeches. A Lafayette reenactor from the AFL will participate in the events on both days.

Two hundred years ago, General Lafayette stopped overnight in Worthington while on his thirteen-month goodwill visit to all twenty-five United States. As the biggest celebrity of his time, Lafayette’s tour was of immense importance to the young United States. His visit both highlighted the achievements of the Revolution and provided a contemporary window into the country’s progress.

In 1825 Lafayette was delayed in Pittsfield, curtailing many of Worthington’s formal plans for receiving the distinguished visitor. Nevertheless, when he did finally arrive at nine o’clock that night, the entire population of the town turned out to welcome him. This 200th Anniversary Celebration will allow the town of Worthington to hold the “welcome celebration that should have been.”

Through 2024 and 2025, the American Friends of Lafayette are hosting educational programing in the United States and France commemorating the 1824-25 visit. Hundreds of events are planned in big cities and small towns with the goal of educating the public about the roles both Lafayette and France played in our war for independence.

Contact: Pamela Wicinas, [email protected], 413 530-6778