Special Events and Programs

 

Concert goers at Saratoga National Historical Park.

NPS Photo

June

Silent Wings: Raptor Rehab and Education

Sunday, June 21
1 p.m.
Visitor Center

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. This program was made possible by support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

History Caravan

Saturday, June 27
9:30 am
Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

July

Declaring Independence

Thursday, July 2
1 p.m.
Visitor Center

On the 250^th anniversary of Congress’s vote to declare independence, join Ranger Garrett in investigating the first half of 1776. It was during those critical months that declaring Independence went from being a position held only by the most radical colonial leaders to a reality.

1776

Thursday, July 2
2:30 p.m.
Visitor Center

Celebrate the day on which Congress voted for independence with the classic TV musical, 1776! Rated G, runtime 141 minutes.

Fourth of July Citizenship Ceremony & Concert

Saturday, July 4
10 a.m.
Visitor Center

Celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by helping us welcome ten new citizens of the United States! The event will include a special musical program featuring members of the Racing City Chorus. We’ll wrap up the program with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Large crowds are expected and parking is limited. Please carpool with family or friends if possible and be prepared to walk some distance from overflow parking areas.

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Saturday, July 4
2:00 pm
Visitor Center

Many Americans first heard the stirring words of the Declaration of Independence in a public, community setting. Join us as we recreate that experience on the document's 250th birthday!

Sharing the Spirit of America

Wednesday, July 8
6:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

Saratoga National Historical Park joins the Hawai’i Semiquincentennial Commission’s efforts for a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on the date it was first read to the people of Philadelphia 250 years ago. Find out more about the wider effort at https://america250.org/event/sharing-the-spirit-of-america/. The Visitor Center and restrooms will be open during the reading.

History Caravan

Saturday, July 11
9:30 am
Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

18^th Century Toys & Games

Saturday, July 11
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitor Center

Discover (and try out!) toys and games from another time. Learn about daily life from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. This program was made possible by support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

Trades Day

Sunday, July 12
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitor Center

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 were 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.

Tinsmithing Demonstration

Saturday, July 18
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitor Center

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.

Saratoga Battlefield Guide Tour

Saturday, July 18
9 a.m.
Visitor Center

Join Pat Niles, the Official Saratoga Battlefield Guide (visit https://www.nps.gov/sara/planyourvisit/official-saratoga-battlefield-guide-program.htm for information on the program), for a free, one hour tour on a topic of his choice related to the Saratoga Campaign. Meet at the visitor center. Participants will then travel in their own vehicles to the tour location.

Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Sunday, July 19
2 p.m.
Visitor Center

The Declaration of Independence was broadcast through the new United States by voice. Locally, it was read at City Hall in Albany on July 19, 1776, and was “received with applause and satisfaction.” Join the National Park Service and members of the Saratoga County and Capitol Region communities once again publicly declaring independence! Featuring special guests, singers from Saratoga Voices! Large crowds are expected and parking is limited. Please carpool with family or friends if possible and be prepared to walk some distance from overflow parking areas.

History Caravan

Saturday, July 25
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a park volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the battlefield! Tours last 2.5-3 hours. Meet at the visitor center and follow along, making selected stops, in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Paper Marbling Demonstrations

Saturday, August 1
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitor Center

Have you ever admired the beauty of an old book, especially the often vibrant, colorful patterns on the first and last pages? The process of creating these striking decorations is called paper marbling. Join us at the visitor center to see the process of this ancient artform in person.

John C. Bielik is an itinerant artisan, instructor, and historic trades interpreter. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Missouri State University (Springfield)and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. His creative influences stem from diverse experiences, including his roles as a teacher, student, graphic designer, and artist. John integrates these experiences with an interest in history and the historic trades of papermaking, bookbinding, and paper marbling.

Music of the New Nation by Ampersand

Tuesday, August 4
12 p.m.
Visitor Center

Ampersand’s special Revolutionary War-era program, “Music of the New Nation,” focuses on the experience of the home front and everyday people as they faced the battle for independence. Included are songs about the stirrings of revolution; the experiences of colonists in different walks of life; songs from soldiers on both sides of the conflict; a fiddle tune written by an enslaved person, and protest songs written at the time. This trio of musicians brings guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, cello, and penny whistles to underscore rich vocal harmonies and great joy in sharing this traditional music with modern audiences. This program was made possible by support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield. For more information on the group, visit www.ampersandmusic.org/ampersand250. This program was made possible by support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

Monumental Poetry

Thursday, August 6
12 p.m.
Saratoga Monument

Take an hour out of your celebration of Turning Point Historical Week and join us in Victory, NY for a poetry reading commemorating 250 years of the United States! You will experience poems from Colonial America, those inspired by the Battles of Saratoga, and the work of current poets curated by Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate, Jay Rogoff, as we reflect on the ideas and ideals of the American Revolution. This is a joint program involving the Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate, Turning Point Parade and Festival, and Saratoga National Historical Park.

History Caravan

Saturday, August 8
9:30 am
Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Fort Ticonderoga Fife & Drum Corps

Saturday, August 15
1 p.m.
Visitor Center

Listen to stirring tunes that eased the drudgery of a long march, or the many calls that regulated activity in a fort. Explore how drumbeats, trilling fifes, and songs created an 18th-century world of military music. This program was made possible by support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

The McKrells Concert

Tuesday, August 18
12 p.m.
Visitor Center

Back by popular demand! The McKrells will once again bring their rousing brand of Bluegrass to top of the hill next to the visitor center. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the exhilarating sounds along with the beautiful and historic views. This program was made possible by support from the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.

History Caravan

Saturday, August 22
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a park volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the battlefield! Tours last 2.5-3 hours. Meet at the visitor center and follow along, making selected stops, in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

From Kosciuszko to Today: Poland and the United States

Saturday, August 29
1:00 pm
Visitor Center and Tour Stop 2

We’re excited to partner with Polish American Congress of Central New York as we mark the 250th Anniversary of the United States and celebrate Polish contributions to our success in gaining independence. Enjoy music, literature, and history at the visitor center and conclude with a wreath-laying at the Kościuszko Monument at Tour Stop 2.

September

Saratoga Battlefield Guide Tour

Saturday, September 5
9 a.m.
Visitor Center

Join Pat Niles, the Official Saratoga Battlefield Guide (visit https://www.nps.gov/sara/planyourvisit/official-saratoga-battlefield-guide-program.htm for information on the program), for a free, one hour tour on a topic of his choice related to the Saratoga Campaign. Meet at the visitor center. Participants will then travel in their own vehicles to the tour location.

History Caravan

Saturday, September 12
9:30 am
Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

September Encampment

Saturday, September 19
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, September 20
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Stops 2 & 6

Revolutionary War soldiers return to Saratoga! On the 249th anniversary of the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, Saratoga National Historical Park will host the return of troops on the original Revolutionary War battlegrounds.

At Benedict Arnold's headquarters (tour road stop 2), Continental soldiers from the 2nd, 3rd, 10th, and 15th Massachusetts Regiments will encamp near the same location those same troops would have occupied in 1777 to defend against the British invasion from Canada.

At Freeman's Farm (tour road stop 6), British soldiers of His Majesty's 24th and 62nd Regiments will be on hand to restore crown authority to the American colonies.

Men and women will be authentically dressed - soldiers will perform military exercises (including firing muskets) while followers and soldiers sew and cook provisions. The reenactors are here for you - be sure to ask them lots of questions!

Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour

Saturday, September 19
2 p.m.
Tour Stop 6

Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of Freeman's Farm, the place where most of the first battle of Saratoga was fought on September 19, 1777. The battle - one of the longest land battles of the eight-year-long war - was a terrible fight over farm fields and woods and ended up costing the lives of hundreds of men and boys, most of whom are still buried in unmarked graves near where they fell.Meet at the Freeman Farm parking lot (stop 6); the tour will last for about one hour.

History Caravan

Saturday, September 26
9:30 am
Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Stories in Stone: the "Tablets" of Saratoga Battlefield

Saturday, September 26
1 p.m.
Visitor Center

After the Battles of Saratoga ended, it took over 100 years before any historical signs marked places related to those battles. There were farms to run, families to raise, lives to continue. But in 1883, the Saratoga Monument Association's "Committee on Tablets" entered the scene. Committee chair, Ellen Hardin Walworth, had a clear purpose: set up a series of stone markers alongside public roads running through and between private properties that had been (and would be!) Saratoga Battlefield. What stories do they tell? Are they just battlefield history? What more might they say?

October

Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour

Wednesday, October 7
1 p.m.
Tour Stop 5

Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of the fields where the Battle of Bemus Heights - the second battle of Saratoga - was fought on October 7, 1777. The battle was one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War and put an end to the British scheme to capture Albany. Major new information has reshaped our understanding of Benedict Arnold's role in the battle, and discussing his heroism in the fight will be a highlight of the tour. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at "The Tide Turns" parking lot (stop 5); the tour will last for about one hour.

History Caravan

Saturday, October 10
9:30 am
Visitor Center

Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Hamilton Outdoor Movie Night

Saturday, October 10
6:30 p.m.
Schuyler Estate (4 Broad St, Schuylerville)

Join us on the lawn of their father’s Saratoga estate as the Schuyler sisters take center stage in the hit Broadway musical, Hamilton! Rated PG-13, runtime 160 minutes.

"The day must shortly come when these facts will be known to the World.”

Monday, October 12
1 p.m.
Visitor Center

Join us on the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Valcour Island for a new look at that legendary encounter traditionally credited with stopping the British invasion of 1776 and setting up the Battles of Saratoga the following year. Benedict Arnold's flotilla may have lost, but "never had any force, big or small, lived to better purpose or died more gloriously, for it had saved the lake for that year." At least that's what naval officer and historian Alfred Thayer Mahan boldly declared in his 1913 assessment of American War for Independence naval operations. The outrageousness of his hyperbole aside, is there any truth to Mahan's claim? What could the British have reasonably done differently to successfully retake Ticonderoga that fall? If nothing, how does that impact popular perception of Arnold's Valcour gambit? Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will attempt to answer these questions and more.

Schuyler House Candlelight Tours

Wednesday, October 14
6 p.m.
Schuyler House

Experience the ambiance of an 18th Century house in the evening with a special candlelight tour through the Schuyler House! As you are led through the house, you will hear stories about life and events on the estate and the people who lived there. Candlelight tours are low light and may make walking through the house challenging for some visitors. Capacity limits will be in effect for safety and protection of visitors and the historic resources. Instructions for making required reservations will be posted in early September.