Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration
November 23-24, 2024
Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Weekend
Saturday, November 23—Sunday, November 24
Multiple Events
To mark the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s visit to Fredericksburg in November 1824, a series of events will be offered.
All programs closely follow the records of the actual events.
All events are free and open to the public.
General Lafayette will be portrayed by Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Inc.
Saturday, November 23
10 AM. Welcome event. Market Square, Fredericksburg. General Lafayette arrives in horse-drawn carriage. The reception includes performances of period music, military and civilian historical interpreters in period dress, and dignitaries. Followed by visitor greetings in the Fredericksburg Area Museum. FAM exhibit of Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom.
Saturday, Nov. 23 1-4 PM, and Sunday, Nov. 24 1-4 PM. Tours of George Washington’s Mother Lodge, Masonic Lodge No.4. 803 Princess Anne Street. Guided Tours by Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Incl, highlight venues of Lafayette’s visit. Leaving from Market Square on half hour from 1-4 PM both days.
Sunday, November 24
10 AM-11: 30 AM. General Lafayette’s Masonic Welcome. Masonic Lodge No. 4. 803 Princess Anne Street. Lafayette made honorary Lodge Member. Artifacts on display, including the punch bowl used for the 1824 reception.
12 PM. Historic Church Service for General Lafayette. St. George’s Episcopal Church. 905 Princess Anne St. Lafayette and his entourage, and many locals, attend a service of prayer and thanksgiving in the General’s honor. The Rev. Edward McGuire (then-rector and fellow Mason) delivers the address.
2 PM—3 PM. Book Lecture. Masonic Lodge No. 4. 803 Princess Anne Street. Historian Chris Ruli lectures on his forthcoming book, Brother Lafayette, about the General’s connection to the Masonic fraternity.
