New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Saratoga

Milton, NY: New Local History Published

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milton a new town in a new nationA new book by Kim McCartney, James Richmond, and Karen Staulters, Milton, New York: A New Town in a New Nation (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2018) takes a look at the growth of the shire town of Saratoga County from its first settlement on the eve of the Revolutionary War to the conclusion of the Civil War.

The book offers the story of pioneers, farmers, entrepreneurs, politicians, people of color, industrialists, mill workers, teachers, and soldiers. [Read more…] about Milton, NY: New Local History Published

Harry Howard, Battle of Saratoga Waterford Lectures Set

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History of the Battle of SaratogaThe Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center has scheduled two lectures, one on the history of Saratoga Battlefield and a second on Harry Howard who was among New York’s most famous 19th century firefighters

The lectures are scheduled for February 13, and March 13, 2018 at the Van Schaick Island Country Club in Cohoes. [Read more…] about Harry Howard, Battle of Saratoga Waterford Lectures Set

Saratoga History Being Featured On C-SPAN

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A crew from C-SPAN, the cable channel that covers government proceedings and public affairs, visited Saratoga Springs, New York, in late September 2017.

In addition to speaking with various community leaders, C-SPAN producers talked to horse trainer H. James Bond, outrider Natalie Rutigliano, and jockey Robbie Davis while it toured the Oklahoma Training Track and the facilities at the historic Saratoga Racetrack.

C-SPAN’s Local Content Vehicle also stopped by several other local sites, including Congress Park, the Saratoga Battlefield in Stillwater, and Grant’s Cottage in Wilton. [Read more…] about Saratoga History Being Featured On C-SPAN

Annual Saratoga Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl

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Pints for PreservationOn Saturday, November 4, 2017 the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host the 7th Annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl. With the support of local bars, the proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s preservation efforts and restoration projects.

The Pub Crawl will kick-off with registration at Druthers, 381 Broadway, at 2:30 pm and then crawl to Harvey’s Restaurant & Bar, Bailey’s Saratoga, Spa City Tap & Barrel, Saratoga City Tavern, and Sinclair Saratoga. [Read more…] about Annual Saratoga Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl

Saratoga: Special Man o’ War 100th Anniversary Tour

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Man o' War On Sunday, November 5th, at noon, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs will hold a Man o’ War Spotlight Tour.

In celebration of the thoroughbred racehorses 100th birthday, this guided tour will take visitors through the history of the sport and feature objects related to the original “Big Red” and his connections, including an in-depth look at the “Man o’ War at 100” exhibition.  [Read more…] about Saratoga: Special Man o’ War 100th Anniversary Tour

Solomon Northup Class Planned For SUNY Adirondack

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Solomon Northup in a Sketch from Twelve Years a SlaveThis October, a class offered through SUNY Adirondack’s Continuing Education division will provide details on the life of Solomon Northup. Northup was a free black man who was kidnapped from Saratoga Springs, New York in 1841, and sold into slavery.

Following his release in 1853, Northup penned a narrative, Twelve Years a Slave, which was the basis for the Academy Award winning film, 12 Years a Slave. The title of the class is “The Real Solomon Northup from 12 Years a Slave,” and the instructor is local author David Fiske. [Read more…] about Solomon Northup Class Planned For SUNY Adirondack

Saratoga & The Civil War at Greenridge Cemetery

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Greenridge Cemetery Civil War MonumentThe Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host a tour of Saratoga & The Civil War at Greenridge on Sunday, August 20th at 10:30 am, led by Gloria May.

Hear the stories of those who answered President Lincoln’s call to save the Union during the Civil War at Greenridge Cemetery. The tour, sponsored by LaBrake Memorials, meets at the Civil War Monument inside of Sackett Gates on Lincoln Avenue. [Read more…] about Saratoga & The Civil War at Greenridge Cemetery

Saratoga Race Course Historian Lecture, Reception

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the spa book coverThe Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host an event honoring the history and future of the Saratoga Race Course on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 5:30 pm at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Avenue.

Following a reception in the Sculpture Gallery, Paul Roberts, an internationally-renowned expert on race courses, will give a presentation and sign copies of the second edition of The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course beginning at 7 pm. The book highlights the history of the oldest sports venue in the United States. [Read more…] about Saratoga Race Course Historian Lecture, Reception

Triple Crown Events at the National Museum of Racing

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National Museum of Racing and Hall of FameThe National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has announced a series of Triple Crown events for the 2017 season.

On Saturday, April 29, 2017 the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will host Countdown to the Triple Crown. Hosted by local author and racing historian Michael Veitch, racing experts Tom Amello and Jeff Carle will be on hand to offer analysis and predictions for the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby and answer questions from the audience about the Triple Crown series. Guests will receive a complimentary issue of the Triple Crown preview edition of The Blood-Horse, featuring past performances, while supplies last. The program will begin at 1 pm and is open to the public and free to attend. [Read more…] about Triple Crown Events at the National Museum of Racing

Saratoga Automobile Museum Appoints New Director

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jim lettsAfter a nationwide search, the board of trustees of the Saratoga Automobile Museum has appointed a new Executive Director.

“It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Jim Letts as our new Executive Director,” Anthony Ianniello, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Saratoga Automobile Museum said in a statement issued to the press. “While serving as the CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA for the past 12 years, Jim has had amazing success, growing the Y’s membership from 6900 to 26,900 while raising many millions of dollars through capital campaigns to support and expand the Y’s facilities and activities. We think he is a perfect fit for our extremely active, rapidly growing museum and are thrilled to have him on board for our busy summer season!” [Read more…] about Saratoga Automobile Museum Appoints New Director