APR

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Keep America’s Turning Point alive for generations to come by making a tax-deductible donation to the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc. Our certified 501c3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and preservation of critical assets of the Battles of Saratoga. Your support will help promote historical awareness of new generations of people across the region, nation, and globe.

Northshire & Saratoga, America’s Turning Point Present: Rick Atkinson on “The Fate of the Day”

Written by Kelsey S on February 27, 2025. Posted in Events, Past Events.

MAY

Northshire & Saratoga, America’s Turning Point, Present: Rick Atkinson & Joe Donahue – The Fate of the Day

May 30, 2025

Saratoga Springs City Center

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Northshire Bookstore & Saratoga, America’s Turning Point, are thrilled to present an evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Rick Atkinson, in celebration of The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780, the second volume of his landmark American Revolution trilogy. Atkinson will discuss the book and his work with Joe Donahue of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio.

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Rick Atkinson

Event Details

Start Time
6:00pm
Location
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway #Entrance Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Additional Information

The Fate of the Day is a riveting narrative covering the middle years of the Revolution, including the epic battles at Brandywine, Saratoga, Monmouth, and Charleston, a winter of misery at Valley Forge, and appeals for sacrifice by every American committed to the struggle for freedom.

Rick Atkinson is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of seven previous works of history, including The Long Gray Line, the Liberation Trilogy (An Army at Dawn, The Day of Battle, and The Guns at Last Light), and The British Are Coming, the first volume of the Revolution Trilogy. He has won numerous awards, including Pulitzer Prizes for history and journalism.

Important Event Information

There is a paid parking garage attached to the Saratoga Springs City Center. If you plan on finding free parking in Saratoga, please leave yourself extra time to find a spot.
If you have a disability and need accommodations to make sure this event is safe and comfortable for you, please reach out to us at events@northshire.com to let us know how we can help.
If you purchase a ticket that includes a copy of the book, you will receive your book when you arrive at the event and present your ticket.
Books will not be available for pickup before the event.
If you miss the event, we will hold your book or books for pickup at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs until July 7. Books not picked up by July 7 will be donated.

If you have any questions about this or any other Northshire event please e-mail us at events@northshire.com.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Volunteer Park Day at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville

Written by Kelsey S on February 5, 2025. Posted in Events, Past Events.

APR

Volunteer Park Day at the “Field of Grounded Arms,” Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, NY

April 26, 2025

Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, New York

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Help us beautify the park for summer and walk in the footsteps where the Victory at Saratoga was secured! The “Field of Grounded Arms” is where British regulars were marched through Americans and literally laid down their muskets as part of General Burgoyne’s agreement to surrender to General Gates’ American forces. Volunteers will assist with winter debris pickup. Please bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, a rake and/or pruning shears (if you have them), and a water bottle.

Event Details

Start Time
9:00am
End Time
12:00pm
Location
Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, New York (Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center Rallying Point)
Meeting Place
Volunteers should report to the rear parking area of the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center between 8:45 am and 9:00 am for registration and instructions
Register
Click to Complete Short Form to Register

Additional Information

Please note: Plentiful parking exists at Fort Hardy Park. Raking, debris pickup, and bagging, cleaning of facilities along historic Champlain Canal paths and the park will be conducted.

Should I bring any tools or supplies?
Volunteers should be prepared for outdoor activities and the unpredictable April weather of upstate New York. Please assist us by bringing a rake(s) and/or pruning shears.
Is there a rain date?
In the instance of inclement weather, Park Day will be cancelled.

Accessibility & Site Significance

Fort Hardy has accessible parking and bathrooms. It adjoins the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center, the future home of the “America’s Turning Point Heritage Center” under development. Interpretations there and outside the building will bring the “Field of Grounded Arms” to life along with orienting visitors to the elements of the siege that occurred after the Battles of Saratoga leading to this first-ever surrender of a British Army in world history.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Historical Sewing Sessions – Bedgowns & Wrapping Gowns

Written by Kelsey S on January 20, 2025. Posted in Events, Past Events.

MAR

Historical Sewing Sessions – Bedgowns & Wrapping Gowns/Banyans

March 22, 2025

For Re-enactors and Those Looking to Volunteer at Saratoga 250 Events

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Join us for an afternoon of stitching, tea, and camaraderie as we share information, resources, and ideas for clothing that can be worn during upcoming events related to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Sara Evenson – 18th cent family & food – Schuyler House

Event Details

Registration
All are welcome to attend these free gatherings, but preregistration is required. Please email aclothier@SaratogaCountyNY.gov to sign up.
Start Time
1pm – 4pm
Location
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY

Additional Information

Participants can work on any project, but these will be the subjects of focus for anyone wanting additional help and guidance. Options will be included for men’s, women’s, and children’s garments. Limited fabric selection available with advance notice. Beginners are welcome.

Sponsored by Saratoga 250 and the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Historical Sewing Sessions – Caps & Accessories

Written by Kelsey S on January 20, 2025. Posted in Events, Past Events.

FEB

Historical Sewing Sessions – Caps & Accessories

February 22, 2025

For Re-enactors and Those Looking to Volunteer at Saratoga 250 Events

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Sara Evenson – 18th cent family & food – Schuyler House

Event Details

Registration
All are welcome to attend these free gatherings, but preregistration is required. Please email aclothier@SaratogaCountyNY.gov to sign up.
Start Time
1pm – 4pm
Location
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY

Additional Information

Sponsored by Saratoga 250 and the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Historical Sewing Sessions – Aprons

Written by Kelsey S on January 20, 2025. Posted in Events, Past Events.

JAN

Historical Sewing Sessions – Aprons

January 25, 2025

For Re-enactors and Those Looking to Volunteer at Saratoga 250 Events

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Sara Evenson – 18th cent family & food – Schuyler House

Event Details

Registration
All are welcome to attend these free gatherings, but preregistration is required. Please email aclothier@SaratogaCountyNY.gov to sign up.
Start Time
1pm – 4pm
Location
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY

Additional Information

Sponsored by Saratoga 250 and the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Cloaks & Greatcoats: 18th Century Outerwear

Written by Kelsey S on December 20, 2024. Posted in Events, Past Events.

JAN

Cloaks & Greatcoats: 18th Century Outerwear

January 3, 2025

Brookside Museum

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Join us for a fascinating journey back to the 18th century as Henry Cooke presents “Cloaks & Greatcoats: 18th Century Outerwear” at the Brookside Museum.

Cloaks & Greatcoats

Event Details

This event is FREE, but we recommend registering to secure your spot. Let’s celebrate history and community together—don’t miss out!

Start Time
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location
Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa, NY

Additional Information

Discover how people braved the cold in the 1700s with a look at original replica garments, exploring their materials, construction techniques, and the social history behind them. Learn how fashion met function in an era before modern insulation!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Victory Season at Saratoga: Surrender Day

Written by Kelsey S on October 30, 2024. Posted in Events, Past Events.

OCT

Victory Season at Saratoga: Surrender Day

October 17, 2025

Fort Hardy Park

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On behalf of the Town of Saratoga, the Village of Schuylerville, the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission, and the Campaign for Saratoga 250, we are honored to host students and families of young children to participate in the annual Surrender Day Ceremony, marking the 248th anniversary of the American victory at the Battles of Saratoga.

Event Details

Start Time
9:30 am (program begins promptly)
Location
Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville
Weather permitting. We will post if it is cancelled due to weather here & on major social media channels (follow @Saratoga250). Parking is accessible at the Fort Hardy park by the youth center and municipal ball fields.

Additional Details

The annual commemoration recalls October 17, 1777, when British General John Burgoyne surrendered to American General Horatio Gates and is held on the very ground where British regulars laid down their weapons making it “the Field of Grounded Arms.”

Join in this living history experience and program with children’s music, and ceremonial toasting to the victory to highlight understanding of the Victory at Saratoga’s lasting significance.

Local Officials Expected to Speak:

Schuylerville Mayor Dan Carpenter
Saratoga Town Supervisor Ian Murray
National Park Superintendent Leslie Murlock
State Senator Jim Tedisco

Event Leaders and Partners:

Lauren Roberts, Saratoga 250 Commission Chair & County Historian (Master of Ceremonies)
Steve Bulger, Saratoga County Administrator

Highlights of the Event Program include:

Students portraying British soldiers in the Grounding of the Arms (with wooden muskets)
Presentation of the National Colors (tentatively the New York National Guard)
Lowering of the British flag and raising of the American flag
Cannon firings to mark the turning points of the program
Patriotic songs performed by students
Sword surrender reenactment recalling Burgoyne’s capitulation
Keynote address on General Henry Knox and leadership in crisis
Presentation of the General John Patterson – Supervisor Thomas Wood IV Saratoga Teaching Excellence Award
Laying of wreaths in honor of those who fought and sacrificed
The traditional 13 Toasts to the American Victory, accompanied by cannon fire

Join us in honoring this pivotal moment in American history. Students’ involvement helps bring the story of 1777 to life and connects them to America’s heritage that took place in their communities.

Coordinator: Sean Kelleher, Saratoga Town Historian, Saratoga 250 Vice Chair

FAQ for Schools & Participants

What is Surrender Day?
Surrender Day marks October 17, 1777, when British General John Burgoyne surrendered his army to American General Horatio Gates at Saratoga, ending the Battles of Saratoga and serving as a turning point in the American Revolution.
Why is it called the Battles of Saratoga?
The campaign included several engagements:
- Sept. 19: Battle of Freeman’s Farm
- Oct. 7: Battle of Bemis Heights
- Oct. 10–16: Siege of Saratoga
- Oct. 17: Surrender of Burgoyne
Together, these engagements are known collectively as the Battles of Saratoga.
Why is the event focused on students?
Surrender Day emphasizes engaging young people in their community’s history. Each year, Schuylerville 4th graders prepare essays on the meaning of America’s Turning Point. We are proud to invite other schools to help us. The Schuylerville Elementary School’s music program, led for over 20 years by Chris Tucker, provides music and sound for the ceremony.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Victory Season at Saratoga: Siege Living History Weekend

Written by Kelsey S on October 30, 2024. Posted in Events, Past Events.

OCT

11-12

Victory Season at Saratoga: Siege Living History Weekend

October 11–12, 2025

Fort Hardy Park/Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center & Stillwater Blockhouse

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Jymm Hoffman – 18th cent blacksmith fire action
Sara Evenson – 18th cent family & food – Schuyler House
British – 24th of Foot encampment – from afar at Freemans Farm – Oct 2023
British – 24th of Foot – Young soldier portrait w mustket pyramid – Oct 2023
American – Muskets firing at battlefield – Oct 2023
Rev era shoemaker portrayal
American Artillery at Saratoga Battlefield
MMF_5611
Schuyler House living history encampment
Working forge tools & blacksmith engage with visitors

Event Details

Fort Hardy Park & Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center

Event Time
10:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday
Location(s)
- Fort Hardy Park – Gateway Visitor Center, 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville, NY
- Stillwater Blockhouse, 692 Hudson Ave, Stillwater, NY 12170

Revolutionary era soldiers return to Saratoga! Fort Hardy Park will host encampments on the original 1777 “Field of Grounded Arms” where British Regulars grounded their weapons upon surrender to the Americans.

Continental soldiers from Massachusetts 2nd & 3rd Regiments will encamp and speak to the American defenses & way of life in battles against Burgoyne’s British forces.

2nd Continental Artillery will demonstrate and speak to the importance of cannon to the American defenses and how units operated this vital, powerful weaponry. Download the schedule to see when they’ll fire their cannon daily!

British soldiers of His Majesty’s 24th Regiment will be on hand to discuss their efforts to restore legitimate government to the rebellious American colonies.

All camps are free to visit and open to the public during the hours and days listed above. Soldiers will show their cannon and muskets throughout the event and perform other martial activities, while they and the camp’s followers will cook food and sew clothing. Engage and be sure to ask these dedicated living historians lots of questions!

Knox Cannonball Crunch Stewart’s Shops Ice Cream

Get a scoop of our special Henry Knox themed ice cream while supplies last!

Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm

Date: Sat., October 11th

Location: Fort Hardy Park

Click the button below to access the complete itinerary so you don’t miss any of the engaging options and places!

Free Family Activities for All Ages

Saratoga250 Tent
Come visit the Saratoga250 tent to learn more about upcoming events and view our new displays on Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery. See if you have what it takes to deliver cannon through the wilderness by trying out our new Henry Knox Board Game – fun for all ages! Try your hand at quill writing or candle dipping and learn more about our revolutionary past!
Healing in the 1770s
What might it have been like to be a nurse in an army hospital, or at home? Discover the vital role that midwives, nurses, watchers, and bonesetters played in their communities and on campaign. Join us on the kitchen porch of the Schuyler House to learn more.
Feeding an Army
What foods would you eat during the spring, summer, fall, and winter in the 1770s? Learn how food was preserved on local farms as well as how food fueled both armies during the Saratoga Campaign.
What’s on your feet?
Do you know who made your shoes? In the 1770s, you might have lived next door to the cordwainer who made your pair. What tools and materials were used in this trade? Chat with our shoemaker to find out!
Traveling Forge
Interested in blacksmithing? Visit the Traveling Forge, a military piece of equipment to act as a traveling repair shop to fix tools, wagons, cannons, or whatever an army on the move needed. Two of these traveling forges were surrendered by the British at Saratoga, along with their cannons and other artillery equipment.
Come Play with Us!
Any age group, from toddlers to adults, is invited to participate in this interactive presentation of period toys and games. Learn about the origins of 18th century games, toys, and activities and then try them out!”

Take a look at some of the Fort Hardy Park – Gateway Visitor Center Events

Please be sure the download the complete itinerary below so you don’t miss any of the engaging options and places!

Shoulder Your Firelocks!
Do you know how to “Shoulder Your Firelocks” or “About Face!?” Calling all young recruits to report to Fort Hardy Park where you are invited to practice the Manual of Arms with wooden muskets and learn the commands continental soldiers would have lived by during the American Revolution.
Times: 11am, 1pm and 3pm ***Saturday Only
Draft Animal Rides
Draft Animals were the engines of the 18th century! Take a ride behind one of the draft horse teams that will be pulling cannons on sleds as part of our 250th Anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery in December.
***Saturday Only 11am-3pm
Dogs in the Revolution?
Were there dogs in the American Revolution? Join local author Megin Potter inside the Gateway Visitor Center as she shares stories about dogs in this nation’s revolutionary beginnings from her new book, Saratoga Dogs: Past to Present. Books will be available for purchase and signings.
***Saturday 11am
Siege Field Guided Tour
Join Saratoga Town Historian Sean Kelleher, Vice Chairman of Saratoga 250, for a one-mile guided walk across the Siege Field, a crucial site of the Battles of Saratoga. Using original maps and first-hand accounts, this tour brings the 1777 Siege of Saratoga to life. Discover where fog, fire, and resolve shaped America’s freedom. Meet in front of the Gateway Visitor Center.
***Saturday 1pm

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Keep America’s Turning Point Alive

Saratoga Heritage Center November Brown Bag Lunch Series: Lauren Roberts

Written by Kelsey S on October 14, 2024. Posted in Events, Past Events.

NOV

Saratoga Heritage Center November Brown Bag Lunch Series: Lauren Roberts

November 14, 2024

Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room

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Join Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts to learn about the Patriot Burial Historic Marker Program offered in partnership with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

Event Details

Free event
Start Time
12:00pm, Ends at 1pm
Location
Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Speaker
Lauren Roberts, County Historian + Saratoga 250 Commission Chair

Additional Information

With the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on the horizon, there has been renewed interest in locating and honoring our nation’s first veterans. Join Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts to learn about the Patriot Burial Historic Marker Program offered in partnership with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). She will also discuss the work being done in the county to commemorate the veterans and reveal a few fascinating stories of these Revolutionary War Patriots.

Please join us Thursday, November 14^th from Noon to 1pm in the H. Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY for this FREE event. No registration required

For Library parking questions, please call 518-584-7860. For more information, please contact us at the Saratoga Heritage Visitor Center!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep America’s Turning Point Alive