Lafayette is Coming to Concord!
September 2 @ 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
The public is invited to this free event for all ages celebrating the 200th Anniversary of General Lafayette’s Farewell Tour and his visit to Concord. Meet the Lafayette reenactor on the lawn of First Parish in Concord this Labor Day afternoon on the very site and day he came to Concord in 1824. Hear the fife and drum of the Concord militia as “Lafayette” arrives in a carriage and is greeted at the tent before moving inside for a program in the First Parish sanctuary with remarks by historians and town leaders. Organized by the Wright Tavern and the Racial Justice Affinity Group of First Parish, the program will feature historian Robert Gross, Robbins House Executive Director Jen Turner, Concord Prison Outreach Director Sam Williams, and Gospel Choir Director at First Parish Anderson Manuel. A French-themed reception will follow at the Wright Tavern. For more information, go to wrighttavern.org or email: info@wrighttavern.org or call First Parish office at (978) 369-9602.
On September 2, 2024, Concord, Lexington, Boston, and other towns will celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America. Here is a description of the purpose and plans for this opportunity to recognize this major event as an integral part of the 250th celebrations of the start of the American War for Independence.
Why This Is Important
In 1824, President James Monroe invited General Lafayette of France to come to America and honor those who fought for and supported the War for Independence. France’s role was critical to George Washington and the American forces in the defeat of the British. Without their aid, it is unlikely we would have prevailed. Like now, those times were full of serious political polarization, and President Monroe wanted Lafayette to bring unity through our recognition and appreciation of the French’s contributions.
This will also be an opportunity to broaden historical perceptions of the Revolution to be more inclusive of the contributions of African Americans, women, immigrants, and indigenous peoples. This commemorative event gives us the impetus for reflection and discussion of Concord’s legacy and future. According to historian David Hackett Fischer, “With much encouragement from his friend the Marquis de Lafayette, Washington’s thinking on race and slavery changed.” Lafayette had a profound impact on the early development of the United States.
Overview of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour in 2024 – September 2 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. The American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) is planning and organizing this twenty-five-day (August 16 – September 9) tour, including reenactors and events in over 40 towns. Each town, including Concord, will create its own ceremonies and coordinate the entry and exit of Lafayette’s entourage.
Concord’s visit will be on Monday, September 2, 2024, (Labor Day Holiday) from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Lafayette will be arriving from Lexington. Our program for this day will include:
- Concord’s militia will greet him and march with him to First Parish/Wright Tavern.
- Tents and a welcoming party will greet Lafayette with a welcome statement from Samuel Hoar, descendent of the original greeter of Lafayette to Concord.
- We will have a wreath-laying ceremony by the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Presentations in First Parish will reflect Lafayette vision and values for America:
- Robert A. Gross, historian and author,
- Jen Turner, Executive Director of the Robbins House, and
- Sam Williams, Executive Director of the Prison Outreach Project.
- Music will be provided by Anderson Manual of First Parish in Concord
- A reception will follow in the Wright Tavern
*For those looking to join us virtually through zoom, please register here to get the zoom link.
Come and Join Us
For more information, contact Shelley Hawks or the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust at info@wrighttavern.org.
[The Wright Tavern has secured permission to use the image of Lafayette in publicity materials. The image cannot be cropped and must be accompanied by the following credit line: Lafayette Sulphide Paperweight, about 1820-1840. Concord Museum Collection, Gift of Mrs. Louis A. Sohier; G299.]
