Ross County Historical Society’s Spring Speakers Series begins April 27 with a Celebration of Ulysses S. Grant’s 200^th Birthday

The Ross County Historical Society’s 2022 Spring Speakers Series begins Wednesday, April 27, with a program commemorating the 200^th of birthday General Ulysses S. Grant.  Featured will be the country’s foremost portrayer of Grant—acclaimed living historian Dr. Curtis Fields, Jr., of Memphis, Tennessee.  Fields returns for the first time since he played to a full house during the opening of the society’s 2019 Spring Speakers Series.  His presentation then covered Grant’s early life growing up in Georgetown, Ohio, through his exploits as a West Point cadet, service in the Mexican/American War, and life on lonely military outposts.  This time he will address “The Desperate Years” that followed Grant’s resignation from the army in 1854 including several failed business ventures and struggles to earn a living, his reenlistment in the army and quick rise through the ranks at the beginning of the Civil War, and his early victories on the battlefield that set him on a path to higher command and greatness.  Dr. Fields presents a convincing, true-to-life image of Grant as he really appeared and acted.  His first-person presentations are based on Grants actual words—both written and spoken.  The public is invited to participate in an unforgettable evening with General Ulysses S. Grant as only Dr. Curtis Fields can present him.  It also happens that April 27 is Grant’s 200th birthday, so please join the General for a piece of birthday cake following the program!

The program is admission-free and will take place 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ross County Heritage Center, 45 West Fifth Street, Chillicothe.