Saturday, June 1
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn
A live tinsmith demonstration! At the time of the Battles of Saratoga, the tinsmith was an important part of both community and military life. Tinsmiths created dozens of useful items like cups, bowls, candle molds, lanterns, tea canisters, and other containers. They also provided armies with needed items such as oil flasks, canteens, document cases, cooking kettles, and even canister shot for artillery. Learn about the process and see a sampling of the many civilian and military wares a tinsmith could make! The tinsmith demonstration is weather sensitive and will be cancelled in the event of rain.
Summer Solstice Natural History Walk
Thursday, June 20
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Meet at Visitor Center
Join Biological Technician Linda White for a walk through a lesser visited part of the park. Explore a field of ferns, native plants and pollinators, old growth trees, glacial activity, and talk about the families that called the area home. Meet at the Visitor Center and drive to Tour Stop 8.
The Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York return to the park to present, “Silent Wings: Raptor Rehab and Education.” The program is designed for all ages to see live birds of prey up-close and to learn about their impressive adaptations and behaviors.Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
Who Messed Up? Unravelling British plans to crush America's Revolution in 1777
Sunday, June 30
2:00 pm
Visitor Center
The British had two major plans to crush the new United States in 1777 - one was to capture Philadelphia, and the other, Albany. The first succeeded brilliantly, while the other failed so spectacularly that it resulted in the surrender of the first British Army in world history. British politicians and generals pointed fingers and blamed each other for the spectacular surrender at Saratoga. So, who messed up? Was it King George? General Howe? General Burgoyne? You decide!
July
Victory Woods Walk
Tuesday, July 2
9:00 am to 10:30
Saratoga Monument Parking Lot
Biological Technician Linda White leads a walk from the Saratoga Monument through Victory Woods exploring the trees and timelines of the area.
Friday July 5 (Rain Date July 12)
8:00 am to 10:00 am
Meet at Visitor Center Lawn
Join Park Volunteer and Photographer, David Truland, along with Park Visual Information Specialist, Kristin Vinduska to explore Saratoga National Historical Park through your camera lens. The program will take visitors on a 3-mile hike from the Visitor Center on the Wilkinson Trail out to Stop 6 and 7. Along the way, David and Kristin will talk photography tips and discuss some of their favorite photo spots in the park. People of all skill sets are welcome to join and bring anything from their favorite camera set-up to the camera on their phone. Visitors will be invited to share how they capture the beauty of the park through their own creative vision. In the words of Ansel Adams, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” If you would like to reserve your spot and be notified in case of the need to reschedule due to weather, contact sara_reservations@nps.gov.
Uniforming the Continental Army
Sunday, July 14
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn
The American Northern Army encamped at Saratoga Battlefield in 1777 included thousands of Continental soldiers from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These soldiers wore a variety of colorful uniforms made of wool or linen, all of which needed to be hand tailored. Their leather shoes were made by hand using a careful, painstaking process. Come to the park to see an 18th-century tailor and cordwainer (not a cobbler!) make these uniform parts using authentic period techniques.
Frederick Douglass Returns to Schuylerville
Saturday, July 27
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Schuyler House
Join us as we commemorate and examine 250 years of the United States and meet the great abolitionist and freedom fighter Fredrick Douglass as he returns to Schuylerville! Despite promising in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” the new nation that emerged after the Battles of Saratoga and the American Revolution did not begin to approach those lofty ideals. Among other failings, the nation’s continued reliance on slavery, present from the beginning here in New York, and the exclusion of women from voting were just two of the most glaring. Frederick Douglass, himself having experienced enslavement, emerged as one of the most forceful advocates for addressing both in the 19th century.
Frederick Douglass Speaks on Democracy
Saturday, July 27
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Town of Saratoga Town Hall (12 Spring St., Schuylerville, NY)
Frederick Douglass Speaks on Democracy Inspired by the ideals of the American Revolution and the sacrifices of his forefathers, the Black men of the Continental Army and militias who served throughout the war and here at Saratoga, Frederick Douglass argued for the creation of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. After the war, he continued advocating for an expanded idea of democracy. One place he did that was in Schuylerville, NY on June 8, 1849. Nathan Richardson is an author, poet, and historian who has performed as Frederick Douglass around the United States for more than a decade.
Last updated: May 31, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
648 Route 32
Stillwater,
NY
12170
Phone:
(518) 670-2985
Saratoga National Historical Park information desk available daily from 9am - 5pm. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
