September 24, 2024–June 1, 2025
Celebrate one of America’s first celebrities with Winterthur Museum’s latest exhibition, On Tour: Lafayette, America’s Revolutionary Rock Star. Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824–25 “Farewell Tour” of the United States, the exhibition explores Lafayette’s incredible impact on the young nation through a fascinating selection of Winterthur memorabilia and objects honoring the Revolutionary War hero.
This small exhibition officially opens September 24, 2024, with a special event on September 29 in collaboration with People to People of Delaware, an organization dedicated to enhancing international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities. The day will feature interactive activities that celebrate Lafayette’s enduring legacy and the deep bonds of friendship he forged between the U.S. and France.
Lafayette: A Revolutionary Icon
At just 19 years old, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier—known to history as the Marquis de Lafayette—left his home in France to fight for American independence. He played a pivotal role in key battles, such as the Battle of Brandywine (1777) and the decisive Battle of Yorktown (1781), where his leadership helped secure victory for the colonies. A close confidant of George Washington, Lafayette came to be seen not just as a military hero but as a symbol of the revolutionary spirit.
The Farewell Tour: A National Sensation
By the time Lafayette returned to the United States in 1824, he was hailed as a national treasure. His “Farewell Tour” took him across the country, where he was celebrated by people of every background, class, and community. To commemorate his visit, Americans produced an array of souvenir items, from buttons and medallions to handkerchiefs and ceramics. These and other objects are featured in Winterthur’s exhibition.
A Legacy Preserved at Winterthur
Winterthur founder Henry Francis du Pont, a passionate collector of Americana, amassed an extensive collection of objects related to Lafayette. Winterthur’s items related to Lafayette are surpassed only by the number of items related to George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Visitors to On Tour: Lafayette, America’s Revolutionary Rock Star will have the rare opportunity to see these cherished pieces up close and explore the fascinating intersection of history, patriotism, and popular culture.
ABOUT WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture— offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year.
Winterthur is located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and five miles south of U.S. Route 1. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org.