ADK Talks
ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.
We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.
But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.
And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.
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ADK Talks
Adirondack True Crime, Part Two: Ghosts of the Herkimer Jail
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In part two of our conversation with the Adirondack Park Paranormal Society, we move from Big Moose Lake to the old Herkimer County Jail, where Chester Gillette awaited trial after the 1906 murder of Grace Brown. APPS shares what they experienced inside the jail, how they approached the investigation, and why they believe some of the building’s most infamous former inmates may still make their presence known.
The conversation goes well beyond ghost stories. The team reflects on the energy they encountered in Chester Gillette’s cell, describing a presence that felt cold, egotistical, and intensely aware of attention. They also explore the story of Roxalana Druse, the last woman hanged in New York State, whose life, trial, and death opened up a deeper conversation about abuse, women’s rights, and the way history lingers in a place.
This episode is eerie, emotional, and deeply rooted in Adirondack history. Whether you come for the paranormal or the true crime, it is a reminder that old buildings often hold more than artifacts. Sometimes they hold stories that still feel unfinished.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- APPS explains how they got access to the historic Herkimer jail and why it had long been a bucket-list investigation for the team.
- The group shares what they sensed in Chester Gillette’s cell and why they felt his presence was still drawn to an audience.
- You’ll hear the haunting story of Roxalana Druse and why her case still raises questions about justice, abuse, and who may really have been responsible.
- The team also talks about the difference between intelligent and residual hauntings, and how certain places seem to keep replaying the past.
Resources:
- Adirondack Park Paranormal Society (APPS)
- APT Alchemy Podcast (APPS Podcast)
- An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
- The Prison Diary and Letters of Chester Gillette (edited by Jack Sherman & Craig Brandon
- Herkimer County Historical Society and the 1834 Jail
- ADK Talks: Echoes from Beyond: Paranormal Investigations in the Adirondacks
Produced by NOVA