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TO AN AUTHOR’S LECTURE AND BOOK SIGNING
BROTHER LAFAYETTE, BY BRO. CHRIS RULI
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2024
TWO O’CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON
ALEXANDRIA – WASHINGTON LODGE GIFT SHOP
GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Event included with Memorial Admission.
Purchase admission in advance at gwmemorial.org.
In 1824, the United States was in the throes of a very contentious national Presidential election. The country was divided and in turmoil. President James Monroe invited the last living American General from the Revolutionary War for a short, three month tour of popular cities as a way to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary and reignite its patriotism. The arrival of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, in New York on August 16, 1824, inspired four days and nights of continuous celebration—a response replicated everywhere he visited. His three-month tour turned into 13 months as he was welcomed by all as the “Nation’s Guest.” Indeed, Lafayette loved America and, without a doubt, Americans everywhere loved him right back! In celebration of the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour, the Alexandria – Washington Lodge, No. 22, Foundation, Inc., is pleased to launch Bro. Chris Ruli’s seminal work, Brother Lafayette.
About the book
The Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824 visit to the United States became the final goodwill tour of his adoptive country. Everywhere Lafayette visited, a tapestry of parades, banquets, concerts, and public honors unfolded, befitting the last surviving major general of the American Revolution. The country’s Freemasons played a pivotal role and embraced Lafayette as a soldier, statesman, and fellow Mason. Brother Lafayette examines the Marquis’ often misunderstood connection to the ancient fraternity and provides the most detailed account, through Masonic records, newspapers, letters, and diaries, of how American Freemasons extended a heartfelt welcome to a fellow brother of the Mystic Tie.
About the author
Chris Ruli is an historian and researcher on early American Freemasonry and its often-overlooked relationship with politics and culture. A former Grand Historian and Librarian, Ruli leads efforts to digitize and disseminate Masonic research and strengthen academic approaches to studying Freemasonry. He is a member of Alexandria – Washington Lodge, No. 22, and supports Lodge preservation activities serving on its Archives Committee.
The Alexandria – Washington Lodge, No. 22, Foundation, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit established to support specific operations of the Lodge and preservation of our museum collection. The Foundation is focused elevating our museum collection to the level of scholarship and care worthy of the many important Washington, Early American, and Masonic artifacts that we possess. It provides an avenue for tax-deductible donations to the Lodge and allows us to apply for grants, demonstrating our willingness to further invest in the health and future of the Lodge.