From May 5, 2025 through May 24, 2025, stop by the Library to view The Life and Legacy of The Marquis de Lafayette, a six-banner traveling exhibit on loan from The American Friends of Lafayette.
The banners tell the important stories of Lafayette's life and legacy, including his American Revolution participation, his critical role in cementing the Franco-American Alliance, and his lifelong passion for human rights, including the abolition of slavery, support for women's rights and women authors, religious tolerance, and support for democratic governments.
A special banner focuses on Lafayette's return as Guest of the Nation in 1824-1825 and the efforts of the American Friends of Lafayette to commemorate this bicentennial in 2024-2025. It includes a map that was designed to show the general route that Lafayette took while traveling 6,000 miles to visit all 24 states that were in the Union at that time.
One stop along his way was Gallipolis on May 22, 1825. A special celebration will be held on May 22, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM in the Gallipolis City Park to commemorate Lafayette's visit to Gallipolis. Included in this celebration will be a re-creation of General Lafayette's arrival (played by the renowned living historian Michael Halbert) and welcome address, re-enactors in period dress, a flag ceremony, a multi-school band and show choir concert, speeches by Lafayette and other notables, a Masonic apron ceremony, period inspired kids games hosted by Bossard Library and the Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center, the dedication of an Ohio State Historic Marker commemorating Lafayette's visit, and a meet and greet (including photos) with Lafayette and other historic re-enactors. For more information, follow the Facebook page Lafayette200ohio.
Visit the Library to learn more about Lafayette before the May 22 celebration.