2024
*** Be sure to check back for updated information ***
This is a list of the events being planned throughout September
Online exhibit of related documents and ephemera by the Princeton University Firestone Library
Special Lafayette Book Display at the Princeton Public Library
Lafayette Exhibit at Trenton Free Public Library- www.trentonlib.org
Display of portion of Triumphal Arch at Assunpink Creek
A unique opportunity to see a piece of the original Triumphal Arch at Assunpink Creek through which George Washington passed on April 21, 1789 on his way to New York to be inaugurated president. The same Triumphal Arch was re-erected at the State House in Lafayette’s honor on Sept. 25, 1824.
AFL Lafayette traveling educational panels on display at key events
"Trenton Makes, The World Takes” Delaware River Bridge sign lit in tricolore
During the week of September 23rd, the famous “Trenton Makes, The World Takes” Delaware River Bridge sign will be lit up in the blue, white, and red of the French tricolore to honor Lafayette’s Farewell Tour to New Jersey and the Delaware River Valley, and honor the importance of the French Alliance then and now. On the morning of September 27, 1824, Lafayette crossed the Delaware from Trenton to Morrisville, PA on the original 1806 arched, wooden bridge located on this same bridge site.
- www.drjtbc.org
Monday, September 23, 2024
The Museum of Jersey City History and The American Friends of Lafayette present Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour
Visits Jersey City, NJ FREE
Start Lafayette’s farewell tour in New Jersey with events at the Museum of Jersey City History.
Morning: Jersey City Public Library - Five Corners Branch, 678 Newark Ave @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm FREE
- Reenactment of the 1824 presentation of the apple tree cane to General Lafayette
- Musical or Oratory Welcome by Students of the French Academy
- Invocation (original to 1824) by the current Pastor of the Old Bergen Church Jon Brown
- Presentation by Mayor Steve Fulop
- Historical Remarks
There will be a reception following, at the Apple Tree House @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Museum of Jersey City History at the Van Wagenen (Apple Tree) House
298 Academy St.
Jersey City, NJ 07306
www.mjchistory.com
Visits Elizabeth, NJ FREE
Afternoon: Belcher Ogden Mansion, 1046 E Jersey St. @ 3 pm – 4 pm FREE
- Open House
- Colonial-era mansion, the former residence of two governors
- Parking for Elizabeth events at Bonnell House, 1045 E Jersey St.
Belcher Ogden Mansion
1046 E Jersey St
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Afternoon: Boxwood Hall, 1073 E Jersey St. @ 4 pm – 6 pm FREE; Limited Space
- Reception
- State Historic Site
- Limit of 25 people in Boxwood Hall at a time due to local regulations
Boxwood Hall State Historic Site FREE; registration required
1073 E Jersey St
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Visits Rahway, NJ
Commemorative Wreath Placing Honoring General Lafayette
Join W3R-NJ, Lafayette Lodge No. 27 and the American Friends of Lafayette in a commemorative wreath placing ceremony at the Lafayette Lodge No. 27 F&AM, named in honor of Major General Marquis de Lafayette. The Lodge is also celebrating their 200th Anniversary this year and received its original charter at the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge on November 9, 1824 shortly after Lafayette’s visit to Rahway at the nearby Peace Tavern (no longer extant).
Lafayette Lodge #27 F. & A. M.
1550 Irving Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
lafayette27.org
Visits Princeton, NJ
Film: "Lafayette: The Lost Hero"
Evening: Princeton Public Library, Community Room 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm FREE
Showing of PBS documentary film, Lafayette: The Lost Hero
· This documentary explores the life of Marquis Gilbert de Lafayette and evaluates his role in the establishment of America's democracy.
· As part of the Princeton region's contribution to the "Lafayette in America 1824/25 Bicentennial," the library is screening the PBS documentary "Lafayette: The Lost Hero." https://www.thedocumentarygroup.com/lafayette
· The film will be introduced by Paul Larson, the chair of the New Jersey Lafayette Bicentennial Committee, and Anne de Broca-Hoppenot, Honorary French Consul of Princeton and New Jersey, who will greet the audience with remarks on the special bond between France and America and read a prepared statement by David Bell, Sidney and Ruth Lapidus Professor History at Princeton University.
https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/11394736
- Special Lafayette Book Display at the Princeton Public Library
Princeton Public Library
65 Witherspoon Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
Parking available in Spring Street Garage (24 Spring Street) next to Library.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Visits Princeton, NJ
Morning: Nassau Presbyterian Church 10 am to 12 pm FREE
- Lecture by noted Princeton University Professor Dr. Sean Wilentz, focusing on the significance of Lafayette’s 1824 visit in 2024
- Reenactment of Princeton University honorary degree presentation and remarks by Lafayette reenactor
Visits Trenton, NJ
Afternoon: New Jersey Statehouse 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm FREE
Lafayette will return to New Jersey's State House, the nation’s third oldest capitol building, after exactly 200 years, escorted by fifes & drums, where he will be received by state and local dignitaries. The ceremony will begin at 3pm, but arrive at 145 West State Street in Trenton by 2:30 to allow sufficient time to pass through security, explaining you are present for "the Lafayette event in the Assembly Chamber."Park underground in the Capitol Complex if you intend to leave soon after the event. If you plan to attend the evening event in the nearby Masonic Temple, we recommend parking at the War Memorial Theater and crossing the street to the Capitol.
The State House event is free, but register Lafayette Returns to the NJ State House to facilitate your passage through security, and to receive any updates by email.
New Jersey Statehouse
125 W State St
Trenton, NJ 08608
Evening: Historic Trenton Masonic Temple @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tickets $45 available at https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/event-5830290/Registration
- Grand Welcome Reception for Lafayette, with live period music and welcomes by New Jersey dignitaries
Historic Trenton Masonic Temple
100 Barrack Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
