Speakers Bureau

• Virtual Tour of Grant Cottage—a brief history of Mt. McGregor and the cottage in which Grant completed his memoirs in 1885.
• Baseball and the Civil War—baseball's development and value during the Civil War.

• History of Grant Cottage.
• Harrison Tyrell—Grant's African American Valet who remained within arm's reach to provide care when physicians were not available to the ailing Civil War hero and former president.
• Sam Willett—former Union soldier from Argyle, N.Y. who served as Grant's bodyguard at the cottage in 1885.
• Oliver Clarke—the cottage's first caretaker, Civil War veteran and POW at the infamous Anderonville.
• Suye Narita Gambino—the cottage's 2nd caretaker and a citizen of Japan. She was interned during WWII at Mt McGregor and obtained American citizenship after the war.
• Charles Wood—Troy businessman who sent Grant $1,500 upon hearing about his bankruptcy. Wood's note to Grant read, "I owe you this for Appomattox."
• Princess Cantacuzene—Grant's first grandchild, Julia, who married a Russian nobleman and published her recollections of her grandfather.

Steve Trimm also provides historic interpretations of:

• Ulysses S. Grant
• Colonel Frederick Grant, Grant's oldest son
• Lt. Lawrence Van Alstyne—NY 128th Regiment and officer of the U.S.C.T.

Tom Smith
(tsmith2 (at) nycap.rr.com)

"Ulysses S. Grant:  His Life, His Work, His Death"

Tom's 50-minute presentation covers the life of Grant beginning in 1822 focusing on his later years.  It touches on themes such has his bankruptcy, writing of his memoirs, his disease, and finally his death and funeral services at Grant Cottage.  Accompanied by items from his personal collection including portraits and photos, it is an effective presentation for civic or fraternal organizations and history groups.