Why the Hermione Matters to America
The Hermione isn’t just any ship. Known as the “Freedom Frigate,” this vessel carried the young Marquis de Lafayette across the Atlantic in 1780 with news that would change the course of American history: France was officially joining our fight for independence.
Without Lafayette’s mission aboard the Hermione, the outcome at Yorktown—and American independence itself—might have been very different
© Valerie Toebat, 2015
A Living Monument to Freedom
Today’s Hermione is an exact replica of the original 18th-century frigate, rebuilt from 1997 to 2014 using traditional methods at the historic Rochefort shipyard in France. Over 5 million people witnessed this incredible reconstruction—the most complex wooden structure ever built in modern France. Since 2014, the Hermione has sailed over 22,000 miles, including a triumphant voyage to America in 2015 that celebrated the enduring bond between our nations.
The Crisis Is Real—And Urgent
Since September 2021, the Hermione has been in dry dock in France, undergoing critical hull restoration. The damage is severe due to a fungus infection of the solid wood in the hull, but fixable—if we act now.
The Numbers:
- Total restoration cost: $10 million
- Already secured: $5 million
- Still needed: $5 million
- CRITICAL DEADLINE: $1.5 million needed by September 2025 to resume work
- Goal: Return to sea by 2027
Without this funding, restoration stops, the Hermione dies. The ship that helped create America needs America’s help.
Our Call to Action
We call on:
- Elected officials to recognize the Hermione’s importance to American history
- American and French private citizens who value our common heritage
- Major donors and foundations committed to preserving history
- Veterans’ organizations that honor those who fought for our freedom
- Educational institutions that teach the story of American independence
Time Is Running Out
The Hermione carried Lafayette to America when we needed France most. Now America must answer the call to help preserve this symbol of our shared fight for liberty.
The time to act is NOW. Our heritage depends on it.
We Need $1.5 Million by September
The Bottom Line
The Hermione saved American independence in 1780. We must save the Hermione in 2025.
Join Americans, French citizens, and freedom-lovers worldwide in supporting the Hermione restoration. Together, we can ensure that future generations will see this magnificent vessel and remember the alliance that made American independence possible.
Sign this petition. Contact your representatives. Donate if you can. Share this message.
The Hermione saved American independence. Now we must save the Hermione.
How to Help:
- Corporations: Contact the Hermione-La Fayette organization for partnership opportunities.
- Individuals: Every contribution matters—from $10 to any amount you can afford.
- Politicians: Advocate for grants and official support
- Organizations: Rally your members around this historic cause
Don’t let the ship that helped win American independence sink on our watch.
A similar call for action was published in France and signed by hundreds of personalities and major sponsors. For more information, please contact: domitille@friendsoffdf.org
