Dr. John Hamels, Ripley town historian pictured at right, recently unveiled a plaque celebrating the 200th anniversary of General LaFayette, celebrated hero of the American Revolution, entering New York state on June 3, 1825, as part of his farewell tour as “The Nation’s Guest”. Christopher Carosa, author and researcher pictured at left, was the guest speaker and told of the day and the events that unfolded as Lafayette stepped foot in Ripley, which began his New York state segment. Carosa is the author of “History Unleashed: Lafayette’s Remarkable Tour of the Greater Western New York Region”. The plaque is permanently displayed at the Ripley Free Library.