Alan Hoffman, President of the American Friends of Lafayette, presented a copy of his book, Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825: Journal of a Visit to the United States, to Kevin Smith, Library Director, at the Yorktown Library on October 18, 2023. Originally published in French in 1829 and written by Auguste Levasseur, Lafayette's private secretary, Hoffman's translation is the only unabridged English translation. Levasseur's journal is a day-to-day account of Major General Lafayette's Farewell Tour of all 24 United States in 1824-25. Levasseur describes how the 67-year-old hero of the American Revolution was welcomed and adored by Americans. He also details Lafayette's visits with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and other Founding Fathers and addresses slavery and Native American issues.
On Yorktown Day 2023 the American Friends of Lafayette launched the first of seven virtual travelogues in four states—the Hampton Roads Virginia Travelogue—with TravelStorysGPS. The Hampton Roads Travelogue covers 19 stops that Lafayette made in the Hampton Roads area. The goal is for each of the 175 sites to have a narrated and written presentation accompanied by 4-5 related images. The sites on this exciting, informative, and easily-navigable tour can be visited in person, on your smartphone, or from your home computer. The travelogue displays eight sites in Yorktown and four sites in Williamsburg. The American Friends of Lafayette intends to launch the second of three Virginia tours on Virginia Lafayette Day, March 14, 2024, in Richmond.
Hoffman's book presentation and the launching of the Hampton Roads Virginia Travelogue marks the beginning of a year-long planning period to celebrate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour in 2024-2025. The events are sponsored by the American Friends of Lafayette and its partner groups throughout the 24 states. Among the local partner groups are the Celebrate Yorktown Committee of the Yorktown Foundation and York County.
Hoffman's book is available to checkout at the Yorktown Library or it can be reserved through the library catalog. The book can also be purchased at the Gallery at York Hall on Main Street in Yorktown.
Author Alan Hoffman (right) presents his book to Kevin Smith, Library Director
Photo and information courtesy of William W. Cole