Lafayette Day features fun and enlightening activities on July 29

July 14th, 2023

July 14, 2023

Lafayette Day features fun and enlightening activities

to begin Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration

of America’s champion and hero

Adrienne Lafayette will appear as a special guest on July 29 at Thornbury Farm

 

          THORNBURY _ Historical interpreters, including Adrienne Lafayette, the Sons of American Revolution Color Guard and the Daughters of the American Revolution are featured during Lafayette Day at Thornbury Farm on July 29.

“The grand national bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s grand tour of the country as the “Nation’s Guest,’ is just a year away. Lafayette received lavish receptions in Chester and Delaware counties during his visit in 1824 and 1825. Lafayette Day is a perfect way for today’s citizens to brush up on Lafayette’s amazing life and his premier place in American history. We wouldn’t have defeated the British during the American Revolution without France and without Lafayette, we wouldn’t have received substantial support from France,” said Bruce E. Mowday, chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Lafayette Committee.

Lafayette Day, free to the public, is a family friendly fun day with music and food and activities for children. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at Thornbury Farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester. Farm owner Randell Spackman is host.

A special announcement, a Lafayette Bicentennial Lafayette Committee essay contest for all students of Chester and Delaware counties, will be made. Educators are encouraged to attend the event to receive information.

“With the 250th anniversary of the United States in the offing, visitors to Lafayette Day have a golden opportunity to meet representatives of many local historical organizations,” Mowday said. Among those officials is Chuck Schwam, COO of the American Friends of Lafayette and Chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Commission attend.”

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline and Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther will give remarks, along with William Baker, president of the Philadelphia Continental Chapter Sons of the American Revolution. Brandywine River Museum of Art and Conservancy Chair Cuyler Walker will make an appearance. The Conservancy owns the location where Lafayette was wounded at the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

A Lafayette Heritage Walk will take place at 1:15 p.m. from Thornbury Farm, location of fierce fighting during the battle to the location of Lafayette’s wounding. The distance is less than a half mile.

Adrienne Lafayette, portrayed by Alisa Dupuy, will be interviewed about her relationship with Lafayette.

A special Lafayette in Art and History display is featured. Artists Adrian Martinez, Karl J. Kuerner and Shay Allen will discuss their recent Lafayette creations. Allen and Mowday, author and illustrator of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest will be signing books. Mowday will also have copies of his Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero.

Participating organization include American Friends of Lafayette, Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, Chester County 250th , Delaware County 250th , Friends of 1724 Chester Courthouse, Brandywine Battlefield Task Force, Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford Historical Society, Chris Sanderson Museum, Chester Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, the Masons and the Painter Mansion at Radley Run.

For more information and to follow the celebration by the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, see the Facebook page at Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. For the American Friends of Lafayette, see www.lafayette200.org.

Lafayette Day Schedule

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Thornbury Farm

1256 Thornbury Road

West Chester, PA 19380

11:00 a.m. – Lafayette Day opens to the public.

11:30 a.m. – Welcome Ceremonies with Sons of American Revolution Color Guard.

  1. Host Randell Spackman welcomes everyone and introduces Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Chair Bruce E. Mowday, Master of Ceremonies for the event.
  2. Mowday gives brief remarks on Lafayette Day and participants.
  3. American Friends of Lafayette COO and Bicentennial Chair Chuck Schwam talks about AFL and Lafayette Bicentennial.
  4. Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline gives a presentation.
  5. Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther gives a presentation.
  6. Thornbury Township Representative will speak.
  7. Philadelphia Continental Chapter Sons of the American Revolution President William Baker makes remarks
  8. Brandywine River Museum of Art and Conservancy Chair Cuyler Walker is recognized.
  9. Mowday’s closing remarks and announcement of Lafayette Essay Contest.

Noon – Public can mingle with participants, visit displays and eat!

1:00 p.m. – Adrienne Lafayette is interviewed about her husband and their relationship.

1:15 p.m. – Lafayette Heritage Walk and Discussion is led by Mowday to Birmingham Hill where Lafayette was wounded.

3:00 p.m. – Event concludes