Jun-2015
Replica ship’s visit spurs many special events
The French frigate Hermione, a replica of the full-rigged ship that brought the Marquis de LaFayette to America in 1780 with promises of assistance for Washington’s army, shown here under full sail in the Bay of Biscay off the western coast of France, will visit Castine for two days this summer, arriving just in time for Bastille Day celebrations on July 14. USED BY PERMISSION: ASSOCIATION HERMIONE-LAFAYETTE-L. BAILLARD
CASTINE — Fittingly on Bastille Day, France’s national holiday on July 14, the replica frigate Hermione is putting into Castine as part of the Castine Historical Society’s “Hermione Voyage to Castine” celebration July 11-15. Complementing the 18th-century-style vessel’s visit is the society’s exhibit “The French Frigate & the British Fort,” which opened Friday, June 12.
In advance of Hermione’s July visit, learn how France’s original frigate brought Lafayette to aid America during the Revolutionary War. The frigate then sailed up the Maine coast to spy on the British garrison at “Magabagaduce,” later Castine. The exhibit can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 11-15.
On July 14, a Bastille Day celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Around 4 p.m. the Hermione, ushered by a parade of boats, is due to put in at Castine Harbor. The vessel departs July 16.
Waterfront entertainment will include Franco-American and Acadian music, dance storytelling, local and Maine food and beverage vendors.
The Castine Historical Society is located on the town common. For more info about the exhibit and a full listing of all Hermione-related special events, www. castinehistoricalsociety.org. To learn more about the replica frigate, visit www.hermione2015.com.