Saratoga National Historical Park in Saratoga County has announced a series of Battle of Saratoga Anniversary Commemoration Events scheduled for October 2022. This is the 245th anniversary of the battles which changed the course of the American Revolution.
Scheduled programs include:
- October 8th and 9th: Path Through History Siege of Saratoga historical encampment event at the Schuyler House Estate. The Encampment will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 4 pm each day.
- October 10th: “So great a carnage”: The Battle of Bemus Heights at the Visitor Center
- October 12th: Candlelight Tours at the Schuyler House from 6 to 9 pm. Reservations required and can be completed online.
- October 16th: Special Ranger Program on the Convention of Saratoga and Surrender at the Sword Surrender Site.
In coordination with the Saratoga County 250th Commission and the National Park Service, the public is invited to take a stroll back in time with the Noble 24th, a British unit stationed here. This encampment is a representation of the British Encampment during the retreat and Siege of Saratoga (October 8-17, 1777).
The Encampment will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm and will feature artillery demonstrations by the recreated 2nd Regiment of Continental Artillery. The Schuyler House will hold an Open House, from 10 am to noon, and 1 to 4 pm. 18th Century military medicine presentations will take place from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Army Follower will chat with attendees from 10 am to noon.
Attendees will be able to visit the Saratoga County 250th Commission Tent for information on Saratoga National Historical Park, the Battles of Saratoga, the County 250th Commission, upcoming 250th commemorations and a special exhibit honoring men who fell during the Siege of Saratoga. The Saratoga County 250th Commission was created by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to help plan ceremonies, events, activities, and celebrations that recognize the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Saratoga County.
The Schuyler House will host a candlelight tour featuring the ambiance of an 18th Century house. This event is presented in coordination with the Old Saratoga Historical Association. Tour will be held Wednesday, October 12th from 6 to 9 pm. Visitors should be aware that the candlelight tours are low light and may make walking through the house challenging. Groups will be lead through the house and hear stories of the house and its inhabitants along the way. Reservations are required and can be obtained online.
The Schuyler House was part of a working estate that was owned by the Schuyler family from 1702-1837. The current house was built in 1777 by General Philip Schuyler (1733-1804), a significant figure in the American War for Independence and early U.S. politics, in late 1777 after his previous home was burned by retreating British soldiers. It was not only home to generations of the Schuyler Family, but to those enslaved by the family and whose forced labor provided the basis for much of the family’s wealth.
Two special Ranger Programs will mark important dates this month. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will provide an overview of the Second Battle of Saratoga on Monday, October 10th at 1 pm in the Visitor Center in Stillwater. On Sunday, October 16th at 1 pm, a Park Ranger will discuss the surrender ceremony and the Convention of Saratoga at the Sword Surrender Site, on mile south of Schuylerville on Route 4.
For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park or upcoming events, call the Visitor Center at (518) 670-2985, or visit their website.
Photo of Saratoga National Historic Park courtesy Wikimedia user UpstateNYer.
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