LEWISTON — The Franco Center will host a special one-day trip to Castine to see a faithful reproduction of La Fayette’s ship, Hermione, on Wednesday, July 15.

The tour bus will leave the Franco Center at 6:45 a.m. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be provided in the Heritage Hall starting at 6 a.m.

The cost is $50 per person. The tour ticket and entertainment are included. The group will return home in the late afternoon. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Franco Center.

In April, 1780, the French Naval Frigate L’Hermione docked in Boston after a fast voyage from France. Its mission was to safely return its single illustrious passenger, the Marquis de La Fayette, to the United States.

As La Fayette traveled to meet General Washington, the ship’s captain was asked to sail to Maine (not yet a state) on a reconnaissance mission to assess the British force occupying the strategic town of Castine.

There will be time to eat lunch at one of the many food venues and to enjoy the several musical entertainers before the half-hour tour of the ship.

Spaces are limited. To reserve and pay for a spot, visit or call the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston or call 207-783-1585, or e-mail [email protected].