The Oneida County History Center will host Suzanne Bellinger and Leslie Raney in celebration of the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell tour. The program takes place at the Oneida County History Center on Wednesday, May 28, at 5:30 pm. This talk will cover the Bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, his support of the American Revolution, and his return in 1824-1825. The speakers will highlight the relevance of Lafayette’s ideals today and discuss events planned for June 9 and 10. A traveling exhibit about Lafayette will be on display. All ages are invited.
In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette, the last living Major General of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), accepted an invitation to return to the United States in advance of America’s 50th Birthday. He arrived in New York City to adoring crowds on August 16, 1824. His celebratory trip was meant to last only three months so that he would visit the original 13 colonies, but his “rock star” tour instead lasted 13 months, covering 24 states and over 6,000 miles.
Bicentennial Tour in Oneida County
Throughout 2024–2025, the American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) will host educational programming across the United States and in France to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America as the “Guest of the Nation.” The tour comes to Oneida County June 9 and 10 to kick off the county’s America 250 with events in Rome, Oriskany, Whitesboro, Utica, and Little Falls, including the new Lafayette Square dedication (102 Lafayette Street) on June 10 at 2:00 p.m. Visit www.lafayette200cny.org for more information and details.
Traveling Exhibit at the History Center Open May 23- June 6, 2025
This innovative pop-up exhibition includes seven display panels that share the story of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour (1824-1825) and the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Sponsored by Oneida Chapter NSDAR and The American Friends of Lafayette.
Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley for present and future generations. Free for History Center members, $5.00 suggested admission for non-members. Please contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit oneidacountyhistory.org for additional information.
