The Lafayette Trail in Maine: A Pine Tree State Story of American Republicanism
This program is part of our series commemorating the Semiquincentennial of the United States of America.
In 1825-26, the last surviving major general of the Revolutionary War Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette toured United States, receiving a hero’s welcome everywhere he went. He visited Maine, in June 2025, greeted with great fanfare everywhere he went. Join us to mark the 200th anniversary of this historic visit (as well as the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution) with Julien Icher, Founder and President of the Lafayette Trail. We'll take an up-close look at the Marquis' grand tour and examine Lafayette's devotion to American Republicanism and how the Tour of 1824-1825 validated his life story as a champion of freedom. A pop-up exhibit featuring pieces from the MHS collection associated with Lafayette’s 1825 visit will also be on display.
About the presenter: Julien Pierre Icher is a French national, Founder, and President of The Lafayette Trail, Inc. He is a graduate of the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, one of the few French Grandes Ecoles. He holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in history and geography, as well as two master's degrees: one in human geography, the other in digital geographies, with a focus on the integration of spatial data in web environments. He is the host and director of Follow The Frenchmen, a YouTube-based not-for-profit web series produced by The Lafayette Trail, Inc. exploring and interpreting the significance of Lafayette’s legacy, in particular the Frenchman’s tour of the U.S. in 1824-1825.
Program begins at 7 p.m. ET. This is an in-person event. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Registration can be completed in advance online and is appreciated to help manage guest numbers. Limited seating for walk-ins will also be available on the day of the program.
Food and drink, and backpacks/large bags are not permitted inside the MHS Exhibit Galleries.
Guests may enter through and check-in in the Museum Store; program will begin at 7 PM ET.
- If you require assistance or have questions, please call 207-774-1822 x 214. However, because in-person guests are our priority, you may need to leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible, but it may not be the same day.
- Limited, metered, on-street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, as are several parking garages including the Arts District Garage.
We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.