Datebook: April 27 - Ulysses S. Grant Turns 190

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States, following his dominant role in the Civil War. Under Grant, the Union Army effectively ended the Civil War with the surrender of Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox. As General, he led the Army through Kentucky and most of Tennessee, earning a fierce reputation for combat at the Battle of Shiloh and later the Battle of Chattanooga. Depending on whose history you read, he's considered either a ruthless butcher or a military genius. As President, he led the Radical Republicans in an effort to eliminate Confederate nationalism and slavery, passed the 15th Amendment allowing African American voting rights, and destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in 1871. His presidency was marred by corrupt appointees and an economic depression (the Panic of '73). By 1974, his opposition had gained support and conservative white southerners regained control of the South, ending Reconstruction efforts on a note of failure. Grant's final words were, "I hope that nobody will be distressed on my account."

It’s Friday, April 27

Beginning tonight, Maiden Alley Cinema presents “Bully,” a new documentary directed by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch.   The PG-13 film offers an unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families.  The theater opens at 6 tonight, and the show starts at 7.  Find additional showtimes at maidenalleycinema.com.

Fulton Independent Schools host an Asthma Awareness Day tomorrow from 9 to 11:30.  Health educators will offer free breathing tests and asthma education, and kids can play basketball with Mid-Continent University’s basketball team.  The event will be held at Fulton High School.  To learn more, call 270-472-6924.

The Turn-of-the-Century Social will be held tomorrow from 10 to 2 at Murray-Calloway County Central Park.  Remember the advent of the 20th century with food, live music, storytelling, and other period-related interactive activities such as candle making and kettle corn cooking. 

Find more community events at wkms.org.