Museum Exhibit Commemorates Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Visit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2025
Contact: John Christiansen
Phone: 540-829-1749
Email: director@culpepermuseum.com
Museum Exhibit Commemorates Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Visit
CULPEPER, VA –A new exhibit will commemorate the bicentennial of the first tour of the United States by an international celebrity.
The Museum of Culpeper History presents “Culpeper Hosts a Hero,” an exhibit highlighting General Lafayette’s historic visit to the town in August 1825. Rarely noted in official records of his tour of the United States, the Frenchman’s short stop in Culpeper was documented in detail by Capt. Philip Slaughter, Culpeper native and Revolutionary War veteran. Slaughter’s diary provides a rare glimpse of the General’s itinerary, the numerous activities organized to honor the “Guest of the Nation,” and those individuals who arranged the whirlwind of events. The exhibit includes an annotated map of Culpeper showing three locations which hosted events for the General and his entourage on August 22nd.
The exhibit explores this honorable man, his contributions to the young nation, and his life-long affection for his adopted country. Beyond the unprecedented reception he received during his 13-month tour of the United States in 1824-25, Lafayette’s visit was celebrated in Culpeper during the 1925 Centennial, and even today, in the Bicentennial festivities across the eastern and southern states during the last year and half.
A public reception to open “Culpeper Hosts a Hero” will be held Saturday, June 28th, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with period music and refreshments – including wines provided by Mountain Run Winery and toddy tastings hosted by the Long and Hansen families. Attendees are requested to RSVP to the museum by June 25 through their website at https://culpepermuseum.com.
Opening Reception: Culpeper Hosts a Hero – Lafayette in Culpeper
Museum of Culpeper History
113 S. Commerce St
Saturday, June 28, 5:00-7:00 PM
The Museum of Culpeper History presents “Culpeper Hosts a Hero,” an exhibit highlighting General Lafayette’s historic visit to the town in August 1825. The exhibit explores this honorable man, his contributions to the young nation, and his life-long affection for his adopted country. A public reception to open “Culpeper Hosts a Hero” will be held Saturday, June 28th, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with period music and refreshments – including wines provided by Mountain Run Winery and toddy tastings hosted by the Long and Hansen families. Attendees are requested to RSVP to the museum by June 25 through their website at https://culpepermuseum.com. For more information, visit https://culpepermuseum.com or contact the museum at director@culpepermuseum.com or call 540-829-1749.
