The Welcome Reception at the UVA Rotunda Dome - Friday Evening
Recommended parking at Central Grounds Parking Garage on Emmett St
November 15th
6:45pm - 9:00pm
In November 1824, shortly after arriving to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson and “committee” escorted Lafayette to visit Jefferson’s new Academical Village, the University of Virginia. After a tour of the grounds, Lafayette was welcomed to a grand dinner in the not yet completed Rotunda Dome. It was attended by 400 men and over 32 toasts were offered and was quite a grand affair.
On the Friday evening of November 15th, we invite you to help us recreate the festive gathering in the Rotunda with Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison and some local 1824 dignitaries. This is an excellent time to wear your period attire and add to the historical atmosphere! We will raise our glasses to toasts, hear speeches, feast on hors d’oeuvres, enjoy Lafayette music and raise our voices in singing! There will be much gaiety and period flair in the atmosphere as we celebrate and commemorate Lafayette’s visit of 200 years ago.
The program starts with a flirtatious greeting by the Ladies in the Balcony as Lafayette enters the hall with Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Then just as 200 years ago, Wm Gordon will welcome Lafayette and the evening of history begins! Raise your glass to Lafayette! To the Constitution! To Madison! To Jefferson’s new university! To George Washington! To our Republic! To France! Listen to Jefferson’s heartfelt speech to Lafayette and the tears that are to follow!
The evening starts promptly at 7:00, but as you always do for General Lafayette, please arrive a few minutes early.
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