Ulysses S. Grant’s May 2025 Visit to Northeast Ohio
For the May 2025 meeting of the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable, Dr. Curt Fields appeared in character as Ulysses S. Grant. Dr. Fields is the preeminent Ulysses Grant Living Historian. As part of Dr. Fields’ five-day visit to Northeast Ohio, he was the speaker at the Roundtable’s May 2025 meeting. During his visit, Dr. Fields, as Ulysses Grant, also gave presentations at the Westlake Porter Public Library, the Lorain Public Library, the Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society, and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums. Dr. Fields also appeared as Ulysses Grant at six schools in Northeast Ohio, where he spoke to over 1,600 students. Below are some photographs from the May 2025 Roundtable meeting. Because the election of officers for the 2025-2026 season took place at this meeting, some of the photographs pertain to that election. Dr. Fields, as Ulysses Grant, also visited the Roundtable in October 2023.
The photographs on this web page were taken by Jose Esparza. The Roundtable thanks Jose for providing these excellent photographs, which beautifully preserve Ulysses Grant’s May 2025 visit to Northeast Ohio.
The stage is set for Ulysses S. Grant.
Ulysses Grant speaking to the audience
Ulysses Grant making a point about the Appomattox Campaign
Ulysses S. Grant with President Abraham Lincoln
Union soldier Joey Sorace being acknowledged by Ulysses Grant
Ulysses Grant acknowledging the applause of the audience
Ulysses Grant acknowledging the applause of the audience as Roundtable President Gene Claridge presents a plaque to him
Ulysses Grant receiving appreciation gifts from Gene Claridge: a flag that flew over the Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and a pack of cigars
Incoming Roundtable President Charles Patton thanking outgoing President Gene Claridge for his outstanding presidency
Incoming President Charles Patton presenting a sword to Gene Claridge in appreciation for all that Gene did as president, while past presidents of the Roundtable are onstage for the presentation
Incoming President Charles Patton and outgoing President Gene Claridge with the sword that Charles presented to Gene
Gene Claridge with his sword
Gene Claridge at the podium with the officers for the 2025-2026 Roundtable season: Dan Ursu (historian), Charles Patton (president), John Syroney (vice president), Gary Taylor (treasurer), Rich Gilmore (secretary), Dave Carrino (director) Rich Hronek (director), and Steve Pettyjohn (director) (left to right)
