New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Saratoga History Museum

James Madison Portrayal Planned For Saratoga

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Kyle JenksThe Saratoga Historical Society will hold their annual meeting at the Saratoga Springs History Museum (Canfield Casino on Congress Park) on Thursday, October 18 at 7 pm.

Following a short business meeting, Kyle Jenks will be appearing and performing as James Madison.

Besides being the fourth president of the United States, James Madison is commonly known as the “Father of the Constitution.”  231 years ago the constitution was signed by 39 delegates but that did not make the document official. It was the ratifying conventions of the individual states that secured our governmental system. Out of 12 ratifying conventions, (Rhode Island didn’t have one), New York’s was by far the most uncertain. [Read more…] about James Madison Portrayal Planned For Saratoga

Historical Societies: Getting Past Hard Times

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New York History is bringing much interesting news, mostly good, but some of it revealing needs and the potential for greater attainment through cooperation, higher visibility, and more funding. News in the popular press also reveals improvement opportunities. Historical societies are a case in point. [Read more…] about Historical Societies: Getting Past Hard Times

John Steinbeck, Saratoga History Museum Fundraiser

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A talk entitled “Steinbeck’s Wrath, 1936-1939: The Santa Clara Valley Years” will be given by noted author and Steinbeck authority Susan Shillinglaw on February 5 from 7-9 PM. The event will be held at the Foothill Club of Saratoga Springs (20399 Park Place) and is a fundraiser for the Saratoga History Museum (SHM). The cost will be $15 for SHM members, $20 for nonmembers. To purchase a ticket, call (408)255-1883 during regular business hours. Coffee and dessert will be served.

Saratoga: World War Two Vets Recount Their Stories

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The public is invited to a panel discussion this Sunday, December 6th, at 2:00 pm at the Saratoga Library (13650 Saratoga Avenue in Saratoga Springs). Saratoga Historical Foundation Historian Ray Cosyn will moderate as veterans from World War II recount their memories.

Participating in the panel will be George Cooper who flew P47’s in the European Theater with 77 missions; Herbert Kwart who flew a Flying Fortress as part of the 8th Air Force with 35 missions; Ed Pack, with the 59th Signal Battalion and later the 8th Corp part of those liberating the concentration camps; Bud Rideout, on of the Flying Tigers; and Mac McCaughey part of the 94th Division who landed on Omaha Beach.

Light refreshments will be served. The event is free to the public. The Saratoga History Museum is sponsoring the event.

Photo: USS Saratoga During World War Two. From the collections of the Library of Congress.