FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Rodini laura@pride2.org 202-669-3065 (cell)
BALTIMORE, May 29, 2015 – Pride of Baltimore II, America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador, will host an event of international proportions on Friday, June 19, 2015 as Pride makes rendezvous with the French-built Hermione, a replica of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 18th century ship. Captains of both vessels will meet near the Key Bridge as Pride escorts the Hermione to the Inner Harbor. A limited number of media will be allowed on board Pride for this historic escort; please RSVP to Laura Rodini at laura@pride2.org.
“Lafayette’s incredible story underlies the strong bond the United States has with France,” says Rick Scott, Executive Director, Pride of Baltimore, Inc. Lafayette was just 19 years old when he volunteered to fight for the American Revolution. It was because of him that the King of France sent 5,000 soldiers and six ships to aid in the battle, and, eventually, help defeat the British. Scott adds, “We are proud to partake in the Hermione’s historic voyage and to welcome her with open arms to Baltimore, a city itself that is deeply rooted in American history.”
Pride Meets Hermione
On April 18, 2015, Hermione departed from France on a two-month ‘Re-Living History’ sail to commemorate the voyage that brought a young Marquis de Lafayette to aid General George Washington. The Hermione is sailing 3,819 miles across the Atlantic and will make landfall in Yorktown, Virginia on June 5th. She will then sail up the coast for two months of commemorative events at 11 additional iconic ports, including Alexandria/Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Greenport, Newport and Boston.
Capstone moments of Hermione’s June 19th arrival in Baltimore include a cannon salute from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine upon arrival and a Welcome Ceremony, which will take place at 10 am in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Deck tours of the Hermione and a Photographic Traveling Exhibit commemorating the 17-year reconstruction process will be offered from Friday June 19 through Sunday, June 21. Pride of Baltimore II will also offer free deck tours from Friday, June 19-Sunday, June 21. In addition, Pride will offer 2-hour public day sails from 2-4pm each day and can be chartered for evening sails Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To make reservations or to book a private charter for a group of up to 33 passengers, visit www.pride2.org or call 410-539-1151.
The complete Schedule of Events is as follows:
Friday, June 19, 2015
– 10 am – 12pm Welcome Ceremony with French and American officials
– 12 pm – 4pm: Public Tours of the Hermione
– 12 pm – 1pm: Public Tours of Pride
– 2 pm – 4 pm: Pride Public Sail
– 12 pm – 4 pm: Traveling Exhibit and Community Events on the Pier
o Traveling Exhibit
A photographic panel display of Lafayette’s role in the American Revolution and the Hermione’s reconstruction.
o Community Heritage events:
Historic shipbuilding and colonial crafts demonstrations. Maryland regiments and fife and drum corps. Lafayette reenactments. 3 afternoon interlude concerts by Rochefort’s Les Vents Marines: French and American seafaring songs from the American Revolution to today with public sing-a-longs.
Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Constellation Pier 1
Saturday, June 20, 2015
– 9 am – 4pm: Public Tours of the Hermione
– 9 am – 1 pm: Public Tours of Pride
– 2 pm – 4 pm: Pride Public Sail
– 9 am – 7 pm: Traveling Exhibit and Community Events on the Pier
o Traveling Exhibit
A photographic panel display of Lafayette’s role in the American Revolution and the Hermione’s reconstruction.
o Community Heritage events:
Historic shipbuilding and colonial crafts demonstrations. Maryland regiments and fife and drum corps. Lafayette reenactments. 3 afternoon interlude concerts by Rochefort’s Les Vents Marines: French and American seafaring songs from the American Revolution to today with public sing-a-longs.
Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Constellation Pier 1
Sunday, June 21, 2015
– 9 am – 4pm: Public Tours of the Hermione
– 9 am – 1pm: Public Tours of Pride
– 2 pm – 4pm: Pride Public Sail
– 9 am – 7 pm: Traveling Exhibit and Community Events on the Pier
o Traveling Exhibit
A photographic panel display of Lafayette’s role in the American Revolution and the Hermione’s reconstruction.
o Community Heritage events:
Historic shipbuilding and colonial crafts demonstrations. Maryland regiments and fife and drum corps. Lafayette reenactments. 3 afternoon interlude concerts by Rochefort’s Les Vents Marines: French and American seafaring songs from the American Revolution to today with public sing-a-longs.
Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Constellation Pier 1
About Pride of Baltimore
For nearly four decades, Pride of Baltimore and Pride of Baltimore II have represented the people of Baltimore in ports throughout the world, spreading a positive message of Baltimore and extending the hand of friendship globally. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has traveled more than 250,000 nautical miles and visited 40 countries in 200 ports. Pride II has become one of the most well-known U.S. sailing vessels in the world, capturing the imagination of millions of people.
For more information, contact Laura Rodini at laura@pride2.org or call 202-669-3065.
About the Friends of Hermione-Lafayette in America, Inc.
In 2015, a handcrafted replica of the Hermione, the 18th century frigate that brought the young Marquis de Lafayette with French troops back to General Washington, a historic voyage that changed the course in our quest for independence – will return to America. The Hermione’s itinerary reaffirms the historic relationship between the United States and France. The Friends of Lafayette-Hermione in America, Inc., a non-profit group, supports this exciting adventure – partnering alongside local heritage and nautical groups, students and teachers K-through-12, and many cultural organizations, museums and universities – with a full program of exciting educational, musical, culinary and special events scheduled at each port during 2015.
For More information, contact Deborah Berger at Deborah@purepr.biz or call 646-391-0352.
