MARIETTA, Ohio — The Castle will be presenting 2024 Food History: Vive Lafayette on March 12.

The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. at The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption Social Hall, located at 506 Fourth Street in Marietta, Ohio.

Taste an interpretation of a French dinner inspired by the General Marquis de Lafayette. In August 1824, the acclaimed general returned to the United States for a final tour of the country. He appeared in all 24 states, traveling 6,000 miles in 13 months. Parades, dances, and dinners welcomed him across the country. One of his stops was Marietta.

The featured speaker will be Erin Augenstein, executive director of Campus Martius Museum. She will engage the audience with the story of Lafayette’s monumental tour and the plans for commemorating its 200th anniversary in 2024-25.

The menu reflects both classical French and American cuisine appropriate for the time period of Lafayette’s return visit. There is no record of a meal served to Lafayette during his journey, although he was certainly wined and dined quite often. Included are food connections with Lafayette, such as hams being sent to him from Mount Vernon and a noted record of the “nation’s guest” enjoying ice cream at one of his stops. We have combined this encounter with ice cream with the fact that the French aristocracy was wild about oranges; even growing them at the Palace of Versailles.

For groups of six or more, call 740-373-4180 about the group rate. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. Thursday.

This event is presented in partnership with The Cook Shop in Marietta and is supported by the Arthur and Jeane Edwards Charitable Fund, Marietta Community Foundation.

To learn more or register for the camp or individual sessions, visit mariettacas-tle.org/events.

The Castle, built in 1855, offers a wide array of tours, educational opportunities and programs. Tours are available starting in April with many history-related events throughout the year. Offerings include: local historical mock trials, food history, archaeology, summer camps, school and Scout education, cemetery tours, teas and luncheons, wedding and facility rental and much more.