Media Advisory: Hermione, 18th Century French Ship, Visits New York City For Fourth of July Celebrations

NEW YORK, June 29, 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 and word of vital French aid to the American Revolution in 1780, will arrive in New York City on July 1, 2015 and stay through July 4, 2015.

"The Hermione's visit to New York, as a symbol of France's immense role in the Revolutionary War, is perfectly fitting for America's most patriotic holiday – the Fourth of July," expressed Miles Young, president of Friends of Hermione-Lafayette. "Through the Hermione Voyage 2015, Americans can relive and rediscover their country's history in a unique, interactive way."

"The friendship between France and the U.S. goes right back to our beginnings. To host this stunning replica of Lafayette's Hermione at the South Street Seaport Museum, the birthplace of New York as we know it, is sublimely perfect. This very waterfront hosted ships just like this one in the late 18th century. We're thrilled to have Hermione and her crew here in New York, and more importantly at the Seaport Museum," stated Captain Jonathan Boulware, Executive Director of the South Street Seaport Museum, which is hosting the vessel.

What:
Visitors can re-live Revolutionary War history this Fourth of July weekend through Lafayette's Hermione Voyage 2015 and tour an authentic, hand-made replica of the 18th century ship, Hermione.

The ship will land in New York on July 1, 2015 at the South Street Seaport district – New York's most iconic and historic seaport. It will be open to the public for tours July 2-3, 2015. Visitors are invited to join the festivities and tours on board or pier-side including: historic shipbuilding crafts demonstrations, interactive conversations with the young volunteer sailors and a lineup of cultural activities.

On the Fourth of July, the Hermione will lead nearly 100 ships past the Statue of Liberty in a patriotic salute in the "People's Parade of Ships."

When:
July 1, 2015:
8:00 am – Hermione docks (approximately)
10:00 am – Arrival ceremony
*Please note: While the ship will be closed to the public on July 1, visitors are encouraged to welcome the ship pier-side and enjoy festivities such as crafting demonstrations.

July 2-3, 2015:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm – Public Tours 

July 4, 2015:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm – "People's Parade of Ships"

The Hermione will lead nearly 100 ships from south of the Verrazano Bridge, salute the Statute of Liberty and sail north to the Intrepid Museum before turning around to sail south down the Hudson River.

*Vantage Points – Battery Park and either side of the Hudson River (e.g. Chelsea Piers or Hoboken, N.J.)

Where:
Pier 15, South Street Seaport, New York, N.Y.

Why: 
The Hermione is strong reminder of our country's alliance with France since the inception of the United States and a valuable, interactive history lesson for Americans of all ages, tied to the Revolutionary War. The ship also invokes Lafayette's motto "Cur Non" – "Why not?" – through its remarkable reconstruction and journey to the United States.

Seventeen years in the re-making, the authentically reconstructed Hermione will be an once-in-a-lifetime sight to see.

Barrels of Cognac were on Lafayette's original journey in 1780 and in honor of Hennessy's 250th anniversary, Hennessy is a founding patron of Hermione Voyage 2015 with two barrels of limited edition Hennessy 250 Collector Blend on board Hermione.  Hennessy has donated the two barrels to charities, who have chosen to auction the barrels in Mount Vernon and New York.  Each barrel is expected to fetch upwards of $150,000 for worthy causes.  

The ship will dock at South Street Seaport district – which has its own unique history tied to the formation of our country and New York as the most iconic seaport in the city. The South Street Seaport Museum is dedicated to telling the vital story of the beginnings of New York and its link to the great natural harbor. Devastated by Hurricane Sandy, the South Street Seaport Museum is open again for business. The story of a city built on its waterways dovetails with the Hermione's critical naval role in the formation of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

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.

About South Street Seaport Museum
South Street Seaport Museum, the congressionally designated National Maritime Museum, is a non-profit cultural institution preserving and promoting the historic district of South Street Seaport in New York City. Founded on May 22, 1967, the South Street Seaport Museum (SSSM) is dedicated to telling the vital story of the foundation of New York and its link to its great natural harbor. The Museum preserves and interprets the history of New York City as a place where goods, labor and cultures are exchanged through work, commerce, and the interaction of diverse communities. The Seaport Museum is located in a 12 square-block historic district on the East River in Lower Manhattan, the site of the original port of New York City. The Museum's campus is comprised of key historic locations such as Schermerhorn Row, our working trade centers on Water Street, and on the "Street of Ships" at Pier 16. These exhibitions and educational facilities are located in the South Street Seaport district in New York City's largest concentration of restored early nineteenth century commercial buildings. The Museum houses exhibition galleries, working nineteenth century print shops, a maritime library, a maritime craft center, and a fleet of vessels on "the street of ships" on the East River.

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SOURCE Friends of Hermione-Lafayette in America, Inc.