Lafayette bicentennial tribute scheduled for September 7 at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
On September 7, the Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House is hosting a special daylong event as part of the final weekend of bicentennial celebrations honouring the Marquis de Lafayette's historic visit to the United States.
Located at 9000 Richmond Highway, the site was originally part of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. The Federal-style mansion at Woodlawn, designed by Dr. William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol, and completed by enslaved people around 1805 for Lawrence Lewis and Eleanor 'Nelly' Custis Lewis, offers a glimpse into the past.
The event, 'Farewell to Lafayette: A Bicentennial Tribute', is organised by the Lafayette Bicentennial Committee and the American Friends of Lafayette. Tickets for the event, which cost $20 for adults and $10 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, can be obtained through the official event website or authorised ticket outlets.
Throughout the day, visitors can explore the 1805 mansion at their own pace during open house tours, available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A specialty presentation titled 'Lafayette at Woodlawn' will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, focusing on Lafayette's visits to the property and his relationships with the Custis and Lewis families.
In addition, a panel discussion called 'Embodying Lafayette' will occur from 1:30 to 3 p.m., featuring historical interpreters Mark Schneider, Michael Halbert, and Benjamin Goldman. The panel discussion will share insights about portraying the marquis during the bicentennial year, followed by a moderated Q&A session.
The site, which became the first public historic property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the 20th century, holds significant historical value. In 1846, the Lewis family sold the property to Northern Quakers who subdivided it for purchase by free Black families and other anti-slavery families. During Lafayette's tour, the site served as a place of refuge and reflection for him as he reconnected with members of the Custis and Washington family.
The event at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House is one of the final events of Lafayette's bicentennial tour. For more information about the event, visit woodlawnpopeleighey.org. Interpreters will also be available to share insights about the site during the open house tours.
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