BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County History Center presents two major events this spring featuring prominent local scholars: “Supporting the Poor in Saratoga County” with Lauren Roberts on March 24; and “The Deepest Devotion,” with Ben Kemp, who will portray Frederick Grant, the eldest son of Ulysses Grant, on April 6.
“Supporting the Poor in Saratoga County” takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, at Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St, Ballston Spa.
Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts will explore the history of Saratoga’s “poorhouse.” Established in 1827 as an alms house for “the victims of misfortune,” the institution grew along with the county. The Poor House complex included a large-scale farm, schoolhouse, imposing brick residence, and an infirmary. Over the decades, laws changed the way indigents were cared for, and, finally, in 1961, the poorhouse was demolished. Though the building no longer exists, this institution played a significant role in the care of county residents for well over a century.
“Many people may not realize that County Farm Road in the Town of Milton once led to an actual farm that was operated by people who lived in the county poor house” Roberts explains. “This 112-acre parcel was home to thousands of county residents over its 130-year history and operated almost self-sufficiently. Some of the people who were cared for there stayed only a few days, while others were there for much of their lives.”
Free tickets to attend this event in person: brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/39903-supporting-the-poor-in-saratoga-county. The program will also be broadcast on Facebook Live on the Saratoga County History Center Facebook page.
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, the county History Center presents “The Deepest Devotion” featuring public historian and re-enactor Ben Kemp of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage National Historic Landmark. The event, free and open to the public, will take place via Zoom. Register at: brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/40362-experts-next-door-episode-19.
