Exhibition
Lafayette's Visit to New Hampshire
A new exhibition marks the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to New Hampshire and follows the story of this remarkable young aristocrat and his commitment to democracy in America and France. Lafayette's visit was part of a 13-month grand tour of the United States to commemorate the 50th anniversary of American independence. Enormous crowds lined his travel route, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the last surviving Revolutionary War generals. He visited all 24 states and was greeted with parades, speeches, and toasts everywhere he traveled.
The highlight of Lafayette’s visit to New Hampshire was a stop in Concord, where more than 700 people attended a dinner in his honor on the State House lawn, complete with 13 formal toasts, to honor the 13 colonies, innumerable informal toasts, and songs. Stories of meeting Lafayette were handed down from generation to generation. Souvenirs were mass produced to commemorate his trip, and objects touched by the man himself became relics. Some of those relics are on display, such as a wine glass used by Lafayette at the dinner and preserved by Benjamin Pierce. In addition to objects from the Society’s collection related to Lafayette’s visit, the exhibition includes informational panels on loan from the American Friends of Lafayette that provide context on his life, his participation in the American Revolution, and his critical role in securing French support for the patriot cause.
Lafayette's Visit to New Hampshire is on view through March 29, 2026.