Visiting Ulysses S. Grant Cottage in Wilton, NY, is like stepping into the pages of a history book. The cottage housed General Ulysses S. Grant as he took his final breaths and has remained virtually unchanged since 1885.
When visitors enter the cottage, they’ll see the bed on which he died and the floral arrangements from his funeral, which remain a testament to Grant’s enduring legacy despite the centuries that have passed. Admission (which includes a guided tour) is priced very reasonably–$12 for adults, $9 for seniors (62 & up), $5 for ages 17 & under, and free for children under 5, active military members (with ID), and members–so even the most budget-conscious historian can enjoy.
Interested in visiting? Learn more about the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage here!
This year, the Cottage is celebrating Grant’s 200th birthday with a myriad of exciting, fun, and educational programs and events. All are priced at suggested donation. Bring your friends and family to one (or all!) of these unique events.
U.S. Grant’s Bicentennial Birthday Celebration
Saturday, June 18th, 10 AM – 5 PM
It’s been 200 years since former 18th President and Civil War commanding Union General Ulysses S. Grant was born. To help us celebrate, the Friends of Grant Cottage invite you to a fun-filled family birthday event on the grounds of Grant Cottage! The celebration will include an open house of the cottage, complimentary birthday cake, music, magician, games, face painting, and more.
“A Concert: 19th Century Songs of Whimsy by Tom & Friends”
Sunday, August 7 at 4:30 PM
Listen to Tess McCarthy (mezzo-soprano), David Rudnick (tenor), Joe Gitto (harmonica), and Tom Smith (guitar & Grant Cottage tour guide) present music from another period in our nation’s history for this memorable concert on Grant Cottage’s porch. This concert features a special performance of a tune composed to praise Ulysses S. Grant, likely not performed in public since the late 19th Century.
“All About Birds”
Saturday, August 20 at 4:30 PM
“All About Birds” is a multimedia introduction to birding. Topics covered will include songs and bird calls – why birds make sounds and how they create them, how we identify bird species, habitats of the North Country, fascinating behaviors, how we balance our interest in seeing birds with their welfare, and conservation issues. The presentation utilizes audio recordings, videos of interesting bird behaviors, photographs, and PowerPoint slides.
“The Myth of Grant’s Silence”
Saturday, August 27 at 4:30 PM
Things are not always as they are portrayed when studying historic figures. Was Ulysses S. Grant truly the silent man as often described? Join author and historian Dr. Chris Mackowski on Grant Cottage’s porch as he explores the real story behind the misunderstood and fully capable communicator who was U.S. Grant.
“A Visit with General and Mrs. Grant”
Saturday, September 10 at 4:30 PM
Join living historians Steve Trimm and Melissa Trombley-Prosch as they interpret the life of Grant Cottage’s favorite grandparent couple through anecdotes and stories in the setting of one of their last visits to Saratoga in 1882.
“Global Peacemaking: Ulysses S. Grant as Global Peacemaker, and 61 Years of an American treasure, the Peace Corps”
Sunday, September 18 at 2 PM
Join us on the Grant Cottage porch as tour guide Diana O’Brien and Peace Corps veterans Renee St. Jacques and David Gittelman present a program celebrating the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, U.S. Grant as a peacemaker, and mission of the Peace Corps as it enters its seventh decade of service!
