In case you snoozed your way through high school history class (guilty!), Colonial Williamsburg and American Friends of Lafayette will refresh your knowledge of American history with this commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s return to the United States, 40 years after he led troops during the American Revolution.
Festivities kick off this weekend in New York, with historical interpreter Mark Schneider portraying Lafayette and leading the way from Staten Island to Brookfield Place, through Evacuation Day Plaza and down to City Hall. Attendees will take in ceremonial troops, live anthems, flag raising and a viewing of Samuel F. B. Morse's portrait of Lafayette inside City Hall. Events run on August 16 and 17.