The Marquis de Lafayette was a young, aristocratic, French nobleman that volunteered and was appointed as Major General in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Throughout that time, Lafayette became a trusted friend and advisor to George Washington, served with distinction, generously supported the cause, and helped secure a key alliance with the French government.
In 1824, President James Monroe invited Lafayette, as the last living American General from the Revolutionary War, for a tour of popular cities to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary and to reignite its patriotism. 200 years later, we are celebrating the Marquis de Lafayette’s triumphant return tour in a thirteen-month bicentennial celebration. Watermark will be joining in the celebration on December 14th – 15th, 2024 with the following special events:
Saturday, December 14th
12:00pm – 4:00pm, 188 Main Street, free event, advanced registration welcome
Watermark Open House and story time with author Selene Castrovilla
Selene Castrovilla will share her acclaimed picture book, Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Young readers will love learning how and why Lafayette sailed to America and helped us win our liberty. Signed books will be available for purchase.
Book talks begin at 1:00pm and 3:00pm with Q&A, book signings, crafts, and activities before and after.
Selene Castrovilla has been writing books for young readers about America’s thrilling history for twenty years. Revolutionary Friends, her picture book biography of General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, is used in school curricula nationwide. It earned a Society of School Librarians International Book Award Honor and a California Reading Association Eureka! Nonfiction Honor and was named a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year and a Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth. Selene fell in love with the amazing Lafayette when she learned about his devotion to securing America’s liberty and his sacrifices to help us be free. We would not be a country if not for Lafayette! Visit https://selenecastrovilla.com/celebrate-lafayette to learn why.
Saturday, December 14th & Sunday, December 15th
Colonial Annapolis (+USNA option)
Join your period-attired guide for stories of historic Annapolis and a visit to the Maryland State House (with the option to continue on to the U.S. Naval Academy). This special edition of the tour will include highlights about Lafayette’s links to Annapolis, including his portrait in the State House and key points associated with the Farewell Tour.
Maryland State House Tour
Distinguished as a National Historic Landmark, the Maryland State House is a treasure in the city of Annapolis. Join your period-attired guide on a 75-minute tour to explore one of the most historic and architecturally significant state houses in the nation. This special edition of the tour will include highlights about Lafayette’s links to Annapolis, including his portrait in the State House and key points associated with the Farewell Tour
