The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) kicks off its next monthly meeting on Wednesday October 11 at 7 pm with a talk by Graham Brent, chair of the Philadelphia Lafayette Bicentennial Committee, “The Enduring Legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette: Celebrating the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Triumphant Return to the United States.” Come early for dinner and drinks! The meeting will be held in person at Philly’s Gourmet Steaks, 114 Market Street, and also offered on Zoom.

Next year will mark the 200th anniversary of the return to the United States in 1824 of Major General (Marquis de) Lafayette. Dubbed the “Nation’s Guest” and at the official invitation of President Monroe and Congress, the Revolutionary War hero enjoyed a rapturous reception in all 24 states of the Union during his 13-month tour. Nowhere were the celebrations more elaborate and engaging than during the 16 days he spent in Philadelphia in 1824 and 1825.

Graham will delve into the who, why, what, when and how of the Bicentennial Program being developed by the American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) that will spotlight the landmark achievements of Major General Lafayette in the Revolutionary War as well as his enduring legacy in the areas of civil rights and social justice that has important implications for us all today.

After retiring from careers in journalism and non-profit management, Graham immersed himself in Revolutionary Philadelphia history. A current interest is the return to the city of Major General (Marquis de) Lafayette in 1824 as part of a “hero’s tour” of America proposed by Congress and President James Monroe. A lifetime member and benefactor of the American Friends of Lafayette, he currently serves as Chair of the Philadelphia Lafayette Bicentennial Committee, helping to develop plans to honor Lafayette’s contributions to the establishment of American independence and his lifelong dedication to human rights and social justice. Graham lives near Lafayette Hill in a c.1850 farmhouse with his wife, artist K.C. Miller.

Following the presentation will be a short business meeting and some social time.

APT meetings are open to aspiring and working tour guides as well as anyone with an interest in Philadelphia-focused history. Attend one meeting for free and then it is $50 to join the association for the year or $10 per monthly meeting in-person event. (The 2024 membership drive will open on October 1 with a $40 discounted yearly fee until Dec. 31.) Zoom meetings are free. Please join us for convivial company, good food, fascinating presentations, and lively discussions.

The meeting will also be livestreamed on Zoom. The link will be shared in the APT President’s email the week of the meeting.