"Esteem, Admiration, and Love" The Marquis de Lafayette: Free Washington’s Generals Lecture Series on June 20, 2026

On June 20, 2026, Cait Clark will talk about the exploits of the Marquis de Lafayette, a young man who joined Washington’s staff as a major general at age 19.

Lafayette would become something akin to an adopted son to Washington, supporting the commander through the trials of Valley Forge and Arnold’s betrayal in 1780. After the American Revolution, Lafayette would return home to France, where he would face off against Napoleon Bonaparte, a man trying to turn France’s own revolution into his personal empire.

The program will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 2:00 p.m. in the Lowell Thomas Meeting Room at the Garst Museum. It will be presented by Administrative Director Cait Clark.

The Washington’s Generals Speaker Series is free. Regular museum admission applies to those who wish to tour the museum.