Grant Cottage Outreach
The Friends of Grant Cottage as part of their mission to educate and inspire the public about history is offering the following Outreach Programs to interested groups, organizations, schools etc.
For a fee of $100 (+ mileage and a $50 educator fee if 20+ miles from Grant Cottage Historic Site in Wilton, NY) an educator (or educators) will travel to your location* and present one of the following programs. (*Presentations are available virtually as well).
Contact us at outreach@grantcottage.org for inquiries, fill out the online booking form, or download and mail a booking form.
Adult Outreach Programs:
General Grant & Mt. McGregor: A Story of Family Devotion
He’s known as the man who saved the Union and our 18th President, but what was Ulysses Grant really like? Explore lesser-known facts and stories that highlight the true nature of this mythical figure. Learn about his final year and how his time on an Upstate New York mountaintop truly illustrated his depth of character. (Note: This program can be offered as a Living History presentation featuring Grant’s son Fred Grant.)
A Veteran Speaks: Oscar Kemp of the 115th NY and the Grand Army
The Civil War is one of the most studied conflicts in American history, but much of the emphasis is on battles, leaders and soldiers during the four years of war. What happened to the survivors? What were their stories and how did they transition back into civilian life? Many of the veterans joined fraternal organizations for support, the largest being the Grand Army of the Republic. Join Civil War veteran Oscar Kemp (portrayed by descendant and Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp) as he recounts his war experiences with the 115th NY and then discusses the experience of veterans after the war and the Grand Army of the Republic.
Grant & Twain: Authors & Friends
Civil War General, President of the United States, and World Traveler what else did Ulysses S. Grant do during his illustrious career? How about authoring one of the best memoirs ever written. Explore the compelling circumstances and the role of friend Mark Twain in Grant’s short but important career as an author. (Note: This program can be offered as a Living History presentation featuring Grant’s son Fred Grant.)
A Compensating Generosity
Ulysses S. Grant witnessed and experienced some of the worst things humanity could do to one another. Join Grant Cottage Historic Site Operations Manager Ben Kemp as he explores what helped Grant retain his faith in the goodness of humanity through the most difficult periods of his life. Discover some of the influential friends and allies that helped Grant reach his potential during his career. Dying of cancer and struggling to restore his family's financial future at the end, support would come from some of Grant's closest friends but also from unexpected sources. Grant's final year proved that "no man is an island", and how at his weakest moment his resolve was bolstered by the support of family, friends, and a grateful nation. Kemp is the author of a chapter in the new book Grant at 200: Reconsidering the Life and Legacy of Ulysses S. Grant and will bring copies for a book signing with sales benefitting The Friends of the U.S. Grant Cottage.
A Yankee Galvanized Yankee:
The Man Who Fought on Both Sides of the Civil War
The American Civil War was a complex affair forcing individuals to make hard choices. Join Ben Kemp of the U.S. Grant Cottage Historic Site as he shares the incredibly unusual tale of Hugh Clemons. Find out the circumstances that brought a man born and raised in the Southern Adirondacks of New York into the service of the Confederate army and how he eventually ended up on the other side of the fight. Discover how he was regarded when he returned to the North after the war and his interesting connection to General U.S. Grant.
Drawn Together: The Friendship of U.S. Grant and Thomas Nast
In 1868, newly elected 18th President U.S. Grant paid tribute to Thomas Nast by saying, “Two things elected me, the sword of Sheridan and the pencil of Thomas Nast.” Join Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp as he explores the key professional and personal relationship that developed between two of the most influential figures of the 19th century. Find out how Nast’s work as a political cartoonist helped Grant’s career as a politician and how they shared in each other’s triumphs and tragedies.
The Peacemaker, U.S. Grant: A Man of War with a Heart for Peace
How could a man be both a warrior and a man of peace? Learn about why a simple mid-western man who loved his country harbored a deep desire for peace in a desperately fractured nation. Find out more about the sensitivity and compassion that were at the core of one of the hardest driving generals of the Civil War. Discover U.S. Grant’s often overlooked legacy of peace both domestically and internationally. Join Grant Cottage Operations Manager Ben Kemp and explore the “peaceful warrior” whose enduring efforts towards peace still resonate with us today.
The Greatest Act: U.S. Grant & Civil Rights
Throughout his early life, Ulysses S. Grant lived among pro and anti-slavery factions. His views on the rights of black Americans would evolve due to transformative experiences and an abiding sensitivity to injustice. Find out more about Grant’s journey from living on a slave plantation to signing the most significant civil rights legislation of the 19th century. Learn about his efforts to protect the rights of the formerly enslaved and the significant challenges he faced. Discover how Grant’s commitment to civil rights left a lasting legacy that continues to protect the rights of all Americans.
Judged By Merit: U.S. Grant & The Terrells
In Ulysses S. Grant’s last days, one caregiver provided him with tireless support. The bond between Grant and his black valet Harrison Terrell surpassed that of employer and employee. Before his death, Grant would ensure that Harrison had good future opportunities. Grant made it abundantly clear that he wanted all Americans to have the opportunity to prove themselves when he stated, “I have no prejudice against sect or race, but want each individual to be judged by his own merit.” These were not merely words. Grant would not only support the career of Harrison but also his son Robert. Discover how Grant’s support helped Robert and his wife Mary become influential members of the civil rights movement and a powerful inspiration to future generations.
Growing Up on the Frontlines:
The Civil War Memories of Fred Grant
Frederick Dent Grant, the eldest son of General Ulysses S. Grant spent a portion of his early teen years with his father during the Civil War. Later in his life, Fred recalled the powerful and transformative experience of war at such an impressionable young age. Join Grant Cottage Historic Site staff member Ben Kemp as he shares Fred’s stories ranging from terrifying to humorous and the powerful bond he developed with his father. Discover how Fred followed in his father’s footsteps, serving his nation to his dying day. (Note: This program can be offered as a Living History presentation featuring Grant’s son Fred Grant.)
The Magic of the Mountain:
A History of Mount McGregor, NY
From presidents and patients to prisoners, Mount McGregor in upstate New York has played host to thousands of individuals over the last 150 years. In this presentation, Grant Cottage Historic Site staff member Ben Kemp explores the rich and varied history of this spur of the Adirondack Mountains. Crowned by an enchanting forest and spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley, discover the lasting effect the mountain and its charms have had on countless visitors and residents as well as the exciting future of the historic site there.
Note: Other custom programming is available by special request.
Youth Outreach Education Programs:
-Guess The Artifact/Morse Code:
Students will learn the importance of artifacts and the need for preservation. They engage with artifacts by trying to guess the use of multiple historical items. They then participate in an activity highlighting period technology by learning about and deciphering a Morse Code message.
-Women in the Civil War
Students will learn about the interesting and vital roles women played during the American Civil War. They will have a chance to see and interact with various props to heighten the experience.
-Meet a Historic Character (Grant family member, Civil War Soldier or U.S. Grant)
Students will meet and interact with an historic character, portrayed by a Living Historian, and learn about life in the past.
Note: Additional fees may apply depending on the number & length of activities provided.
