Lafayette Bicentennial Exhibit to open on Friday, March 1st

In 1824, General Marquis de Lafayette visited the City of Fredericksburg, where he was honored for his heroism in the Revolutionary War. The weekend commemoration of General Lafayette’s visit will take place from November 23-24. But this Friday, March 1st, the celebrations begin with the unveiling of an exhibit honoring the Lafayette Bicentennial at Fredericksburg Area Museum.

Lisa Durham is Co-Chair for the Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Committee, and along with her husband, David, they have uncovered countless stories and details of Lafayette’s visit. In that spirit, the Durhams, through the Commemoration Committee, have planned a number of exciting, in-depth events throughout 2024 that honor the legacy and visit of Lafayette.

Some of these events include a Lecture Series that begins with the opening of the exhibit at FAM on March 1st. The exhibit, Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom, celebrates the life of Lafayette, and focuses on his belief in freedom and democracy. FAM will also host a virtual panel discussion, Diverse Participation in the Revolutionary War, on March 6th at 8pm. Some of the other events throughout the year include James Monroe: A Life at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library on April 4th, a lecture about French Revolution music on May 2nd, Lafayette and Abolition at FAM on May 9th, and many more.

“I’ve come to understand how amazing [Lafayette] really was,” Lisa Durham said. “He really believed in the American ideal of freedom, and fought for it.”

The exhibit opening will be on Friday, March 1st from 5:30-7:00pm. Learn more about the Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration here.