Lafayette: A Reluctant Sailor

Thursday, September 10, 2026 From 6:00 PM To 7:30 PM Add to Calendar 2026-09-10 18:00:00 2026-09-10 19:30:00 Lafayette: A Reluctant Sailor Join us for a special conference with French historian Vincent Bouat-Ferlier celebrating the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, exploring Lafayette’s unexpected maritime journey during the Age of Revolutions. The French Library, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, Massachusetts, United States America/New_York

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In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the French Navy and 250 years of Franco-American friendship, we are delighted to host a special conference with French historian Vincent Bouat-Ferlier on Lafayette’s unexpected maritime journey during the Age of Revolutions.

Often remembered as a soldier and champion of liberty, Lafayette was also deeply shaped by the sea. His transatlantic crossings, notably aboard the frigate Hermione in 1780, were pivotal in securing French support for the American cause and reveal the essential role of naval power in the success of the Revolution. Through this perspective, Vincent Bouat-Ferlier offers a fresh reading of Lafayette’s trajectory, highlighting how maritime networks, strategy, and circulation between France and America were central to his actions.

This conference situates Lafayette’s story within the broader history of the French Navy, founded in 1626 under Cardinal Richelieu, and celebrates four centuries of maritime power shaping global history from the Atlantic to beyond.

The evening will conclude with a Q&A session, followed by a reception.

Members

$18

Members tickets

non-members

$25

Non-members tickets

About Vincent Bouat-Ferlier

Vincent Bouat-Ferlier is Director of the Josée and René de Chambrun Foundation and a General Heritage Curator specializing in the history and legacy of Lafayette and Franco-American relations. A graduate of the École nationale des chartes and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, his work explores the intersections of historical research, museum practice, and transatlantic memory.

He previously served as Director and Head of the Museographic Project at the Musée national de la Marine in Paris, where he led the museum’s major renovation and curated its inaugural exhibition. He has also held positions at the French Ministry of Culture and the National Archives, and regularly collaborates with cultural and academic institutions on exhibitions, publications, and public programs dedicated to the circulation of democratic ideas between France and America.