East Erie Satellite: Lafayette: Founding Father and American Citizen
In 1824, Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman and military officer who volunteered to join George Washington's Continental Army to fight for American freedom in the Revolutionary War, embarked upon a 13-month journey that covered 6,000 miles across 24 states that stretched into 1825 for what is known as "Lafayette's Farewell Tour." Join historian Richard Arthur, as we celebrate the bicentennial of Lafayette's famed tour. Although not normally considered a "Founder" of the United States, Arthur argues that he was. Can you name another "Founder" who was a soldier, political philosopher, diplomat, and financier? Arthur suggests we see him as such and talk about the long delay before he was extended citizenship.
Location: ECAT: Erie Center for Arts and Technology – 650 East Ave., Ada Lawrence Community Room, Erie, PA 16503
Date/Time: Thursday, May 22, 7-8:30PM
Admission: FREE
*If you do NOT receive a letter from gerlock@jeserie.org within 24-48 hours regarding your registration, please check your spam or junk folder. Thank you!
Richard Jay Arthur, M.A., is a native of Pittsburgh. A 23-year veteran Army
officer, he has a lifelong interest in history with particular focus on the American
Colonial period. He has given talks on the Founding Fathers and the Continental
Army and lectured on the role of Pennsylvanians on the planning and actions of
D-Day, including stories based on interviews with participants. A website features
stories from his Butler County youth at www.butlercountyboyhood.com. He earned his
bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College, and his master’s from George Washington
University. He and his wife, Mary Lou, live in rural Erie County, where they operate
Winter’s End, an environment that supports bees and butterflies.
