A bronze sculpture depicting Solomon Northup, the former Saratoga Springs resident, author of the best-selling memoir Twelve Years A Slave, and subject of the 2013 Academy Award-winning film, was unveiled today during a ceremony at Saratoga Spa State Park. 

The 13-foot-tall “Hope Out of Darkness” traveling statue will be on view in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse until October 7, 2025.  

“New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is honored to host a sculpture celebrating Solomon Northup and his incredible story,” said OPRHP Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Northup’s courage during his enslavement, his captivating written work and his fight to hold his enslavers accountable make him one of Saratoga Springs’ most treasured residents. It is therefore fitting to display a statue of Northup at Saratoga Spa State Park so current generations can better honor and understand his legacy.”  

Northup, a free-born American born in Minerva, NY in 1808, lived in Saratoga Springs with his wife and children for about seven years when he was tricked into joining a traveling circus. This sinister ploy led to Northup being kidnapped in Washington, D.C. in April 1841 and sold into slavery. Enslaved in Louisiana, Northup met Canadian carpenter and abolitionist Samuel Bass in 1852. Gaining Northup’s trust, Bass facilitated getting word to Northup’s family and friends in the North about his condition and status. Through these letters and action taken by New York Gov. Washington Hunt, Northup was emancipated and reunited with his family in upstate New York in January 1853. Northup’s incredible ordeal became national news and his best-selling memoir Twelve Years A Slave was published in July 1853. 

“The life of Solomon Northup offers a powerful lens into an often-omitted chapter of New York’s history,” said OPRHP Interpreter of African American History Lavada Nahon. “His story underscores how the legacy of enslavement in the Empire State did not end with gradual abolition but evolved to maintain systems of racism. The Federal fugitive slave laws enabled the abduction and enslavement of free Black New Yorkers, like Northrup, for profit. They were just one way racism continued to thrive. As we approach the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery in New York in 2027, we are called not only to commemorate that milestone but to acknowledge the persistent, lingering legacy of slavery today.”  

The sculpture display reflects New York State Parks’ Our Whole History (OWH) initiative, which seeks to reveal and share historically under-told stories of ordinary and extraordinary people across New York State. In 2027, New York State will recognize the 200th anniversary of the end of legalized slavery in the state (1827) and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans enslaved in the former New Netherland colony (1627). In anticipation of this significant commemorative year, OPRHP is implementing a multi-year interpretive initiative called ‘Enslavement to Freedom: 1627-1827-2027.’ With ‘Enslavement to Freedom,’ OPRHP and relevant state historic sites are developing exhibits, public programs, and other educational resources to explore New York’s history with slavery and a pivotal period of transition for the Black community in early New York, which gives better context and understanding for later historic movements, like Abolition and the Underground Railroad. 

Northup’s efforts to hold his enslavers legally accountable brought details of the illegal domestic slave trade to light but were otherwise largely unsuccessful. After his memoir was published, Northup became active in the abolitionist movement. His whereabouts later became unaccounted for, and historians believe Northup died in 1863 or 1864.  

Emmy and Oscar-winning sculptor Wesley Wofford created the bronze likeness of Northup. Wofford says the papers in Northup’s upraised hand represent the papers required to be held by free Black Americans to move about the country, the letters sent north in an effort to free Northup, the legal documents written to free him, and his own memoir. The manacles in Northup’s opposite hand represent his time in captivity and the indignities he and many others suffered during long years of enslavement. The pedestal Northup is standing on is split to represent the duality of his life. He is courageously rising up from enslavement with a posture of triumph and struggle.

The statue was unveiled at the Whitney Plantation in New Orleans in February 2025 and will continue traveling the country before being permanently installed in 2026 outside the Marksville, Louisiana courthouse where Northup was emancipated on January 4, 1853.  

NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is planning a series of programs and events at the Victoria Pool House and Saratoga Music Hall during the sculpture’s time in Saratoga to honor Northup, explore African American history and examine slavery.  

A powerful new graphic novel is aiming to engage young audiences with the rich, revolutionary history of Saratoga. 

Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story is the first book in a new series designed to educate and inspire students, families, and history lovers of all ages.

The publication is the product of a partnership between the Campaign for Saratoga 250 and the Saratoga 250 Commission. It is among the multimedia and live event productions being delivered to ensure the Saratoga story is told in relatable, innovative, and accessible ways to appeal to 21st century audiences.

“We believe Saratoga’s contribution to saving America’s fight for independence is as impactful as Philadelphia or Boston,” said Bill Teator, Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250. “We are excited to publish this book supporting a core educational mission because it gives young people and their families a relatable connection with our history through the eyes of someone their age.”

Written by Anne Clothier and illustrated by Alex Portal, Overhearing History follows Nathaniel, a 12-year-old boy living in the then Saratoga District of the expansive Albany County in 1775. 

As tensions mount and loyalties divide, readers are introduced to the complexities of war, identity, and survival in a region still uncertain about its role in a coming conflict. 

The novel addresses themes like justice, freedom, and conflicting allegiances as rumors of war mount, while introducing perspectives often left out of traditional history books—including those of loyalists, enslaved people, women, and Native Americans. 

“Coming from a long line of family history keepers and storytellers, I grew up on a first name basis with many of my ancestors, some of whom were from the area that is now Saratoga County in the 1770s,” said Clothier.  “I’ve always been curious about their lives and what this area was like over two centuries ago.”  

“Upstate New York has some of the richest Revolutionary War history in the country,” said Portal. “I’m exceedingly proud to be a part of bringing that history to new light; particularly during America’s Semiquincentennial!”

Staff at Saratoga National Historical Park reviewed it for historical context. Devin Lander, New York State Historian, offers an editorial review on the back cover praising the book for its authenticity and engaging method to spark the interest of children in history. 

Designed for readers in grades 4–6, the book is also ideal for classrooms and families, featuring vivid illustrations and thought-provoking discussion prompts. It serves as the first installment in a planned series that will take Nathaniel and his community through the critical years of 1776 and 1777, including the legendary Saratoga Campaign.

Availability and Proceeds

Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story is available online now in both ebook and paperback editions. All net proceeds support the nonprofit Campaign’s mission to educate, promote, and preserve Saratoga’s revolutionary legacy.

The book can be purchased:

• Online (with eBook and paperback formats available in Amazon’s Kindle)

• Coming soon to local participating retailers, Impressions of Saratoga and Northshire Bookstore – we are happy to hear from more retail outlets, schools, libraries or youth organizations interested in carrying it.

• Read more about the book at https://saratoga250.com/overhearing-history-a-revolutionary-saratoga-story/

Stay updated and see engaging videos, historical commentaries, and live event schedules, including with 18th century re-enactors, by following social media at @Saratoga250 on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, and joining the e-newsletter at Saratoga250.com .

“This is more than a history book—it’s a way to reconnect with the founding values of our country and understand them through real human stories,” said Teator.

WILTON, NY— Kelly’s Angels, the Capital Region charity devoted to helping local children and families who are facing loss and grief, is thrilled to award $52,000 in scholarships to 29 2025 high school graduates. 

The winners were chosen for overcoming adversity and showing a commitment to helping others. 

“We are excited to give out scholarships to more high schools and students than ever before,” said Mark Mulholland, president and founder of Kelly’s Angels. “The tremendous support that our all-volunteer organization receives has enabled us to expand this meaningful program.”

 In addition, Nemer Motor Group has partnered with Kelly’s Angels for a second year to give a $10,000 scholarship to a Lake George graduate who will be attending SUNY Adirondack. Hailey Mackrodt is this year’s scholarship winner. 

She will receive two installments of $5,000, for each of her two years at SUNY Adirondack. 

“We’re thrilled to invest in local students, give back to the Lake George community, and support Kelly’s Angels,” explained Robert Nemer, co-owner of Nemer Motor Group. “I challenge other area businesses to step up and join us in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow.” 

Kelly’s Angels has selected these 28 students from 14 high schools to each receive a $1,500 scholarship: 

• Fort Edward: Silas Monroe 
• Glens Falls: Kiara Knorr, Jill Brown 
• Hoosic Valley: Helen Sophia Wilson, Landon Reilly 
• Hudson Falls: Audrey Davis, Mya Nolan 
• Lake George: Aidan Martellotta, Alessandria Fasulo 
• Mechanicville: Marcus Robinson, Alex Sikamiotis 
• Queensbury: Madison Hill, Jack Dickerson 
• Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk: Allison Kennedy, Ana Ball 
• Saratoga Central Catholic: Ronan Rowe, James Comstock 
• Saratoga Springs Kelly’s Angels Live Like Liv Scholarships in Memory of Olivia Allen: Katelyn Hogan, Charlotte Grobarcik 
• Shenendehowa High School: Damian Christian, Katelyn Davis 
• South Glens Falls High School: Katherine Morris, Sage Calla McKinney 
• Stillwater High School: Emily Coe, Anthony Zazzaro, Jonathan Zazzaro 
• Whitehall High School: Madelyn Cigana, Kerra Panoushek

SARATOGA SPRINGS, – The Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents an evening with author Matthew Rozell, author of A Train Near Magdeburg on Tuesday, July 15 at 7 p.m.

Rozell, a Hudson Falls, N.Y. native, will share a teacher’s journey into the Holocaust and the reunions it inspired some 70 years later. The program will be offered at Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs and on Zoom.

A Train Near Magdeburg is the true story behind an iconic photograph taken when American soldiers liberated a death train deep in the heart of Nazi Germany. It also brings to life the story of a dedicated high school history teacher who reunited hundreds of Holocaust survivors and their children with the American soldiers who rescued them.

In A Train Near Magdeburg, Rozell reconstructs a lost chapter from the closing days of World War II. In April 1945, a train crammed with Jews left Bergen Belsen.

After seven days of shuttling on the tracks, the train stopped in a forest, hiding for cover from Allied planes. U.S. Tank Battalion 743 happened upon the train, and Major Clarence Benjamin stood and snapped the now famous photograph as the Americans liberated the Jews inside.

According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the train carried about 2,500 concentration camp inmates, primarily Jewish. Many died during transit.

This train, one of three that left Bergen-Belsen between April 6 and 10, was bound for Theresienstadt. Only one train arrived in Theresienstadt; the third was liberated by Soviet forces outside of Troebitz.

Rozell reconstructs the story, drawing on eyewitness accounts, survivor testimony, memoirs, wartime reports, and personal letters. He weaves together a chronology of the Holocaust as it unfolds across Europe and retraces the steps of the survivors and the American soldiers who freed them.

To register for the panel discussion in person or on Zoom, go to https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/DaOhZ1H/Magdeburg.

When the Registration Page appears, complete the requested information. If you have questions, please email us at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com

On Thursday, June 5, residents of Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, an independent living community for seniors 55 and older, were inspired by the talents of 25 local high school students from Saratoga Springs High School Jazz Ensemble. 

Students, under the orchestration of Director Andrew Janack, showcased their talents on saxophones, drums, trumpets, trombones, bass, guitar, and piano. Three guest vocalists, Anna Bonner, Paeton Koshgarian and Ava Zinter, also performed.

Director Andrew Janack commented, “Entertaining the residents at Prestwick Chase was a great way to end the school year. Our kids wanted to share their talents with the residents, one of whom initiated the performance because her grandson was part of the ensemble. We are grateful to Prestwick Chase for this opportunity!”

 “I taught foreign languages at the high school for 32 years. The students were tremendous in every way, shape, and form,” Allen R. Remaley, one of the Prestwick Chase residents, said “Their performance at Prestwick Chase was typical of my experience with them in the past. They displayed tremendous competency, perfection, and good spirits.” 

 “It was a great intergenerational program!” Prestwick Chase General Manager Kellie Postlewaite said. “The residents really loved it! We look forward to hosting the high school jazz ensemble here again at the start of the school year.”