Five questions

1What’s

new at Grant Cottage?

We just started a new history project. Anybody who worked at Mount McGregor when it was a prison, developmental center or sanatorium, or local residents familiar with the mountaintop, are invited to share their stories for an oral history about the property.

2How

can people participate?

All people have to do is visit Grant Cottage. Volunteers and staff will take an audio recording or video of the person’s memories about Mount McGregor. We’re also trying to make copies of rare images, so people are asked to bring photos, too. Grant Cottage is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

3Do

people need to make an appointment?

It isn’t required, but it’s a good idea. People may call 518-584-4353or email info@grantcottage.org.

4How

long have you worked there?

This is my first year. I saw online that this job was available. It’s a perfect fit for me because I like history and have been a Civil War re-enactor. A relative of mine served with the 115th New York Regiment. He was saved from death when a Confederate bullet struck the canteen that he had rolled up in a bedroll he was carrying.

5How

would you like to see the Mount McGregor prison property used?

I’m an avid hiker — an Adirondack 46er — so I would like to see land around prison become part of Moreau Lake State Park. That way people could hike up here and they could extend trails through the property. Maybe they could even open one of the mountaintop lakes to fishing. I’ve talked to local residents that used to fish up here.