A Rendezvous with The Hermione
Event Begins a 3-Day Celebration of Historic Proportions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Rodini laura@pride2.org 202-669-3065 (cell)
Deborah Berger dbhermionevoyage2015@gmail.com 646-391-0352 (cell)
BALTIMORE, June 18, 2015 – Pride of Baltimore II, America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador, will rendezvous June 19, 2015 with the French hand crafted Hermione, an authentic replica of the 18th century ship the Marquis de Lafayette sailed to the Americas in 1780 with news of full French support for the colonial cause. The ships will meet between Fort McHenry and the Key Bridge as Pride of Baltimore escorts the Hermione to the Inner Harbor. A 10 am welcome ceremony includes remarks by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Deputy Mayor of Baltimore, Colin Tarbert, and from France, Benedict Donnelly, President of L’Association Hermione La Fayette. Opening and closing remarks are by Philip Niedermair, Maryland Chair of Friends of Hermione-Lafayette in America, Inc.
“Recreating such a magnificent and superior frigate with painstaking attention to detail is a feat worthy of the original work of art”, says Paul Raschilla, partner of AKF Group, a sponsor of the Hermione in Baltimore.
The event begins a 3-day celebration featuring deck tours of both ships, public day sails exclusively on Pride, and activities related to #OneBaltimore.
Pride Meets The Hermione: Best Vantage Points
At 7 am on June 19, the ships will meet in the Inner Harbor near the Key Bridge and Fort McHenry. Pride will then escort The Hermione to the Inner Harbor. There will be a salute from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine at 7:30 am as the ships enter the Harbor.
The best vantage points to see the ships under sail as they enter the Inner Harbor will be from:
– Broadway Pier in Fells Point (900 S. Broadway)
– Tide Point (1040 Hull St.,)
– Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, opening at 6:30 am that day (2400 East Fort Ave)
Other vantage points to consider include: The Canton Waterfront Park, The Promenade, Federal Hill and The Baltimore Museum of Industry.
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, including music from Jonathan Jensen. Click here to purchase tickets
– 12 pm – 4 pm: Traveling Exhibit about The Hermione’s reconstruction and Community Events, including colonial craft demonstrations, fife and drum corps, and sing-a-longs on the Pier.
Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Constellation Pier 1 (301 E. Pratt Street) and the West Wall (301 Light Street)
For the rest of the weekend’s events, click here.
About the Marquis de Lafayette
“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 participate 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.”
About Pride of Baltimore
For nearly four decades, the Pride of Baltimore and the Pride of Baltimore II have represented the people of Baltimore, spreading a positive message and extending the hand of friendship throughout the world. 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.
