The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
This May, Northeast Ohio will step back in time to experience a living history event like no other as General and President U.S. Grant, portrayed by acclaimed historian Dr. Curt Fields, visits schools, libraries, and historical sites across the region to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the end of the U.S. Civil War. Starting May 12, 2025, Dr. Fields will bring the remarkable story of U.S. Grant to 10 locations throughout Northeast Ohio as part of a weeklong “Cleveland Campaign.”
Dr. Fields will appear at five local schools during the day and at five evening venues throughout the week. As the premier living historian who portrays Grant, Dr. Fields is renowned within the Civil War community. He will also portray Grant at the U.S. Park Service’s 160th Appomattox anniversary event on April 9. Dr. Fields has visited Cleveland before, speaking at the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable and other local Civil War groups to standing-room-only audiences.
“This visit is special because we are partnering with other organizations to help General Grant reach a broader audience beyond just Civil War enthusiasts,” said Gene Claridge, President of the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable. “We believe the Civil War era of 1850-1876 is one of the most pivotal periods in U.S. history, yet it remains poorly understood by many. U.S. Grant’s role during this time, in particular, is often overlooked.”
Steve Pettyjohn, Roundtable Director, added, “U.S. Grant is one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated figures in American history. Only three individuals have held supreme command in war and gone on to serve two terms as President: George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, and U.S. Grant.” Grant, the commanding general of the Union Army, played a crucial role in winning the Civil War before serving two terms as President, navigating the challenges of Reconstruction and post-war America.
Dr. Fields’ presentations will focus on various aspects of Grant’s life and career. His school presentations, titled “Meet U.S. Grant,” will offer an overview of his life and the many challenges he overcame. The Roundtable is particularly excited that Dr. Fields will speak to over 1,000 local students across five schools: Lutheran West in Rocky River, Langston Middle School in Oberlin, Lee Burneson Middle School in Westlake, Strongsville Middle School, and Fremont Middle School. These school appearances are co-sponsored by the Roundtable and various local organizations, including the Westlake/Bay Village Rotary, Oberlin History Center, and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center.
The evening programs will focus on more specific aspects of Grant’s legacy. On Monday, May 12, Dr. Fields will present “General Grant’s Appomattox Campaign” at Westlake Porter Library at 7:00 p.m. He will repeat the program at the main branch of the Lorain County Library on Tuesday, May 13, at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Fields will appear again at the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable meeting on Wednesday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. (Holiday Inn, Independence) to discuss the chaotic period following Appomattox and the assassination of President Lincoln. On Thursday, May 15, General Grant will appear at the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center for “An Evening with U.S. Grant” at 6:30 p.m., where attendees can learn highlights of his career and ask questions. Finally, on Friday, May 16, President Grant will visit the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Museum and Library at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss his challenging presidency and engage in a discussion with President Hayes (portrayed by local historian Paolo DeMaria).
These evening events are co-sponsored by the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable, Porter and Lorain Libraries, the Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland History Center, and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum.
Registration Information:
To attend one of the evening events, interested individuals should contact the respective co-sponsors for further details on how to register or reserve a seat:
- Westlake Porter Library (Monday, May 12, 7:00 p.m.): Phone 440-871-2600
- Lorain County Public Library Main Branch (Tuesday, May 13, 6:00 p.m.): Phone 440-244-1192
- Cleveland Civil War Roundtable (Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.): Website: www.clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com or email ccwrtreserve@gmail.com
- Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland History Center (Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m.): Phone 216-721-5722
- Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum (Friday, May 16, 6:00 p.m.): Phone 419-332-2081
Seats are limited for this rare opportunity to interact with one of America’s most pivotal historical figures. Be sure to reserve your spot and join us in commemorating this landmark anniversary.
