Upcoming Events

2026 Events

June 2, 2026 Dinner, 6:00 pm

(Note early start time.)

National Arts Club

15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003

Speaker Chuck Schwam

Executive Director

American Friends of Lafayette

The American Friends of Lafayette is an historical and patriotic society dedicated to the memory of Major General Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette and to the study of his life and times in America and France.

The Society was founded by Stuart Wells Jackson, a leading Lafayette collector, who enlisted the valuable support of Judge Walter P. Gardner, also a possessor of an important Lafayette collection. With eleven other enthusiastic admirers of General the Marquis de Lafayette, they formed The American Friends of Lafayette on May 20, 1932 at Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania. One of the greatest colleges in America, this distinguished institution is the depository of The American Friends of Lafayette historical documents and memorabilia. It consists of more than 2,000 catalogued items-books, pamphlets, articles, manuscripts, engravings, prints, and scores of other memorabilia. 

Chuck Schwam notes that England would have won the war had it not been for the French. Without the Marquis ginning up interest in the American Revolution on his home turf, the French would never have offered their help. Lafayette was so enamored with the colonist’s struggle for independence that he was determined to offer the colonies a hand. But the American Continental Congress was out of money, so he personally bankrolled his transatlantic voyage, paying £112,000 in 1777—over £2 million today for his own vessel, La Victoire.

He served as a major general, commanded troops at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, and crossed the ocean several times before sailing back to lead troops against British General Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, ending the war and securing American independence.

Silent Auction

Thanks to this generous gift from member Caroline Lareuse, we will be offering a print of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by John Trumbull. The proceeds will be used for our scholarship endeavors. If unable to attend the dinner, you may also make a bid online by emailing your proposed offer to parisamericanclub@gmail.com before June 2nd.

Photo of 11 x 15″ print.

I would like to place a bid of $ ___ for the print. Name: ___

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July 16, 2026, 6:00 pm

Post-Bastille Sail

Classic Harbor Line, 62 Chelsea Piers Manhattan, New York

Enjoy a Post-Bastille night out with members and friends, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the city from a different point of view. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, great music, stunning views, and wonderful photo opportunities!

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Tentative Calendar of Meetings 2026 (As of 5/20/26)