One hundred and thirty-four years ago, at the age of 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. 

Re-enactors 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 the Grants’ oldest son, Frederick Dent Grant),  Jessica Jenks (portraying the Grants’ only daughter, Ellen Wrenshall Grant Sartoris, called Nellie by the family), Chris Kelly (portraying Adj. General Richard Drum) and Kevin O’Brien (portraying Mark Twain).  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. 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.