Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of
Lafayette’s Visit to Leesburg, Virginia
August 8th, 9th and 10th
Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Visit to Leesburg, Virginia Join the American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) and Loudoun VA250 for a memorable weekend commemorating the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to Loudoun County from August 8 to 10. As part of a national tour in 1825, this hero of the American War for Independence inspired the public in towns and cities throughout the country. Friday 8/8 "Historians on Tap" talk at Dynasty Brewing in Leesburg - Enjoy engaging discussions of Lafayette’s visit over drinks. Saturday 8/9 Lafayette Family day and Taste of Leesburg - Enjoy living history programming at the Loudoun Museum and an appearance by the Marquis and President James Monroe at TASTE Leesburg in the evening. Sunday 8/10 Panel Discussion - Explore Lafayette's powerful legacy with an in depth look at his life in a panel discussion at Oatlands, hosted by the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area. For a full schedule and information on ticketed events, please visit visitloudoun.org/loudoun250 or call 703-737-7195.
Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Visit to Leesburg, Virginia
Join the American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) and Loudoun VA250 for a memorable weekend commemorating the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to Loudoun County from August 8 to 10. As part of a national tour in 1825, this hero of the American War for Independence inspired the public in towns and cities throughout the country.
Friday 8/8 "Historians on Tap" talk at Dynasty Brewing in Leesburg - Enjoy engaging discussions of Lafayette’s visit over drinks.
Saturday 8/9 Lafayette Family day and Taste of Leesburg - Enjoy living history programming at the Loudoun Museum and an appearance by the Marquis and President James Monroe at TASTE Leesburg in the evening.
Sunday 8/10 Panel Discussion - Explore Lafayette's powerful legacy with an in depth look at his life in a panel discussion at Oatlands, hosted by the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area.
For a full schedule and information on ticketed events, please visit visitloudoun.org/loudoun250 or call 703-737-7195.
A guided tour of this exclusive historic property!
FREE! - but you must register for a spot.
Friday, August 15th - Two start times: 1:30pm & 2:30pm
CLICK “REGISTER” and then pick your tour time!
The Historical Society Foundation at the exclusive Farmington Country Club would like to welcome you with a dive into the history there. What is now the clubhouse was originally a spacious house circa 1785 with an elongated wing that contained several guest rooms for George Divers' extended family. It was originally designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1803. The farm buildings consisted of rows of box stalls for horses (since converted to locker rooms), large barns, and numerous other buildings.
The main house, or clubhouse, is a large, impressive brick structure. Similar to the all-weather passageway at Monticello, a covered passageway with flying buttresses led the plantation's residents from the main house to the stable. Except for the barns and a number of outlying buildings, all of the original buildings have been retained and updated.
The Farmington Historical Society is offering small guided tours at two different start times. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes. The tours are FREE, but you must register as there are limited number of spots. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes early for the tour to check in and report to your tour spot. We will email map and parking instructions in early August. There may be some accessibility issues, so email Marietta4AFL@gmail.com if you require special assistance.
Tour location is Farmington Country Club, 1625 Club Circle, Charlottesville
“Lafayette & Monroe: A Reunion”
Program and Dinner at Farmington Country Club
August 15, 2025
Presented by The Farmington Historical Society Foundation
(and yes, Thomas Jefferson designed part of this building!)
In mid-August of 1825, General Lafayette returned to Monticello, accompanied by Pres. James Monroe, to visit Thomas Jefferson before soon departing for his home in France. According to Peter J. Hatch, former Director of Monticello Gardens and Grounds, “Judy Walker Rives (a neighbor of Mr Jefferson in Keswick) noted in a letter that whenever Thomas Jefferson had any distinguished visitors of the bon vivant order, he always had them invited to Farmington, as furnishing rather a higher specimen of good cheer than Monticello.” As a bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s visit, join us for an entertaining program as Mr. and Mrs. George Divers welcome Lafayette and Monroe to their home. The highly acclaimed Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg as General Lafayette and Highland’s Beau Robbins as James Monroe will discuss their Revolutionary War days as well as the events of the 1825 Farewell Tour at this special program. Period attire is welcomed and encouraged!!
When registering PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE OPTION:
PROGRAM ONLY- 5:30pm Social, 6:00pm program - cost is $25
SOLD OUT !!!!! PROGRAM AND DINNER COMBO (Dinner after program) - cost is $120
We invite you to stay for a most elegant and delicious dinner at this exclusive Country Club venue! Monroe and Lafayette will be dining with us and mingling with dinner guests between courses. The dinner will be served after the program ends at approximately 7:15 in the beautiful adjoining dining room. The dining room has limited capacity and this dinner will sell out!!! The Farmington County Club venue has an excellent chef and kitchen - this will be an elegant and superb exclusive dinner!
Join us for a day of what-if events!
Cost for full day: $50. Registration fee is all inclusive for the full day’s events at Highland and the catered lunch. Period attire (casual) welcomed!
10:00am-10:45am
Meet Monroe and Lafayette (private) Location: Hilltop Pavillion
President Monroe welcomes General Lafayette to his farm. It seems likely that Lafayette never visited Monroe at Highland (though we know he visited Monroe’s home in Loudoun County, Oak Hill). What might he have seen if he had? What might the two old friends have talked about? Monroe shares how he came to settle in Albemarle and “shows” Lafayette around the farm, including the gardens, sheep, and hilltop views of his neighbors.
10:45am
Guided history walks and self-paced exploration of house, grounds, and exhibits.
Location: Service yard, indoor & outdoor exhibits, 1799 Main House archaeological site. Our group divides for guided tours and exhibit exploration in three concurrent history walks. Each group will enjoy a 30 minute history walk with a knowledgeable historical interpreter, and ample time to explore indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces accompanied by an interpreter for additional engagement and Q & A.
12:15pm
Lunch on pavilion - private (weather permitting). After lunch, Coffee, Iced tea and water will be provided with Lafayette Cake and French cookies before the program in the Event Barn begins.
1:15pm
Monroe and Lafayette Reminisce - Location: Event Barn, Open to Public
Monroe and Lafayette take front and center for a conversation that ranges through the years and through a variety of topics. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions or subjects of interest at lunch to guide the conversation. Topics can range to include their time together as young men in the Revolutionary War, their views on the ideals of the revolution over the years, wives & family, France and 1825 current events.
2:30pm-4:00pm
AFL participants and public are invited to continue their exploration by visiting some of the thematic interpretation stations in the Upper Barn, participating in a dramatic reading of letters between Monroe, Lafayette and others in the Lower Level of Barn, or continuing to explore the grounds and historic core.
Dramatic readings of letters between Monroe, Lafayette & Others
Attendees are invited to participate in a dramatic dialogue of letters between Monroe and Lafayette and also with others, read by AFL members and any interested public.
Interpretation stations: Monroe and France
Stop by interpretation stations and explore Monroe’s time in France and how it shaped his aesthetic sensibilities and approach to foreign policy through some specially selected Monroe collections items and documents and can explore Highland through an archaeology station.
Highland Rustic Trails
Enjoy a country or forest stroll on the several miles of Highland’s rustic trail system (open through 4:30pm).
“The Rest of the Story”
Tales of The 2025 Bicentennial Tour behind the scenes!
Saturday evening August 16th 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Our private evening dinner at Michie was so much fun in 2024 that we are including this icon of rustic dining again! Our evening program will be a “behind the scenes” recap of memorable moments with Lafayette on our Bicentennial travels this past year. Join us in sharing the grand and even the surprise or unplanned memories we have made.
Their rustic atmosphere and menu of Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork with country sides just can’t be beat. The evening will start with a social time at 5:30 in the tavern rooms, then moving to a private area for our meal.
"Battle of Saratoga - Charlottesville and The Convention Army"
A Revolutionary War Program Presentation
Sunday Aug 17th 10:00am
The Queen Anne Room at The English Inn, Charlottesville
Dr. George Sanborn shares this relatively unknown revolutionary war story about the Convention Army. Do you even know why it was called “The Convention Army”? Who, how many, when, why... You will have all these questions and more answered in this great program presentation. After our program, we will venture to the cemetery on Barracks Road to see the plaque memorializing this site.
Bonus** We will connect some dots to Lafayette’s 1781 Virginia Campaign!
After a break for lunch, join us at Farmington for an “under the stairs” tour of Historic Farmington. This behind the scenes tour of the buildings will complement the tours that were offered on Friday. Please register for those tours with a separate link.
Historic Farmington
“Under the Stairs” Guided Tours
Sunday August 17th - 1:30 & 2:30
FREE! - but you must click "register" and pick a tour time.
Bonus Tours!
By this time you will have seen the historic buildings, met George Divers and maybe even dined here. But bonus time... the members of the Farmington Historical Society want to share a view of this historic property that most are not privy to! Let's follow them below ground for a fascinating view of this circa 1785 building.
These small guided tours will have two different start times and will last approximately 45 minutes. The tours are FREE, but you must register as there are limited number of spots. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes early for the tour to check in and report to your tour spot. We will email map and parking instructions in early August. There may be some accessibility issues, so email me @ Marietta4AFL@gmail.com if you require special assistance.
Logistically, you will have plenty of time after the program presentation Sunday morning, at The English Inn about the Convention Army, to grab lunch on your own and arrive 15 minutes early for the tour start. There are loads of lunch options near The English Inn to include the famous Bodos Bagels. Farmington Country Club is only a few minutes from Barracks Road.
The Historical Society Foundation at the exclusive Farmington Country Club would like to welcome you to the Farmington Country Club with a dive into the history there. What is now the clubhouse was originally a spacious house circa 1785 with an elongated wing that contained several guest rooms for George Divers' extended family. It was originally designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1803. The farm buildings consisted of rows of box stalls for horses (since converted to locker rooms), large barns, and numerous other buildings.
CULPEPER LAFAYETTE BICENTENNIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Celebrate General Lafayette’s Return – Experience Rich History and Small-Town Charm in Culpeper, Virginia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet less than 1.5 hours from Washington, DC. Named by Travel and Leisure as “one of the best small towns in Virginia.”
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Greenwood Military Reception with General Lafayette
1931 Orange Road
Culpeper, VA 22701
Come visit one of Culpeper’s oldest homes, Greenwood. Experience the arrival of Gen. Lafayette and former President Monroe by horse-drawn carriage onto the front lawn
Guests arrive to 1820s period music
Welcome Remarks by Chuck Schwam, Exec. Director of American Friends of Lafayette;
Comments by General Lafayette (Mark Schneider)
Service of iced toddies in souvenir cups by the Daughters of the American
Revolution, Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, to “all hands,” as offered in 1825
Guests are invited to participate in docent-guided tours of historic Greenwood to see period antiques and Lafayette memorabilia
This event is free of charge, but guests must register to attend. Because it is a private home, we are limited to the first 50 members of American Friends of Lafayette to respond. Please register here.
Beginning at 11:30 am in the Town of Culpeper
You are cordially invited to a Civic Reception at the Depot District (Commerce Street between Culpeper and Davis Streets) with General Lafayette and former President James Monroe
*Addresses by Civic Leaders, plus Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of American Friends of Lafayette, and General Lafayette (Mark Schneider)
*Performances by Culpeper County High School and
Eastern View High School Bands and Choruses
*Masonic Hall Reception with General Lafayette and President Monroe for refreshment and photo opportunities!
*Costumed Historic Interpreters along Davis and Main Streets
*Museum of Culpeper History Exhibits and Walking Tours
Culpeper Hosts a Hero
The American Friends of Lafayette Traveling Exhibit
Culpeper Minutemen: Icons of Independence
Making Good Men Better: Freemasonry in Culpeper
*Free Activities for Families – Available at Visitor Center
Scavenger Hunt • Coloring Contest
*Complimentary Wine Tasting
*Hamilton Sing-along!
*French-inspired food, wine, and elegant morsels – available for purchase
Downtown attendance is open to all and no registration is required. Come see all that our historic town has to offer!
And end the day in Culpeper as General Lafayette did in 1825!
Costumed Grand Lafayette Ball, 7 – 11 pm
Saturday August 23 from 7-11 pm at
Mountain Run Winery - Culpeper VA
Celebrate the spirit of Lafayette’s Grand Ball hosted in Culpeper 200 years ago! An evening of elegance and merriment held in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette’s historic return to Culpeper. English Country Dance called by Mr. Charles Steplively and Ms. Elaine Sturgeon to a historical live quartet, light supper and hosted bar.
Historic, Military, Hunt or Modern Formal Attire
Mountain Run Winery • 10753 Mountain Run Lake Road, Culpeper
Ball tickets begin at $100 with some exciting add-ons, with an additional 10% discount offered for AFL members. To receive your discount, please register here by using the code CurNonAFL:
https://culpeperminutemen.us/lafayette-bicentennial?fbclid=IwY2xjawLBGJlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKRE5sRVhxbjB6UmRoMzNZAR5Mu8ZgRfdxXqkAwb3d7DtL2TsHrWTPo2DnUn4HKcZlX4ymJq3HXuQxI3TdjQ_aem_hmu7gm0RfmkmqgjhbJvHyw
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Sunday August 24 from 11 - 4 pm
Liberty Hall Polo Club - Brandy Station VA
The Colonial Allies Challenge Cup features active-duty U.S. and French military players competing together as allied teams. The tournament celebrates America’s first alliance through sport, ceremony, and pageantry—set across three historic venues in Virginia’s horse country.
VIP Hospitality Tent - Tailgating - General Admission
For additional details, tickets, and a 10% discount using the code CurNonAFL:
The Culpeper Lafayette Bicentennial Committee and Culpeper Minute Men welcome you to an action-packed weekend in our charming town, August 23-24, 2025!
Vive Lafayette!
Culpeper Minute Men Rate $172+tax
This 3-star hotel offers free WiF, an indoor pool, fitness center and a 24-hour front desk. Just minutes from Downtown Culpeper, 10 minutes to Liberty Hall Polo Club. Charlottesville Albemarle Airport is 35 miles from the property.
CMM Rate is in link - book online below
Book Now
Culpeper Minute Men Rate - 10% off
Perfect for Groups - Sleeps 10
The Farmhouse at Blue Rock is a luxury Airbnb vacation rental. Five bedrooms, five and a half bath home with designer furnishings, porches, and patios to enjoy the crisp mountain air, and a hot tub to soak under the stars.
Culpeper Minute Men Rate - 10% discount
Located in historic downtown Culpeper, just two blocks from the civic reception and unique restaurants, specialty shops, breweries, parks, and the Amtrak station.
Watch Lafayette's carriage from the front porch of your inn!
Site of our Friday Arena Game & Reception
A classic Virginia country inn set at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fine dining restaurant, pub, outdoor patio, and equestrian center. 30 Minutes to Culpeper, Mountain Run and Liberty Hall Polo Club activities.
Contact Reservations for Lafayette Rate
Culpeper Minute Men Regional VRBOs
Our region has many historic farms stays and large beautiful vacation homes for larger groups and families looking to experience county life.
Check out AirBnB
Come visit one of Culpeper’s oldest homes, Greenwood. Experience the arrival of Gen. Lafayette and former President Monroe by horse-drawn carriage onto the front lawn.
Guests arrive to 1820s period music.
Friday, September 5th at 1:30pm EDT: Explore Freemasonry and Lafayette. Join us for an in depth discussion on Lafayette’s relationship with the world’s oldest fraternity and an exclusive tour of the “House of the Temple” in Washington DC. The tour will include an exhibit of rare American history artifacts including letters and Masonic items associated with Washington, Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin and more. Completed in 1915, the House of the Temple is one of the most spectacular buildings in our country. The building includes a library, the first public library open in Washington, DC, and a museum featuring different exhibits on fraternalism, American history, and Freemasonry in general.
Located at 1733 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.
This tour is limited to 50 members. This is a free event.
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Below is the most up to date itinerary for the final weekend of Lafayette's Bicentennial. . Please read carefully.....
Friday, September 5th...
For now, this day is formulating, this is what we know...
Saturday, September 6th...
Sunday, September 7th...
Please join us as we enjoy period music, delicious food, special wine and all three Lafayette's !!! This event is only $125pp and you can you can register by clicking: HERE
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Please note that we will not be providing transportation this weekend. I highly recommend that you bring your own car, but some events might be accessible by metro and all via taxi, Uber, and Lyft. I will provide addresses and parking details in a separate email later this summer.
We do not have a hotel block for this weekend. Hotel accommodations in DC or Northern Virginia are plentiful. I would recommend that you stay in Northern Virginia...perhaps near Mount Vernon where you can self-park your car for free. Since two of our evenings end in Virginia, staying there might make sense.
There are three airports to choose from: Reagan National (DCA), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), and Dulles (IAD), as well as several Amtrak stations.
Please start making your travel and lodging arrangements.
MORE REGISTRATION OPPORUNITIES FOR THE
FINAL LAFAYETTE BICENTENNIAL WEEKEND
Friday, September 5th at 4:00pm EDT: We have received permission to view the Ary Scheffer full-length portrait of Lafayette in the House Chambers of the US Capitol.
We will have a historian present to discuss this iconic portrait in the most important room in America.
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Below is the most up to date itinerary for the final weekend of Lafayette's Bicentennial. Please read carefully.....
Join us for a brunch cruise on the Potomac River as we sail from Washington, D.C. past Mount Vernon (just as Lafayette did). A delicious brunch will be provided as we celebrate Lafayette's Birthday and view the monuments of our spectacular capitol city from the water.
The boat is two-level yacht style vessel (much fancier than the Brandywine). I will provide parking details in the near future.
The cruise (with brunch) is $165pp. Space is limited.
Meet at Pier 4, 580 Water Street.
Parking option: Garage 2 - 602 Water Street
What is included: Boat tickets, Brunch, indoor & outdoor seating, AFL Friends!
Register by clicking the register button above.
Lafayette Bicentennial
Final Weekend
Washington, DC & Northern VA
2:00pm
A ceremony at the brand new WWI Memorial in Washington D.C. It is here that we will partake in a ceremony at this spectacular new monument in our nations capital. Dignitaries from the French and American Military will be present and will address the gathered. Descendants of pilots from the Lafayette Escadrille will be on hand. We again will celebrate Lafayette's birthday as well as the ongoing friendship between France and the United States.
The memorial is located at 1449-1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Please plan accordingly to park or take Metro.
This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, September 6th at 4:30pm EDT:
We will hold a wreath laying ceremony at Washington's tomb. We will actually hold ceremonies at both tombs; the new tomb where George and Martha Washington currently reside, as well as the old tomb where Lafayette visited his deceased friend 200 years ago.
Mount Vernon is waiving their entrance fee for attendees at this event.
These ceremonies will be followed by a private LAFAYETTE BIRTHDAY dinner in the very special Betsy Ross Room at the Mount Vernon Inn. Dinner is $70pp for a 3-course meal (with wine & beer included)...and of course a BIRTHDAY CAKE for Lafayette (who will be in attendance).
This dinner is limited to 50 members (and the ceremonies beforehand as well).
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Sunday, September 7th
THE FINAL LAFAYETTE BICENTENNIAL WEEKEND
SOLD OUT
Copyright The American Friends of Lafayette 2024"The American Friends of Lafayette" is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Mail correspondence to: PO Box 84114 Gaithersburg, MD 20883Email: americanfriendsoflafayette@gmail.com
