Lafayette Returns to America on Faithfully Reconstructed 18th Century Ship, the Hermione
The Hermione Makes First U.S. Landfall in Yorktown, Continuing onto 11 Ports of Call Summer 2015
YORKTOWN, Va., June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventeen years in the re-making and travelling 3,819 miles across the Atlantic from Rochefort, France, the Hermione, the authentically reconstructed ship that brought the young Marquis de Lafayette with news of vital French aid to the American Revolution in 1780, will land in the United States for the first time in Yorktown, VA on June 5, 2015.
Following landfall and a prestigious arrival ceremony in historic Yorktown, the Hermione will sail up the coast to 11 additional iconic ports for two months of events.
"As the most dramatic public history project ever to visit America, the Hermione's voyage evokes the spirit of Lafayette's motto, "why not?" in a unique manner," commented Miles Young, president of Friends of Hermione-Lafayette. "The Hermione truly symbolizes and rekindles the intimate, fraternal ties between France and the United States, and we welcome the Hermione with open arms."
Visitors are invited to join the festivities along the route and can enjoy tours on board or pier-side where activities are scheduled, including: historic shipbuilding crafts demonstrations, interactive conversations with the young volunteer sailors and a lineup of cultural activities. Additionally, barrels of Cognac were on Lafayette's original journey in 1780 and in honor of founding patron of the Hermione Voyage and Hennessy's 250th anniversary, two barrels of limited edition Hennessy 250 Collector Blend are on board the ship.
Ports of Call:
| JUNE 2015 June 5, 6, 7 June 9 June 10, 11, 12 June 16, 17 June 19, 20, 21 June 25, 26, 27, 28 |
Yorktown, VA Mount Vernon, VA Alexandria, VA Annapolis, MD Baltimore, MD Philadelphia, PA |
| JULY 2015 July 1, 2, 3, 4 July 6, 7 July 8, 9 July 11, 12 July 14, 15 July 18 |
New York, NY Greenport, NY Newport, RI Boston, MA Castine, ME Lunenburg, Nova Scotia |
About the Friends of Hermione-Lafayette in America, Inc.
In 2015, a handcrafted replica of the Hermione the 18th century frigate that brought the young Marquis de Lafayette with French troops back to General Washington, a historic voyage that changed the course in our quest for independence – will return to America. The Hermione's itinerary reaffirms the historic relationship between the United States and France. The Friends of Lafayette-Hermione in America, Inc., a non-profit group, supports this exciting adventure – partnering alongside local heritage and nautical groups, students and teachers K-through-12, and many cultural organizations, museums and universities – with a full program of exciting educational, musical, culinary and special events scheduled at each port during 2015.
Global Media Contacts:
Jennifer Risi: [email protected]; 646-240-6297
Lauren O'Leary: lauren.o'[email protected]; 646-643-2500
SOURCE Friends of Hermione-Lafayette in America, Inc.
Share this article