Posts Tagged ‘Ken Serfass’

Opening Weekend 2022 • Grant’s 200th Birthday Celebration

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

Gen. Grant Will Be On Site Friday and Saturday May 6-7, 2022
Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday Party on Friday Evening, May 6
Those in attendance will help present Gen. Grant with a Birthday Cake
New Artifacts and Interactive exhibit for 2022

 

The Lincoln Depot Museum is excited to announce the start of the 2022 season with a Special Opening Weekend event on May 6, 7 and 8, 2022.

Ken Serfass, professional living history impressionist, will be on site Friday evening and all day Saturday. On Friday evening, Gen. Grant will make a presentation to the public with the evening culminating with the members of the Lincoln Depot Museum acknowledging Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday with a special cake and celebration. Members of the public in attendance presentation will be encouraged to participate.

Weekend Admission:

A one-time weekend admission fee will be $10.00 per person, free to children 12 and under as well as members of the museum. Admission includes access to all three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on site and entry to the museum.

Tickets are obtained at the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center before entering the site. Doors open 7 PM Friday and 11 AM Saturday. Normal operating hours of 1-4 PM will be in effect on Sunday.

Friday, May 6th Program (7 PM)

In early April of 1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee agreed to meet with Grant in the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia in the home of Wilmer McClean. Here, the two leading generals would discuss terms of surrender of that portion of the Confederate States Army, known as The Army Of Northern Virginia.  An exchange of letters led to a face-to-face meeting between General Lee and General Grant, which influenced further surrenders and the outbreak of peace by the end of May that year.

Ken Serfass, as General Grant, will discuss some of the finer details of the meeting which led Robert E. Lee to surrender his army, ending the fighting in Virginia during the civil war. US Grant will be sharing some of the inner workings that lead to this momentous day, along with notable anecdotes from the meeting and aftermath.

Saturday Program with Gen. Grant and Civil War era Military Reenactors (11 AM)

General Ulysses S. Grant will not be the only weekend feature. Also part of the ‘living history weekend’ will be military reenactors of various local civil war units. A Civil War era military encampment will be constructed, and General Grant will be available to answer questions from the public and will close the day with a formal review of the troops. All living history activity will be held outdoors on the museum grounds.

The outdoor living history activity will begin at 11 AM on Saturday with the doors of the museum opening at 1 PM. Entry to the site is through the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center.

Continuing for 2022:

A new exhibit entitled “Women and Children of the Civil War, from Patriotism to Combat” will be unveiled that contains numerous artifacts showing the life and influence of women and children during the American Civil War era. Artifacts will include vintage photos and games of the period.

The Lincoln Depot Museum is also looking forward to introducing its new Children’s Interactive Zone (“the Zone”).  This was made possible by a generous donation from The Rotary Club of Peekskill. The Zone will be a place to engage and entertain our child guests.  In the Zone, children will be able to play Civil War era games like dominos, try on period costumes such as a Union Officer’s uniform, and read books about President Lincoln, the Civil War and trains.  Children will also be able to entertain themselves by playing with our beautiful train table and toy trains, all while staying in the waiting room of a historic train depot!

More Events Planned Throughout the Year

The Lincoln Depot Museum is planning additional events for 2022. There will be a series of outstanding presentations, lectures, and events throughout the season. More details on these and other upcoming events will be published soon.

The 2022 season for the Lincoln Depot Museum will run from SFriday, May 6th to Sunday, November 5. The museum will be open every Saturday and Sunday, excluding holidays, from 1-4 PM. For further information, visit the museum website at lincolndepotmuseum.org, call at 914-402-4318 or email lincolndepotfdn@gmail.com. The Lincoln Depot Museum is located at 10 S. Water Street in Peekskill, NY.

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Lincoln Depot Museum 2022 Opening Weekend

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

Gen. Grant Will Be On Site Friday and Saturday May 6-7, 2022
Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday Party on Friday Evening, May 6
Those in attendance will help present Gen. Grant with a Birthday Cake
New Artifacts and Interactive exhibit for 2022

The Lincoln Depot Museum is excited to announce the start of the 2022 season with a
Special Opening Weekend event on May 6, 7 and 8, 2022.

Ken Serfass, professional living history impressionist, will be on site Friday evening and all day Saturday. On Friday evening, Gen. Grant will make a presentation to the public with the evening culminating with the members of the Lincoln Depot Museum acknowledging Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday with a special cake and celebration. Members of the public in attendance presentation will be encouraged to participate.

Weekend Admission:

A one-time weekend admission fee will be $10.00 per person, free to children 12 and under as well as members of the museum. Admission includes access to all three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on site and entry to the museum.

Tickets are obtained at the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center before entering the site. Doors open 7 PM Friday and 11 AM Saturday. Normal operating hours of 1-4 PM will be in effect on Sunday.

Friday, May 6th Program (7 PM)

In early April of 1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee agreed to meet with Grant in the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia in the home of Wilmer McClean. Here, the two leading generals would discuss terms of surrender of that portion of the Confederate States Army, known as The Army Of Northern Virginia.  An exchange of letters led to a face-to-face meeting between General Lee and General Grant, which influenced further surrenders and the outbreak of peace by the end of May that year.

Ken Serfass, as General Grant, will discuss some of the finer details of the meeting which led Robert E. Lee to surrender his army, ending the fighting in Virginia during the civil war. US Grant will be sharing some of the inner workings that lead to this momentous day, along with notable anecdotes from the meeting and aftermath.

Saturday Program with Gen. Grant and Civil War era Military Reenactors (11 AM)

General Ulysses S. Grant will not be the only weekend feature. Also part of the ‘living history weekend’ will be military reenactors of various local civil war units. A Civil War era military encampment will be constructed, and General Grant will be available to answer questions from the public and will close the day with a formal review of the troops. All living history activity will be held outdoors on the museum grounds.

The outdoor living history activity will begin at 11 AM on Saturday with the doors of the museum opening at 1 PM. Entry to the site is through the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center.

Continuing for 2022:

A new exhibit entitled “Women and Children of the Civil War, from Patriotism to Combat” will be unveiled that contains numerous artifacts showing the life and influence of women and children during the American Civil War era. Artifacts will include vintage photos and games of the period.The Lincoln Depot Museum is also looking forward to introducing its new Children’s Interactive Zone (“the Zone”).  This was made possible by a generous donation from The Rotary Club of Peekskill. The Zone will be a place to engage and entertain our child guests.  In the Zone, children will be able to play Civil War era games like dominos, try on period costumes such as a Union Officer’s uniform, and read books about President Lincoln, the Civil War and trains.  Children will also be able to entertain themselves by playing with our beautiful train table and toy trains, all while staying in the waiting room of a historic train depot!

More Events Planned Throughout the Year

The Lincoln Depot Museum is planning additional events for 2022. There will be a series of outstanding presentations, lectures, and events throughout the season. More details on these and other upcoming events will be published soon.

The 2022 season for the Lincoln Depot Museum will run from Friday, May 6th to Sunday, November 5. The museum will be open every Saturday and Sunday, excluding holidays, from 1-4 PM. For further information, visit the museum website at lincolndepotmuseum.org, call at 914-402-4318 or email lincolndepotfdn@gmail.com. The Lincoln Depot Museum is located at 10 S. Water Street in Peekskill, NY.

 

Lincoln Depot Museum 2022 Opening Weekend

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

Gen. Grant Will Be On Site Friday and Saturday May 6-7, 2022
Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday Party on Friday Evening, May 6
Those in attendance will help present Gen. Grant with a Birthday Cake
New Artifacts and Interactive exhibit for 2022

The Lincoln Depot Museum is excited to announce the start of the 2022 season with a
Special Opening Weekend event on May 6, 7 and 8, 2022.

Ken Serfass, professional living history impressionist, will be on site Friday evening and all day Saturday. On Friday evening, Gen. Grant will make a presentation to the public with the evening culminating with the members of the Lincoln Depot Museum acknowledging Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday with a special cake and celebration. Members of the public in attendance presentation will be encouraged to participate.

Weekend Admission:

A one-time weekend admission fee will be $10.00 per person, free to children 12 and under as well as members of the museum. Admission includes access to all three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on site and entry to the museum.

Tickets are obtained at the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center before entering the site. Doors open 7 PM Friday and 11 AM Saturday. Normal operating hours of 1-4 PM will be in effect on Sunday.

Friday, May 6th Program (7 PM)

In early April of 1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee agreed to meet with Grant in the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia in the home of Wilmer McClean. Here, the two leading generals would discuss terms of surrender of that portion of the Confederate States Army, known as The Army Of Northern Virginia.  An exchange of letters led to a face-to-face meeting between General Lee and General Grant, which influenced further surrenders and the outbreak of peace by the end of May that year.

Ken Serfass, as General Grant, will discuss some of the finer details of the meeting which led Robert E. Lee to surrender his army, ending the fighting in Virginia during the civil war. US Grant will be sharing some of the inner workings that lead to this momentous day, along with notable anecdotes from the meeting and aftermath.

Saturday Program with Gen. Grant and Civil War era Military Reenactors (11 AM)

General Ulysses S. Grant will not be the only weekend feature. Also part of the ‘living history weekend’ will be military reenactors of various local civil war units. A Civil War era military encampment will be constructed, and General Grant will be available to answer questions from the public and will close the day with a formal review of the troops. All living history activity will be held outdoors on the museum grounds.

The outdoor living history activity will begin at 11 AM on Saturday with the doors of the museum opening at 1 PM. Entry to the site is through the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center.

Continuing for 2022:

A new exhibit entitled “Women and Children of the Civil War, from Patriotism to Combat” will be unveiled that contains numerous artifacts showing the life and influence of women and children during the American Civil War era. Artifacts will include vintage photos and games of the period.The Lincoln Depot Museum is also looking forward to introducing its new Children’s Interactive Zone (“the Zone”).  This was made possible by a generous donation from The Rotary Club of Peekskill. The Zone will be a place to engage and entertain our child guests.  In the Zone, children will be able to play Civil War era games like dominos, try on period costumes such as a Union Officer’s uniform, and read books about President Lincoln, the Civil War and trains.  Children will also be able to entertain themselves by playing with our beautiful train table and toy trains, all while staying in the waiting room of a historic train depot!

More Events Planned Throughout the Year

The Lincoln Depot Museum is planning additional events for 2022. There will be a series of outstanding presentations, lectures, and events throughout the season. More details on these and other upcoming events will be published soon.

The 2022 season for the Lincoln Depot Museum will run from Friday, May 6th to Sunday, November 5. The museum will be open every Saturday and Sunday, excluding holidays, from 1-4 PM. For further information, visit the museum website at lincolndepotmuseum.org, call at 914-402-4318 or email lincolndepotfdn@gmail.com. The Lincoln Depot Museum is located at 10 S. Water Street in Peekskill, NY.

 

Lincoln Depot Museum 2022 Opening Weekend

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

Gen. Grant Will Be On Site Friday and Saturday May 6-7, 2022
Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday Party on Friday Evening, May 6
Those in attendance will help present Gen. Grant with a Birthday Cake
New Artifacts and Interactive exhibit for 2022

 

The Lincoln Depot Museum is excited to announce the start of the 2022 season with a Special Opening Weekend event on May 6, 7 and 8, 2022.

Ken Serfass, professional living history impressionist, will be on site Friday evening and all day Saturday. On Friday evening, Gen. Grant will make a presentation to the public with the evening culminating with the members of the Lincoln Depot Museum acknowledging Ulysses S. Grant’s 200th Birthday with a special cake and celebration. Members of the public in attendance presentation will be encouraged to participate.

Weekend Admission:

A one-time weekend admission fee will be $10.00 per person, free to children 12 and under as well as members of the museum. Admission includes access to all three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on site and entry to the museum.

Tickets are obtained at the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center before entering the site. Doors open 7 PM Friday and 11 AM Saturday. Normal operating hours of 1-4 PM will be in effect on Sunday.

Friday, May 6th Program (7 PM)

In early April of 1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee agreed to meet with Grant in the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia in the home of Wilmer McClean. Here, the two leading generals would discuss terms of surrender of that portion of the Confederate States Army, known as The Army Of Northern Virginia.  An exchange of letters led to a face-to-face meeting between General Lee and General Grant, which influenced further surrenders and the outbreak of peace by the end of May that year.

Ken Serfass, as General Grant, will discuss some of the finer details of the meeting which led Robert E. Lee to surrender his army, ending the fighting in Virginia during the civil war. US Grant will be sharing some of the inner workings that lead to this momentous day, along with notable anecdotes from the meeting and aftermath.

Saturday Program with Gen. Grant and Civil War era Military Reenactors (11 AM)

General Ulysses S. Grant will not be the only weekend feature. Also part of the ‘living history weekend’ will be military reenactors of various local civil war units. A Civil War era military encampment will be constructed, and General Grant will be available to answer questions from the public and will close the day with a formal review of the troops. All living history activity will be held outdoors on the museum grounds.

The outdoor living history activity will begin at 11 AM on Saturday with the doors of the museum opening at 1 PM. Entry to the site is through the Lincoln Depot Museum Visitor’s Center.

Continuing for 2022:

A new exhibit entitled “Women and Children of the Civil War, from Patriotism to Combat” will be unveiled that contains numerous artifacts showing the life and influence of women and children during the American Civil War era. Artifacts will include vintage photos and games of the period.The Lincoln Depot Museum is also looking forward to introducing its new Children’s Interactive Zone (“the Zone”).  This was made possible by a generous donation from The Rotary Club of Peekskill. The Zone will be a place to engage and entertain our child guests.  In the Zone, children will be able to play Civil War era games like dominos, try on period costumes such as a Union Officer’s uniform, and read books about President Lincoln, the Civil War and trains.  Children will also be able to entertain themselves by playing with our beautiful train table and toy trains, all while staying in the waiting room of a historic train depot!

More Events Planned Throughout the Year

The Lincoln Depot Museum is planning additional events for 2022. There will be a series of outstanding presentations, lectures, and events throughout the season. More details on these and other upcoming events will be published soon.

The 2022 season for the Lincoln Depot Museum will run from Friday, May 6th to Sunday, November 5. The museum will be open every Saturday and Sunday, excluding holidays, from 1-4 PM. For further information, visit the museum website at lincolndepotmuseum.org, call at 914-402-4318 or email lincolndepotfdn@gmail.com. The Lincoln Depot Museum is located at 10 S. Water Street in Peekskill, NY.

 

Opening Weekend 2021 – Grant Returns, New Exhibit

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

Lincoln Depot Museum 2021 Opening Weekend

New Exhibit: “Women and Children of the Civil War, from Patriotism to Combat”
Special Weekend Guest General Ulysses S. Grant will be on site

For Immediate Release
Friday, April 23, 2021
Contact: John G. Testa, Board President, at 914-760-9773

The Lincoln Depot Museum is excited to announce the start of the 2021 season with an Opening Weekend event on May 1st and 2nd, 2021.

After not being open to the public in 2020 due to the global pandemic, the board of directors are pleased to be able to once again welcome members of the public to the award-winning museum and Visitor’s Center. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed, including requiring masks and social distancing.

New for 2021:
A new exhibit entitled “Women and Children of the Civil War, from Patriotism to Combat” will be unveiled that contains numerous artifacts showing the life and influence of women and children during the American Civil War era. Artifacts will include vintage photos and games of the period.
The Lincoln Depot Museum is also looking forward to launching its new Children’s Interactive Zone (“the Zone”). This was made possible by a generous donation from The Rotary Club of Peekskill. The Zone will be a place to engage and entertain our child guests. In the Zone, children will be able to play Civil War era games like dominos, try on period costumes such as a Union Officer’s uniform, and read books about President Lincoln, the Civil War and trains. Children will also be able to entertain themselves by playing with our beautiful train table and toy trains, all while staying in the waiting room of a historic train depot! The Lincoln Depot Museum is looking forward to making the Zone available to children as soon as Pandemic conditions allow.

Special Weekend Guest:
General Ulysses S. Grant will be the weekend guest of the museum. Back by popular demand, Ken Serfass as General Grant will be on hand as part of a living history weekend that will have military reenactors of various local civil war units. General Grant will be available to answer questions from the public and will close each day with a formal review of the troops. All living history activity will be held outdoors on the museum grounds.

The doors of the museum and Visitor’s Center will open at 1 PM each day. Admission will be $10.00 per person with children 12 and under and museum members free.

Lincoln Depot Museum Opening Weekend

Friday, April 19th, 2019

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  • 3 days of events, presentations, soldier encampment and demonstrations
    • General US Grant will be present on Friday evening and all day Sunday
  • A Ribbon Cutting will be held Saturday morning for the newly finished Lincoln Depot Visitor’s Center

The Lincoln Depot Museum in Peekskill, NY announces the kick-off of the 2019 season with three days of events planned for April 26, 27 and 28th. The three days will include interesting lectures by nationally known historians, encampment on the museum grounds by Civil War reenactors, demonstrations and drills by the troops, and a visit from General US Grant on Friday and Sunday.

A special feature of the weekend will be the official ribbon cutting of the newly completed Lincoln Depot Visitor’s Center on the museum site. The City of Peekskill will turn over the operation of the new building that will complete the re-development of this unique historic site that began with grants to purchase the property in 2003. The historic depot structure was restored and has contained the completed museum since 2014. The Lincoln Depot Visitor’s Center is a new structure that will house the museum offices, additional displays, a small gift shop and an open meeting room to hold events. Funding for the entire project (Depot building, Visitor’s Center and grounds) came from NY State grants in 2006 under then Governor George Pataki. The Lincoln Depot Foundation will operate the Visitor’s Center as part of its site lease with the City of Peekskill and look to partner with local organizations to bring new events and experiences to the community. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 27th and will include local, county and state representatives.

Weekend Events:

Friday, April 26, 2019 • 7:30 PM – ($5 Admission for event, included in Weekend Pass)

Professional Living Historian Kenneth J. Serfass (USMC Ret.) will provide a first-person portrayal of General US Grant and will present a rare glimpse into the personal relationship that developed between Grant and President Abraham Lincoln. The two men sustained each other for what was to come before the surrender of confederate armies, and that shared responsibility built a profound bond between two like-minded men regarding fairness and humanity towards a vanquished foe.   It’s not always told in battle reports and dispatches, but the stories of friends go much deeper sometimes.

Serfass will return as General Grant on Sunday to be on the museum grounds all day to review the troops, spend time in the camp and be on hand for small group or individual discussions and photos with visitors.

Saturday, April 27, 2019 – ($10 Admission for day, included in Weekend Pass)

Historian at Appomattox Court House National Park, Patrick A. Schroeder, will offer a series of presentations over the weekend. As a Civil War Historian and Author, Schroeder will give insight into the various Zouave units that served during the Civil War, including the famous unit formed by Lincoln favorite Elmer Ellsworth. On both Saturday and Sunday, Schroeder will present his research on the facts and myths associated with Lee’s surrender to Grant at Appomattox.

Elmer Ellsworth and Abraham Lincoln • 12 PM

Lincoln and the Surrender at Appomattox • 2 PM

Zouaves and Peekskill Connections • 3 PM

Sunday, April 28, 2019 – ($10 Admission for day, included in Weekend Pass)

Historian Patrick Schroeder returns to the Lincoln Depot Museum to continue his fascinating research and insight to the Civil War Zouaves and Lee’s surrender to Grant.

Lincoln and the Surrender at Appomattox • 1 PM

Zouaves, America’s Forgotten Soldiers • 2 PM

General Grant (Ken Serfass) will be on site from 1-4 PM for small group/individual interaction and photographs.

Admission for the Weekend Events:

Admission for Friday’s event is $5.00, Saturday and Sunday’s admission is $10 which includes all events of the day. A special discounted weekend pass can be purchased for $20.00 on Friday evening or online at the Lincoln Depot Museum website. Admission for museum members is free to all events and $5.00 each day for Children under 12.

For further details of all events or to purchase a discounted Weekend Pass visit lincolndepotmuseum.org.

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Lincoln Depot Museum Opening Weekend 2019

Thursday, March 21st, 2019

Friday, April 26, 2019 • 7:30 PM – $5 Admission or $20 for Full Weekend Pass

Grant’s Friendship with Abraham Lincoln

 

US Grant first-person impressionist Kenneth Serfass discusses the General’s close relationship with President Abraham Lincoln.

President Lincoln had faith in Ulysses S. Grant when few people did. During the Vicksburg Campaign, calls went out for the President to dismiss Grant because he had bogged down “somewhere in Mississippi”.  Mr. Lincoln later said in Grant’s defense, “I really believe I am the only friend Grant has left. Grant advises me that he will take Vicksburg by the Fourth of July, and I believe he will do it; and he shall have the chance.”

The criticisms came in the form of letters, newspaper editorials, and delegations of irate citizens calling on Lincoln in person. The editor of the Cincinnati Gazette wrote, ‘Our noble army of the Mississippi is being wasted by the foolish, drunken, stupid Grant, He cannot organize or control or fight an army. I have no personal feeling about it; but I know he is an ass.'”  Lincoln’s response, “I can’t spare this man, he fights”.  Colonel Absalom H. Markland, a Washington postal official connected to Grant’s army made note: “Other friends may have wavered in their friendship for General Grant, and even recommended his removal from command, but Abraham Lincoln was faithful to General Grant through evil and good report.”

Because Grant began his civil war career with victories in battle, he soon was very much in Lincoln’s focus as a successful commander.  Lincoln endured criticism of all sorts about Grant, but had faith as to the outcome of each battle and campaign.  The Chicago Journal once published this exchange with a visitor who asked: “When will the army move?” Responded the President: “Ask General Grant.” The visitor replied: “General Grant will not tell me.” Responded the President: “Neither will he tell me.”

The two men sustained each other for what was to come before the surrender of confederate armies, and that shared responsibility built a profound bond between two people, and like-minded men regarding fairness and humanity towards a vanquished foe.   It’s not always told in battle reports and dispatches, but the stories of friends go much deeper sometimes.  This encounter will be a rare chance to see inside that friendship.

Kenneth J. Serfass, Gunnery Sgt USMC, retired
(as Ulysses S. Grant)

Gunnery Sgt Kenneth J. Serfass was born in Bethlehem, PA on June 18th, 1966.  He joined the USMC in 1984 and his final tour was with the First Marine Division Band during Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired from the Marine Corps in July of 2004 to become a music teacher.

Ken WAS a civil war reenactor and now is a first-person impressionist with nearly fifty years of study of his childhood hero, US Grant.  He now works as a full-time professional living historian portraying Ulysses S. Grant, presenting between 11 and as many as 23 appearances each month between February and November each year as his work season.

Ken began appearing publically as General Grant in 2009 while living in San Diego CA, even then speaking at events across the country and he presents in as many venues as are relevant to the life of Grant.  From horseback tours and rail road excursion rides, at living history and roundtable events to public libraries on a regular basis across many eastern and southern states, and annually in Southern California at Huntington Beach’s Civil War Days over Labor Day weekend, Ken is established firmly on both coasts.

He has appeared at Pamplin Park near Petersburg VA, and at several national park sites on an annual basis.  In 2015 he was invited to join The Federal Generals Corps, a living history organization hosting first person impressions of many of the most well-known Union generals in the American civil war, to be their “Ulysses S. Grant.”  This past July he presented at Petersburg NPS for the Crater Commemoration, and the following day at City Point NPS, Grant’s war time Virginia headquarters.  They now have invited him back to make this an annual occurrence.

He has spoken on Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign to the Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Association to develop broader civil war study among their guides.  He is the only Grant impressionist to present his own topical programs at the General Grant National Memorial, in New York City, presenting first person public interactive addresses, as General and also as President, and has developed Junior Ranger programs for NPS, bringing America’s youth closer to history.

Entertaining and educational, the spectrum of venues includes schools, all sorts of service and history clubs, as well as museums, and business groups seeking leadership training and inspiration.  Ken’s work has generated a great following of supporters and others who share his love or American history and the attributes of positive role models throughout our national past.  Many are happy to refer him to others so they too can talk to history and share in our rich heritage.

It is with a profound honor that he tells the story of one of America’s greatest military leaders and Ken takes it very seriously to reaffirm Grant’s place of honor among the most respected people of our nation’s history.  His 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.

Saturday, April 27, 2019 • 12:00 PM – $10 for the day (includes admission to all Saturday presentations) or $20 for Full Weekend Pass.

Elmer Ellsworth and Abraham Lincoln

Presented by – Civil War Author/Historian — Patrick A. Schroeder

Perhaps the most famous non-political celebrity in the country at the time of his death/murder, Elmer Ellsworth originally from Mechanicville, NY, started the “Zouave Craze in America.”  This program will discuss the origin of Zouaves; Ellsworth’s life prior to the time he became associated with Lincoln; his relationship with the Lincoln family; working and campaigning for Lincoln, the journey to Washington; his raising of the 11th NY Fire Zouaves; his untimely death in Alexandria, VA; and his funeral at the White House.

Saturday, April 27, 2019 • 2:00 PM – $10 for the day (includes admission to all Saturday presentations) or $20 for Full Weekend Pass.

Lincoln and the Surrender at Appomattox

Presented by – Civil War Author/Historian — Patrick A. Schroeder

The program will discuss Lincoln’s meeting with Generals Sherman and Grant prior to the Appomattox Campaign and his influence on the surrender terms.  Details about how the surrender meeting came about; incidents; personalities; primary source accounts; and details of the meeting that effectively closed the war and reunited the Nation will be covered, as well as the presence of Robert Lincoln at the McLean House on April 9, 1865.

Saturday, April 27, 2019 • 3:00 PM

Zouaves and Peekskill Connections

Presented by – Civil War Author/Historian — Patrick A. Schroeder

Patrick Schroeder, expert on Zouave units of the Civil War discusses the connections of Peekskill and the units that enlisted area residents.

Sunday, April 28, 2019 • 1:00 PM – $10 for the day (includes admission to all Sunday presentations).

Lincoln and the Surrender at Appomattox

Presented by – Civil War Author/Historian — Patrick A. Schroeder

The program will discuss Lincoln’s meeting with Generals Sherman and Grant prior to the Appomattox Campaign and his influence on the surrender terms.  Details about how the surrender meeting came about; incidents; personalities; primary source accounts; and details of the meeting that effectively closed the war and reunited the Nation will be covered, as well as the presence of Robert Lincoln at the McLean House on April 9, 1865.

Sunday, April 28, 2019 • 2:00 PM – (Outside on the LDM grounds).

Zouaves, America’s Forgotten Soldiers

Presented by – Civil War Author/Historian — Patrick A. Schroeder

A power point with more than 100 photographs of Zouaves both North and South.  Discusses the origins of Zouaves in North Africa, French Zouaves distinguished exploits in the Crimean War and in Italy, Elmer Ellsworth and “Zouaves craze” in America.  Slides demonstrate various styles of American Zouave uniforms.  Brief capsule histories on several famous Zouave units.  Reproduction uniforms brought for display.  Details of this unique uniform explained.

Sunday, April 28, 2019 • 1:00-4:00 PM – Included with Admission

General Grant Returns to the Depot

General US Grant (Ken Serfass) returns to the Lincoln Depot Museum to be available on site for small group or individual discussions and photographs.

Encampment on Grounds All Weekend!

Encampment will feature several Zouave units including 5th NY Duryee’s Zouaves, Cos. A & D, 15th NY Cavalry and 11th Connecticut Vols., with live firings, bayonet and arms drills, camp life and Grant and Lincoln’s review of the troops.  And MORE!

Civil War Author/Historian — Patrick A. Schroeder was born January 1, 1968, at Fort Belvoir, VA.  In the spring of 1990, he graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Historical Park Administration from Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV.  He has a M.A. in Civil War History from Virginia Tech.  From the summer of 1986-1993, Patrick worked as a seasonal living history interpreter at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.  In 1993, he wrote Thirty Myths About Lee’s Surrender, which is currently in its twelfth printing.   From 1994–1999, he was employed at Red Hill, the Patrick Henry National Memorial.  Patrick has written, edited and/or contributed to more than twenty-five Civil War titles including:  More Myths About Lee’s Surrender; The Confederate Cemetery at Appomattox; Recollections and Reminiscences of Old Appomattox; Images of America:  Appomattox County; Tar Heels; Sailor’s Creek:  General Custis Lee Captured with Controversy; Civil War Soldier Life:  In Camp and Battle; A Duryee Zouave; We Came To Fight: A History of the 5th NY Veteran Vol. Inf., Duryee’s Zouaves; Campaigns of the 146th Regiment New York State Volunteers; Pennsylvania Bucktails; The Bloody 85th; The Life of General Ely S. Parker: Least Grand Sachem of the Iroquois and Grant’s Military Secretary; Appomattox County; and With the 11th New York Fire Zouaves: In Camp, Battle and Prison.  Patrick resides in Lynchburg, VA, and has worked as an independent researcher, author, historian, and tour guide.  He has served as the Historian at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park since 2002.  In an effort to protect sites relevant to the Appomattox Campaign, Patrick has set up the “Appomattox Fund” with the Civil War Trust, to save land important to the climatic events of April 1865.