From ceremonial gunshots to costumed actors, Andover will celebrate the historic stop of Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of both the American Revolution and French Revolution, who rallied support for America’s fight for freedom.
The Saturday, June 21 celebration will include a reenactment of Lafayette’s stop in Andover on his tour of American cities and towns, exactly 200 years ago, when he returned to America decades after the American Revolution.
During his Farewell Tour, Lafayette embraced the energetic crowds that welcomed him as a champion for freedom, said Peter Reilly, a member of the American Friends of Lafayette, which is participating in the event.
“People sometimes compare him to a rock star just because of his enthusiasm,” said Reilly. “But the problem with that metaphor is he didn’t go and put on a show for the town. The town put on a show for him.”
Lafayette, who was also known as Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, first came to America’s shores in 1777 as a “teenaged aristocrat who convinced the Continental Army to commision him as a major general despite his lack of battle experience and fluent English,” according to History.com.
He advocated for the end of slavery, women’s rights, religious liberty and justice for Native Americans, even as the country was politically divided, said Reilly.
“He’s kind of the whole package,” said Reilly.
But years after America won its independence from Britain, memories of the American Revolution began to fade, and the country had dissolved into divisions over slavery and tariffs after a contentious presidential election in 1824, historians say.
President James Monroe invited Lafayette to return to the country as the “Guest of the Nation” to rekindle the spirit of his contributions in the American Revolution.
“It’s just another example of a president who decided to create an event that’s going to bring our country together versus keeping it as disparate as it is,” said Martha Tubinis, programs director at the Andover Center for History and Culture.
Lafayette travelled to all 24 states, making stops in New York City, Philadelphia, and many New England towns, including Andover.
He was greeted by a parade of enthusiastic people, including well-dressed women cheering from the windows in their homes, said Tubinis.
“It did serve to be a very unifying event for the country at the time,” said Tubinis.
Now, 200 years later, Andover hopes to give Lafayette another warm welcome.
The Andover Choral Society will sing a rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” which was written in Andover by Samuel Frances Smith in what is now known as the America House at 147 Main St., said Tubinis.
Panels detailing Lafayette’s contributions will be held at the local museum, which also will display artifacts from the early 1800s. Spectators can interact with characters dressed in 19th century clothing.
Tubinis said the history center event will help the public’s understanding of US history, especially at a time of division among people. She added that there is much to learn from the past so that mistakes are not repeated.
For decades the Andover Center for History and Culture has held elementary-school field trips for students. Students enjoy hands-on experiences like visiting the general store, gathering eggs from the barn and printing on a printing press, said Sherril Tjalsma, a third grade teacher at South Elementary School.
“It’s like stepping into a time machine showing what life used to be like,” said Tjalsma. “This isn’t something that can be found in textbooks.”
Tjalsma said it’s important for students to visit local museums to help understand how their towns have changed over time, “hopefully fostering empathy and helping them to see how important it is to be part of a community.”
Reilly said people who attend the event will be able to reflect on how Lafayette’s beliefs created progress in the United States.
“People always want to have a more perfect union for things to be better,” said Reilly. “But you have some appreciation for the fact that we have self-government and ideals.”
Saturday’s event is scheduled for 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Andover Center for History and Culture, 97 Main St., Andover. People can RSVP or reserve any remaining tickets for this and other events, such as walking tours of Andover, at andoverhistoryandculture.org