Dear friends,
Please, come and join us at the Arsenal House (514 W Dominick St, Rome, NY 13440) in Rome, NY, on June 9th, 2025, at 4:30 pm ET for the unveiling of a new Lafayette Trail marker commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette's visit to Rome 200 years prior, on June 9th, 1825.
Lafayette's visit to Rome in 1825 cultivated a powerful historical imagery invoking memories of Lafayette's mediation with the Six Nations during the peace negotiations leading to the Treaty of Fort Stanwix of 1784. With this event, attendees will learn more of Lafayette's mediating skills as well as his public identity among Native peoples.
The event will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and include remarks from the various stakeholders involved in the preparation of this historic occasion, including the current owners of the Arsenal House and local dignitaries. A letter will also be read on behalf of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation during the ceremony. Attendees will have the opportunity to take photos following the completion of the event.
In conformity with the spirit of republican education championed by Lafayette in his time to promote a greater understanding by Americans of the ideals of freedom and democratic equality upon which their nation was founded, this event will be FREE OF CHARGE AND OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
We extend our most sincere appreciation to the Rome Historical Society and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for their support of this celebration. We find comfort in knowing that once installed and dedicated, this monument will tell the story of Lafayette's connection to Rome and educate younger Americans about its meaning, thereby fulfilling Lafayette's political goal of institutionalizing freedom across generations in the United States.
Additionally, the owners of the Arsenal House will be graciously hosting a soirée at their home starting at 7 pm until 10 pm. Although this event will also be free, it will require RSVP, which you can do easily by emailing the following address:
Um9tZWFyc2VuYWwxODEyIHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20=.
Please find below additional information about the soiree and the history of the Arsenal House, directly from the owners!
Please join us for a Soirée to commemorate the bicentennial of General Lafayette's reception at the Rome Arsenal House. The festive occasion will feature speakers, food, live music, and other attractions. Period attire if convenient. 7 to 10 PM, June 9th. 514 W. Dominick Street, Rome NY. The Rome Arsenal House, a National Historic Registry structure, built in the Adam style, is the third oldest Federal Arsenal in America. Built under James Madison’s first war appropriations bill in 1812, strategically on the ancient carry between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, it was the site of the ceremonial ground breaking of the Erie Canal on July 4, 1817 when its cannons marked the occasion and the festive reception of General Lafayette on the evening of June 9, 1825. Commandants in residence included those with close connections to the Revolution, George Washington, West Point, and the Civil War, for which the Arsenal made small arms munitions before it was decommissioned in the 1870s. Rescued from neglect in November of 2023, the Arsenal House has been brought back to its former glory to celebrate the Lafayette Bicentennial.
We hope to see you there!
Thank you!!
Also check out other Music events in Rome, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Rome.
