
ABOUT THE EVENT
Phoenixville Public Library will host a first-person portrayal of Ulysses S. Grant, “The Life of Ulysses S. Grant: Myths and Misunderstandings”, on Monday, April 23 at 7:00 PM. Professional living historian Kenneth J. Serfass portrays Grant, the U.S. president and general who died as one of the most beloved and respected men of the Victorian age. However, he is now regarded by many as a hard-drinking ‘butcher’ who had little regard for human life or respect for his enemies. Ken’s portrayal of General Grant seeks to restore his reputation by helping attendees understand the Victorian era mindset and offering insight “straight from the horse’s mouth”. Serfass contends that tenacity, respect, humility, patriotism and many other values characterized Grant’s true nature as a loving family man and regular man of the people.
Gunnery Sgt Kenneth J. Serfass is a native of Bethlehem, PA. He joined the USMC in 1984, and his final tour was with the First Marine Division Band during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired from the Marine Corps in 2004 to become a music teacher. Ken is now a first-person impressionist with over forty years of study of his self-avowed childhood hero, US Grant. Ken has been appearing publicly as General Grant since 2009. He has visited many areas of Grant’s military campaigns across the South. He presents the general in as many venues as are relevant to the life of US Grant, from horseback rides and railroad excursions to various living history and roundtable events on a regular basis across many eastern and southern states, as well as southern California. It is with a profound honor that Ken tells the story of one of America’s greatest military leaders, and he takes it very seriously to reaffirm Grant’s place of honor among the most respected people of our nation’s history. Ken’s passion for the subject is evident in his presentation, and it is hard not to be affected by his enthusiasm for his subject and believe that you’ve met US Grant in living history.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 x132. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA.