By Gene Pisasale
Correspondent

The most misunderstood and least appreciated of the Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton was a patriot-soldier, aide-de-camp to General Washington, a tireless advocate for crafting the U.S. Constitution, the first Secretary of the Treasury and almost single-handedly responsible for rescuing the nation from its post-Revolutionary War financial disaster.

Gene Pisasale will portray Alexander Hamilton on Oct. 8 at the Kennett Square Library.

 Hamilton’s numerous skills -- in finance, banking, investments, commerce, international trade, management, law and politics -- were essential in “righting the ship of state,” allowing America to not only rebound, but thrive and become the most successful nation on Earth in the last two centuries.

Long-standing disputes with both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison plagued Hamilton throughout the latter years of his life. Those two men subsequently headed administrations that attempted to undo many of his achievements, causing Hamilton’s reputation to be muddied in the public’s view.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that most professional historians started to take a very close look at Hamilton’s accomplishments in finance, banking, commerce, economics, government and related fields. His re-emergence into the spotlight in the last two decades -- and more recently since the play “Hamilton” emerged on Broadway -- has been nothing short of a rebirth.

Hamilton is now credited with bringing life to a nation which nearly died insolvent, and almost succumbed to the hostile debates that could have prevented the Constitution from giving America a fresh start, on a new path to greatness.

Didn’t get a ticket to see “Hamilton” on Broadway? Always wanted to have a cup of coffee with a Founding Father? Meet Alexander Hamilton at the Kennett Square Library (216 E. State St., Kennett Square) on Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. when local author/historian Gene Pisasale portrays Hamilton, dressed in full Continental Army officer’s uniform, talking about his life and times. This event is free. All ages welcome. Call the library at 610-444-2702 for more information.