SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga History Museum is hosting “Discovering George Foster Peabody” presented by historian Glenn Underwood on June 18, at 7 p.m. 

Underwood will present information found in his new book that explores the life and legacy of George Foster Peabody. Peabody’s vision and generosity contributed to institutions and preservation efforts that continue to impact our region today, including Saratoga Spa State Park, Yaddo, public libraries, and numerous conservation initiatives.

Drawing from archival materials, rare photographs, and personal letters, Underwood reveals Peabody’s connections with prominent figures of his era, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Spencer and Katrina Trask, Edward Morse Shepard, and other influential leaders who helped shape New York’s cultural and civic landscape.

“This program offers a unique opportunity to discover one of the most influential and often overlooked individuals in our region’s history,” said James Parillo, Museum Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

Admission is free for museum members, and ten dollars for general admission. The Saratoga History Museum is located in the Canfield Casio in Congress Park. 

BALLSTON SPA —Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum will hold their annual, county-wide Craft and Antique Fair Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will be able to shop from dozens of vendors with a wide variety of locally handcrafted collectibles, gifts, antiques, farm products, and food. 

“We are very excited to hold this annual event to showcase what upstate artisans have to offer! This is a great way to support small businesses and enjoy a wonderful day of shopping,” remarked Shop Manager Beth Silvestri.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —iTheater Saratoga is presenting a book reading adaptation from the book “It Can’t Happen Here,” a 1930s fiction novel by Sinclair Lewis. The event will be held at Saratoga Arts on Broadway Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m.

“It Can’t Happen Here” is a cautionary tale about the rise of fascism in the United States. During the presidential election of 1936, Doremus Jessup, a small-town newspaper editor, observes with dismay that many of the people he knows support the candidacy of the demagogue Berzelius Windrip. When Windrip wins the election, he forcibly gains control of Congress and the Supreme Court and, with the aid of his personal paramilitary storm troopers, turns America into a totalitarian state.

iTheatre Saratoga has assembled a large ensemble cast including many capital region theatre veterans for a unique staged reading of Sinclair Lewis’ story.

A $10 donation made online guarantees you a seat. Reserve your seat at: itheatresaratoga.ticketspice.com/it-cant-happen-here-a-world-premiere-play-reading

The wild blue lupine has sprouted across the Saratoga Sand Plains and has turned the meadows into a sea of soft lavender-colored flowers. These native flowers are not only beautiful, but they also play a vital role in the life cycle of the endangered Karner blue butterfly.

Nature enthusiasts will have several opportunities throughout June to join guided nature walks to explore the unique habitat of the Karner blue butterfly. These beautiful butterflies, once widespread in the Northeast, depend entirely on the wild blue lupine for survival.

These guided walks offer a chance to witness the life cycle of one of North America’s at-risk butterflies and to experience the natural beauty of the Saratoga Sand Plains at its peak.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is offering free walks on Wednesdays continuing through June 24. Additional weekend walks will take place on Saturdays, June 13 and 27. These walks will take place at 1:30 p.m. To register for these events, visit: wiltonpreserve.org

Join Bikeatoga at the 57th Annual Elks Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 13th, for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States. The parade starts at 12:00 p.m. and travels down Broadway through downtown Saratoga Springs to Congress Park.

An event fitting for the whole family, decorate your bike and celebrate Flag Day by biking through downtown Saratoga. Every child who rides will receive a Flag Day pinwheel for their bike.

Bikeatoga will be assembling 3rd St. & N. Broadway by 11:30, the parade starts at 12 noon.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is hosting a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) exhibit at Saratoga Spa State Park from June 6, through July 7. 

The “Resilient Earth, Resilient Communities” exhibit explores how, through careful observation, we gather vital information that helps us prepare for the future and build stronger, more resilient communities. Created by the NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, the traveling exhibit features interactive stations and educational display panels detailing weather patterns and changing landscapes. The exhibition also explains how communities and scientists contribute to the knowledge of our planet.  

While displayed at Saratoga Spa State Park, the exhibit will feature region-specific elements including information about the New York State Mesonet and the New York State Hemlock Initiative.