History, Natural History & the Arts
This week on The Historians Podcast, the guest is Ben Kemp from Grant Cottage in Wilton, Saratoga County, New York, where Civil War general and President Ulysses S. Grant died.
Friends, including Mark Twain, arranged for Grant and his family to live in the cottage for the last weeks of his life. Grant was dying from throat cancer and had lost his family’s money in a fraudulent scheme. [Read more…] about Grant Cottage’s Ben Kemp on the Historians Podcast
This Memorial Day, Wilton, New York’s town hall will begin work on an exhibit which tells the story of Wilton’s Second World War families.
[Read more…] about One Community’s Experience of the Second World War
DEC has opened its first-ever public archery range, Saratoga Sand Plains Archery Range, located in the town of Wilton in Saratoga County, NY. It features 16 targets ranging from five to 50 yards, eight adult lanes, four youth lanes, and four lanes accessed by an elevated platform. [Read more…] about DEC Opens Public Archery Range in Saratoga County
In winter, it stands silently like a lonely sentinel, set back from Ballard Road in the Town of Wilton, Saratoga County. Day and night the traffic whizzes by the Veteran’s Honor Roll, yet its presence is overlooked by most. [Read more…] about Veteran’s Honor Roll Is One Town’s Lonely Sentinel
The following record of nineteenth century murder trials in Saratoga County was provided by a Mechanicville correspondent to the Troy Daily Times in 1891:
There have been many noted murder trials in Saratoga county since the first court was held in the town of Stillwater May 10, 1791 – 100 years ago. The court now in session at Ballston Spa meets about five miles from where the first court was held, at the residence of Samuel Clark, near East Line, Judge John Thompson of Stillwater [then] presiding, he having received the appointment as the first judge of Saratoga county from Governor Clinton. [Read more…] about Murder Trials Of Note In 19th Century Saratoga County
Tickets are now available for the Civil War Weekend, a fundraiser for The Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage, which will be held on August 11 and 12 at D.A. Collins’ Ballard Road property in Wilton.
This official bicentennial celebration event of the Town of Wilton will include dozens of Civil War era reenactors. Camp life, infantry, artillery, cavalry drills, battles, and firing demonstrations will bring the period to life. The Iron Jacks, 77th NY Regimental Balladeers, and Veterans in the New Field will provide musical performances during the weekend. Children’s activities, book signings, military artifact displays, food and vendors will offer a weekend full of learning for all ages. [Read more…] about Civil War Weekend Planned For Grant Cottage
This week on The Historians Podcast, producer Tim Welch discusses his documentary on the history of Wilton, the town that led the economic resurgence of Saratoga County New York in the last half of the 20th century.
Welch also discusses the U.S. Grant Cottage historic site, where he is president of the Friends of Grant Cottage. View the documentary here. Listen to the podcast here. [Read more…] about Tim Welch: Wilton NY’s Bicentennial, Grant Cottage
U.S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site is set to open for the 2018 season on Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, with new exhibits and the return of a popular program highlighting Cottage caretaker and Civil War veteran Oliver Pendelton Clarke and his wife Martha.
A new exhibit in the Grant Cottage Visitor Center, “Let Us Have Peace: Reconstruction and the 1868 U.S. Presidential Election,” celebrates the 150th anniversary of Ulysses Grant’s first run for President. The exhibit includes items such as a period ballot box, tintype photos, 1868 ballots, and publications covering the election.
Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site in Wilton (Saratoga County) has announced they are seeking volunteers to assist with operations throughout the upcoming season.
Volunteer opportunities are available for adults and teens (age 14 and up). Available positions include Tour Guide, Visitor Center Greeter, Education Assistant, and Parking Attendant. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. No experience is necessary. [Read more…] about Grant Cottage Seeks Volunteers