
Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Schenectady, NY
June 11, 2025 @ 10:00 am–8:00 pm
On June 11th, AFL and Lafayette will be in Schenectady.
10:00 AM – Grand Arrival of Lafayette
Join us at Riverside Park, in the Historic Stockade of Schenectady, as the city welcomes the return of Revolutionary War Hero, General Lafayette!
132 Front St., Schenectady, NY 12305
11:00 AM – Walking Tour of the Historic Stockade
Experience the Historic Stockade of Schenectady, focusing on how Lafayette would have viewed the city in 1825. This will include a brief stop at the Yates Maison, where Lafayette stayed in 1778.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a one-hour tour. The sidewalks are very uneven. Walk at your own risk.
12:00 PM – Lunch with Presentation
Join the American Friends of Lafayette and the general for lunch in the City. Then explore the history of the Masons in Schenectady, including as they would have welcomed their brother, Lafayette, in 1825.
Location and price TBA. Please check back again to make reservations.
2:00 PM – Unveiling of Historic Marker
Witness the unveiling of a new historic marker provided by The Lafayette Trail, Inc. with funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in Veteran’s Park, commemorating the visit of Lafayette to Schenectady in 1825.
State Street at Lafayette Street
3:00 PM – Author Panel at Schenectady Civic Playhouse
Authors:
Bruce E. Mowday (Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero)
Elizabeth Reese (The Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capital Region)
Two more authors TBA
Learn more about the incredible life of Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette: Marquis de Lafayette, American Revolutionary War General, Commander-in-Chief of the Parisian National Guard, Prisoner of the Bastille, Guest of the Nation, orphan, husband, and father. A panel of authors will lead us on an exploration of his life at the Schenectady Civic Playhouse.
This event is FREE and open to the public; however, reservations are strongly suggested. This event is expected to “sell out.”
Please check back soon for the reservation form.
12 S Church St, Schenectady, NY 12305
4:00 PM – Meet the Authors
After the Author Panel, follow us to the green room of the Schenectady Civic Playhouse, where you can meet the authors and ask them your questions.
Fort Plain Museum will be hosting a pop-up bookstore so you can purchase copies of the authors’ books to be signed when you say hello.
Please use the reservation link on this page to reserve a copy of the books you would like to purchase.
6:00 PM – Celebration at Glen Sanders Mansion
Savor cocktails and dinner at the Glen Sanders Mansion, accompanied by live music from the late 18th to early 19th century. Winners of the Vive Lafayette! Poetry Competition will read their original compositions to the general, to be followed by a recreation of the 24 toasts raised in 1825 in honor of Lafayette’s visit. An original apple brandy will be prepared for the occasion.
For more information or to enter the Vive Lafayette! Poetry Competition, please visit HERE.
Please check back for prices and to reserve your tickets.
1 Glen Ave, Scotia, NY 12302
For more information, visit https://www.kierstenmarcil.com/lafayette-200