What does General George Armstrong Custer have in common with likes of President Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, Kim Kardashian and LeBron James? Well, although 136 years have passed since Custer’s defeat and death at the Battle of Little Big Horn, the mere mention of his name today still evokes a storm of vitriol, hate and disparaging comments on par with those typically lobbed toward our current President, contemporary politicians, celebs, and others in the public eye.
Why this enduring hate?
Was Custer really such a reckless and glory-seeking egotist that he was willing to sacrifice everything – including his beloved brother, nephew and friends – in order to achieve fame?
Was Custer an uncontrollable madman who despised Native Americans and was hellbent on annihilating them as portrayed in recent biographies, films and TV shows such as Little Big Man and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman? Does the demise of Native Americans in America really rest squarely on his shoulders?
Whether you view Custer as a hero or zero, one thing is certain – his life story and controversial legacy are fascinating history. Fiction can’t top it.
Custer PBS American Experience documentary debuts Sunday in Monroe
So whether you admire Custer, hate him, or know little about him, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the controversial Custer during this special sneak preview Sunday of Custer’s Last Stand which officially premieres on PBS’s American Experience on January 17, 2012. This special sneak preview takes place in the General’s adopted hometown of Monroe, Michigan. Who knows, perhaps facts presented won’t substantiate your preconceived notions. Or, hometown Custer historians will offer insight which contradicts the experts featured in the documentary.
Sunday, January 8, 2012 — The Friends of the Monroe County Historical Museum proudly present the Premiere Showing of the PBS American Experience Documentary on the Life of General George A. Custer on Sunday, January 8 at 2 P.M. at the River Raisin Centre for the Performing Arts (next to the museum). A reception precedes the movie premier and will be held at the MCHM at 1 P.M. Admission is FREE!
More local Custer
Make this premiere even more informative and exciting. Purchase a copy of the guidebook: Traces of Custer from the museum and take a tour of local sites significant to the infamous General from Monroe before or after the premier.
HOMETOWN HISTORY TOURS 
The problem with “heroes” is that most people like to give them a supernatural quality instead of understanding that they are people in extraordinary circumstances trying to do the best that they can. http://evilvonscarry.blogspot.ca/2012/05/problem-with-heros-and-icons.html