On Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 PM, please join us in welcoming Noel Poirier, current Executive Director of the Ohio Genealogical Society, as he presents the amazing life story of the Marquis de Lafayette.
Mr. Poirier will discuss Lafayette's family, his early years, his military training and service in the Revolutionary War, his relationship with General George Washington, and his farewell tour of the United States in 1825, of which Gallipolis was one of his stops.
Mr. Poirier will also discuss what it was like to portray the Revolutionary War hero for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
A question and answer session will follow Mr. Poirier's presentation.
In the past, Mr. Poirier has worked for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation where he served as the Historic Trades liaison to the John D. Rockefeller Library; two living historical farms in Pennsylvania, Historical Bethlehem Partnership and the National Watch and Clock Museum, Library, and Research Center, housing the largest horological collection in the world. Just prior to coming to the Ohio Genealogical Society, Mr. Poirier was the Executive Director of the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Mr. Poirier has also published more than 20 works, including the book, Young General Lafayette.
This presentation is in conjunction with the Lafayette 200 Celebration, commemorating Lafayette's stop in Gallipolis on his farewell tour of the United States in 1825. Included in the celebration will be the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette and various dignitaries to Gallipolis on a 19th century replica sternwheeler; a recreation of Lafayette's speech given on this day in 1825; a cannon salute and flag ceremony; performances by local school bands and choirs; speeches by Governor DeWine, Executive Director of the American Friends of Lafayette Chuck Schwam, and Michael Halbert as General Lafayette; the unveiling of the Lafayette historical marker; period games for kids; numerous re-enactors; and a meet and greet with General Lafayette.
The celebration will be held at the Gallipolis City Park from 12:00 -- 3:00 PM on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Please follow their Facebook page for up-to-date information on celebration activities.