Saratoga Turning Point Events

Saratoga National Historical Park Special Events

STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical continues its special events season in September with the following offerings:

Soldier Encampment at Saratoga Battlefield: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13

10 am to 4 pm, Battlefield Tour Road. Activities include soldiers drilling, posting guard, cooking, and sewing clothing. Experience the life of a Revolutionary War soldier!

Homefront at the Schuyler Estate: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Schuyler House. Renowned blacksmith Jymm Hoffman will demonstrate 18th century techniques at the forge. Living Historian Anne Clothier will share the stories of Women in Healing from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. Living Historian Sara Evenson will discuss and demonstrate 18th Century cooking techniques. The Saratoga County 250th Commission will be there with their tent full of fun activities for the whole family. And you can visit General Philip Schuyler’s home.

18th Century Medicine: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Visitor Center Lawn. Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.

Whitcomb’s Rangers Encampment: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Monument.  Whitcomb’s Rangers, an independent company of Continental Army rangers who hailed from NH and VT, will be encamped at the Saratoga Monument. Meet some of the men whose unit helped trap the British here in Saratoga, leading to the first surrender of a British army in history.

Siege of Saratoga Walking Tour: Monday, Oct. 14, 2:00 pm, Meet at the Saratoga Monument. Discover the Siege of Saratoga. Following their defeat in the Battle of Bemus Heights, Burgoyne’s army struggled to retreat. They made it this far before being surrounded by superior American forces, beginning the short but unpleasant siege. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will lead a walking tour from the Saratoga Monument through part of Burgoyne’s camp. Bug spray is highly recommended.

Saratoga Surrender Day: Thursday, Oct. 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Surrender Site. Visit with a park ranger to learn more about the surrender of General Burgoyne and his forces.

Visit go.nps.gov/saraevents for a complete and updated list. 

Are Eggs Benedict Named After Benedict Arnold? Revolutionary Trivia Night in Milton

BALLSTON SPA — In commemoration of the October 16, 1780, British raid along Middleline Road, The Milton 250th Revolutionary War Committee will sponsor a trivia night at Milton Tavern, 430 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17.

Organizers say: arrive early, enjoy a dinner, and chat with the Town of Milton Historian about The Raid.  Share your knowledge of local history, win Prizes, and take a photo with living historians in period attire.  For more information contact Michael Golden at mgolden1775@gmail.com.

Victory Season at Saratoga Oct. 17

BALLSTON SPA — “Victory Season at Saratoga,” presented by America’s Turning Point, features a series of events commemorating the 247th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga culminating in the surrender of the British on Oct. 17, 1777. 

Highlights of the 2024 “Victory Season at Saratoga” include:

-The “American Revolution Experience,” a national traveling exhibit produced by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust. It showcases diverse perspectives of common people on the lead up to, and during, the War for Independence. It will be on display at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center, 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville, NY from October 13 – October 27, 2024. 

-”Surrender Day,” October 17 celebrating the surrender of a British Army for the first time in world history, marking the Turning Point of the American Revolution, features multiple events. 

– Surrender Day Ceremony at Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, 10 a.m. This free, family event features a reenactment of the surrender by British General Burgoyne to American General Gates by the banks of the Hudson River, interactive music, and cannon firing. This annual event is a favorite of families with young children and elementary school classes. (weather permitting)

– Siege and Surrender Tour – Join licensed battlefield guide Pat Niles for a tour of key sites tied to the siege and surrender at Saratoga. The tour departs from America’s Turning Point Heritage Center at 30 Ferry St. Schuylerville. This is a ticketed event from 1PM – 3:30PM with limited seats on private coach. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets. 

– An inaugural Surrender Day Benefit co-presented with SPAC and Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library/Saratoga Book Festival at Spa Little Theater from 6:30PM to 8PM featuring Dr. Kevin J. Weddle, US Army Colonel (Ret.), author of the award-winning recent book, “The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution” and County Historian, Saratoga 250 Chair and NYS 250 Commissioner, Lauren Roberts.  Local students will also be featured in the program. All proceeds benefit Campaign for Saratoga 250 & Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.