One hundred and thirty-three years ago, at age 63, U.S. Grant finally bowed to the enemy who could defeat him – cancer. It has become a tradition at Grant Cottage to mark this somber occasion by recreating the Grant family circle and allowing those who loved him most to speak about Grant the husband, father and grandfather.  Reenactors portraying Grant’s family and close friends will gather on the Cottage porch and bid the man they loved and respected a final, very personal farewell.  Speakers will be Ben Kemp (in the character of U.S.G.’s middle son, Ulysses S. Grant, Jr.) and Steve Trimm (in the character of Grant physician Dr. John Hancock Douglas). The program will include music, and while acknowledging grief, will be a celebration of Grant’s truly extraordinary life.

The suggested donation for Grant Cottage Porch Programs is $5 per person. These programs are made possible thanks to a grant from the Adirondack Trust Community Fund. Our events are supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Program (NYSPTPP) and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSPTPP is administered by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.