We are pleased to announce that we have been in contact with the Seales family, owners of the Grace Brown Farm, and they are bringing their extensive collection of Grace Brown and Chester Gillette memorabilia to CCHS at Grace Street for a one-day display on Saturday, October 10. They have provided some information about their collection here.

The Grace Brown Farm Collection:

Located in South Otselic, New York, the Seales family owns and operates the historic 180-acre Grace Brown Farm, home to what is believed to be one of the largest private collections of Grace Brown and Chester Gillette memorabilia in existence. Since purchasing the farm in 2021, the Seales family has become the steward of a growing collection of artifacts related to the Brown family, the history of the farm, and the infamous 1906 Chester Gillette murder trial following the tragic death of Grace Brown at Big Moose Lake. Visitors, local residents, historians, and descendants have generously donated photographs, documents, family heirlooms, and other historical items, recognizing the farm as an appropriate home for preserving Grace Brown’s story.

Preserving Grace Brown’s Legacy

Today, the Seales family proudly serves as the caretaker of this remarkable collection. In memory of their dear friend Paul Heagerty, they continue to preserve, expand, and exhibit these historical artifacts during public events held throughout the year. Their commitment ensures that the story of Grace Brown—and the tragic events that unfolded at Big Moose Lake in 1906—remains an important part of New York’s history for future generations to learn from and remember.

Join us on Saturday, October 10 from 11am to 4pm to view memorabilia from the collection of the Grace Brown Farm and to hear more about this important collection from Edward Seales. The Honorable John Sherman will give a talk focused on the trial of Chester Gillette and the evidence from the case. Judge Sherman is retired from the bench, but early in his law career, he served as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in Herkimer County which is where the Gillette trial took place. Additional information will be shared in e-newsletters, on social media, and in local papers as we get closer to the event.

All attendees will receive a free copy of Dr. Joseph Brownell’s Cortland to the Adirondacks!