Lafayette: The Nations Guest
At Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Tuesday, April 29th 2025
6:00 PM
Event Details
In 1824, Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette began his Grand Tour of the United States, visiting 24 states. On May 4th, 1825 he made his stop in Nashville and was officially welcomed by Andrew Jackson at the Masonic Hall.
Join Corinthian Lodge on Tuesday, April 29th at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and celebrate the 200th anniversary of this momentous occasion with a 6pm reception and lecture from Brother Chris Ruli on the significance of Lafayette’s Grand Tour. His lecture will feature details of Lafayette’s Masonic connections, while remaining accessible to all attendees.
Then, enjoy an exclusive preview of Hermitage’s upcoming exhibit Lafayette: The Nations Guest which which features many items never before displayed to the public, including the apron worn by Brother Jackson along side the Lafayette apron on loan from Corinthian Lodge.
This event is for the benefit of anyone interested in American history, and all are welcome. RSVP now to secure your spot and optionally, purchase a signed copy of Brother Lafayette by Chris Ruli at a special price.*
*Must RSVP by April 21 to pre-purchase book.
Exhibit Preview Event with Lecture from Brother Chris Ruli
About The Hermitage
As the homeplace of the nation’s 7th president, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage exists to preserve, educate and inspire. It is important to tell the story of President Jackson and his era and inspire future generations, all while preserving this 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark.
About the Speaker
Chris Ruli is a historian and researcher on early American Freemasonry. He is the author of The White House & The Freemasons, Brother Lafayette, and other publications that explore the often-overlooked relationship between Freemasonry, politics, economics, and culture. Ruli's work has appeared in academic publications, popular print, television, and digital works including The Washington Post, History Channel, and dozens of history-focused podcasts.
Ruli currently serves as the Assistant Grand Historian of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, S.J. and a Grand Superintendent of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States. He is also involved in the country’s two leading Masonic research institutions – The Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) and the Philalethes Society. He is the editor of SRRS's bulletin, The Plumbline, and associate editor of SRRS's research publication, Heredom. Ruli is a contributing fellow of the Philalethes Society and serves as their Third Vice-President. He is also a contributing member of the Historical Society of Washington D.C.
Professionally, Ruli has a background in statistics and international public health, with a focus on tracking and preventing infectious diseases. He is a graduate of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer – Senegal.