Thursday, June 20
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Meet at Visitor Center
Join Biological Technician Linda White for a walk through a lesser visited part of the park. Explore a field of ferns, native plants and pollinators, old growth trees, glacial activity, and talk about the families that called the area home. Meet at the Visitor Center and drive to Tour Stop 8.
The Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York return to the park to present, “Silent Wings: Raptor Rehab and Education.” The program is designed for all ages to see live birds of prey up-close and to learn about their impressive adaptations and behaviors.Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
History Caravan
Sunday, June 23
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Who Messed Up? Unravelling British plans to crush America's Revolution in 1777
Sunday, June 30
2:00 pm
Visitor Center
The British had two major plans to crush the new United States in 1777 - one was to capture Philadelphia, and the other, Albany. The first succeeded brilliantly, while the other failed so spectacularly that it resulted in the surrender of the first British Army in world history. British politicians and generals pointed fingers and blamed each other for the spectacular surrender at Saratoga. So, who messed up? Was it King George? General Howe? General Burgoyne? You decide!
July
Victory Woods Walk
Tuesday, July 2
9:00 am to 10:30
Saratoga Monument Parking Lot
Biological Technician Linda White leads a walk from the Saratoga Monument through Victory Woods exploring the trees and timelines of the area.
Friday July 5 (Rain Date July 12)
8:00 am to 10:00 am
Meet at Visitor Center Lawn
Join Park Volunteer and Photographer, David Truland, along with Park Visual Information Specialist, Kristin Vinduska to explore Saratoga National Historical Park through your camera lens. The program will take visitors on a 3-mile hike from the Visitor Center on the Wilkinson Trail out to Stop 6 and 7. Along the way, David and Kristin will talk photography tips and discuss some of their favorite photo spots in the park. People of all skill sets are welcome to join and bring anything from their favorite camera set-up to the camera on their phone. Visitors will be invited to share how they capture the beauty of the park through their own creative vision. In the words of Ansel Adams, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” If you would like to reserve your spot and be notified in case of the need to reschedule due to weather, contact sara_reservations@nps.gov.
History Caravan
Sunday, July 7
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
History Caravan
Saturday, July 13
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Uniforming the Continental Army
Sunday, July 14
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn
The American Northern Army encamped at Saratoga Battlefield in 1777 included thousands of Continental soldiers from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These soldiers wore a variety of colorful uniforms made of wool or linen, all of which needed to be hand tailored. Their leather shoes were made by hand using a careful, painstaking process. Come to the park to see an 18th-century tailor and cordwainer (not a cobbler!) make these uniform parts using authentic period techniques.
Frederick Douglass Returns to Schuylerville
Saturday, July 27
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Schuyler House
Join us as we commemorate and examine 250 years of the United States and meet the great abolitionist and freedom fighter Fredrick Douglass as he returns to Schuylerville! Despite promising in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” the new nation that emerged after the Battles of Saratoga and the American Revolution did not begin to approach those lofty ideals. Among other failings, the nation’s continued reliance on slavery, present from the beginning here in New York, and the exclusion of women from voting were just two of the most glaring. Frederick Douglass, himself having experienced enslavement, emerged as one of the most forceful advocates for addressing both in the 19th century.
Frederick Douglass Speaks on Democracy
Saturday, July 27
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Town of Saratoga Town Hall (12 Spring St., Schuylerville, NY)
Frederick Douglass Speaks on Democracy Inspired by the ideals of the American Revolution and the sacrifices of his forefathers, the Black men of the Continental Army and militias who served throughout the war and here at Saratoga, Frederick Douglass argued for the creation of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. After the war, he continued advocating for an expanded idea of democracy. One place he did that was in Schuylerville, NY on June 8, 1849. Nathan Richardson is an author, poet, and historian who has performed as Frederick Douglass around the United States for more than a decade.
Thursday, August 1
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Visitor Center Parking Lot
Meet Biological Technician Linda White in the Visitor Center parking lot, then drive to Tour Stop 8 and begin the walk there. Explore a field of ferns, native plants and pollinators, old growth trees, glacial activity, and talk about the families that called these areas home.
Meet George Washington
Saturday, August 3
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Schuyler House
General George Washington returns to the Schuyler House! At 1:00 pm, the Commander-in-Chief will discuss the state of the war as the calendar turns from 1776 to 1777. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
History Caravan
Sunday, August 4
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
The McKrells will bring their rousing brand of Bluegrass to top of the hill next to the Visitor Center. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the exhilarating sounds along with the beautiful and historic views.Bluegrass Now magazine described our guests as follows: "Traditional suits-and-ties bluegrass The McKrells are not...Yes, it's Grass, mostly, but there's a lilt to the tunes, a bouncing drive to the melodies, and here and there a touch of melancholy that seems to go hand in hand with the Celtic folk persona." Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
You’ll hear rousing chanteys, soulful ballads and laments, the traditions of the sea and shore, with lots of opportunity to sing along. Chris is a multi-instrumentalist who not only had a 20-year association as an Interpreter and Chanteyman at Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, but was privileged to sail and chantey on two historic vessels: the barque PictonCastle out of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and the only wooden whaler left, the Charles W. Morgan out of Mystic, CT. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
History Caravan
Saturday, August 17
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Tinsmithing Demonstrations
Saturday, August 17
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn
A live tinsmith demonstration! At the time of the Battles of Saratoga, the tinsmith was an important part of both community and military life. Tinsmiths created dozens of useful items like cups, bowls, candle molds, lanterns, tea canisters, and other containers. They also provided armies with needed items such as oil flasks, canteens, document cases, cooking kettles, and even canister shot for artillery. Learn about the process and see a sampling of the many civilian and military wares a tinsmith could make! The tinsmith demonstration is weather sensitive and will be cancelled in the event of rain.
Join us for Saratoga NHP’s first ever Movie Night! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy Sweet Liberty, a light-hearted American Revolution-themed comedy featuring Alan Alda, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michael Caine. Rated PG, running time 1 hour and 46 minutes. Event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Fort Ticonderoga Fife & Drum Corps
Saturday, August 31
1:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn
Listen to stirring tunes that eased the drudgery of a long march, or the many calls that regulated activity in a fort. Explore how drumbeats, trilling fifes, and songs created an 18th-century world of military music. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This support was gained by the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield.
September
Where are we?
Saturday, September 7
10:30 am
Visitor Center
This 60-minute, hands-on session provides participants with a basic-level understanding of compass use, map reading, and the essentials of orienteering. No GPS here, we're doing this "old school!" Space is limited, so email us at SARA_reservations@nps.gov to reserve your spot.
Stayin' alive!
Saturday, September 7
12:30 pm
Visitor Center
This 60-minute, hands-on program exploring some of the basics of wilderness survival, including: getting water, starting a fire, basic shelter, safety, signaling, personal gear, and why food is the least of your concerns! Space is limited, so email us at SARA_reservations@nps.gov to reserve your spot.
History Caravan
Sunday, September 8
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Canal Walk
Tuesday, September 10
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Tour Stop 10
Meet Biological Technician Linda White at Tour Stop 10 for a walk along the Champlain Canal celebrating it’s opening in 1823.
History Caravan
Saturday, September 14
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Battle of Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour
Saturday, September 21
2:00 pm
Meet at Tour Stop 6
Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of Freeman's Farm, the place where most of the first battle of Saratoga was fought on September 19, 1777. The battle - one of the longest land battles of the eight-year-long war - was a terrible fight over farm fields and woods and ended up costing the lives of hundreds of men and boys, most of whom are still buried in unmarked graves near where they fell. Meet at the Freeman Farm parking lot (stop 6); the tour will last for about one hour.
Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn
Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.
Royalist Refugee Encounters
Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tour Stop 9
Discover one of the lesser-known stories of the American Revolution as we commemorate 250 years of the United States. When considering the American Revolution, many only think of two opposing forces, the British and the Americans. Yet there is another important and yet often neglected contingent, those who chose to maintain their loyalty to England. There were many families in this region who considered themselves Loyalists, a path chosen for a variety of reasons. This is your chance to talk with a woman who is making her way northward to Canada to reunite with relatives who have already fled the region. Take a few minutes to chat about her unique circumstances, the items she chose to pack, her plans for the journey, and her fears for the future.
Soldier Encampment at Saratoga Battlefield
Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tour Stops 2 & 6
Soldiers return to Saratoga! Some of the heaviest fighting in the two Battles of Saratoga involved Major Dearborn’s Corps of Light Infantry on the American side and General Fraser’s Advanced Corps on the British. Both bodies were made up of soldiers pulled from different regiments in their respective armies. You can meet American soldiers from the 1st New Hampshire, and the 2nd,3rd, and 10th Massachusetts at Tour Stop 2. Watch soldiers fire muskets, drill, post guard, cook, and sew clothing while there. British soldiers from the 24th and 62nd Regiments of Foot will await you at Tour Stop 6! Activities there will include soldiers drilling, posting guard, cooking, and sewing clothing.
Bird Walk
Saturday, September 28
8:00 am to 10:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center Parking Lot
Biological Technician Linda White leads a walk in search of some of Saratoga’s bird friends.
October
History Caravan
Sunday, October 6
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour
Monday, October 7
1:00 pm
Tour Road Stop 5
Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives a guided tour of the fields where the Battle of Bemus Heights - the second battle of Saratoga - was fought on October 7, 1777. The battle was one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War and put an end to the British scheme to capture Albany. Major new information has reshaped our understanding of Benedict Arnold's role in the battle, and discussing his heroism in the fight will be a highlight of the tour. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at "The Tide Turns" parking lot (stop 5); the tour will last for about one hour.
Soldier Encampment at Saratoga Battlefield
Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Battlefield Tour Road Stop 3 and Stop 6
The Redcoats are coming to Saratoga Battlefield! And so are the Continentals! Come to Saratoga National Historical Park and visit with the British Redcoats of his Majesty's 24th Regiment of Foot as they encamp at Freeman's Farm (Stop 6). Activities include soldiers drilling, posting guard, cooking, and sew clothing. The 2nd Continental Artillery will be at Bemus Heights (Stop 3) helping to keep the British from reclaiming Albany in the name of the king. Discover how cannons, the ultimate weapons of 18th century warfare, worked and experience the excitement of seeing one fired!
Homefront at the Schuyler Estate
Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 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, October 12 and Sunday, October 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, October 12 and Sunday, October 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, October 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!
Candlelight Tours
Wednesday, October 16
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Schuyler House
Experience the ambiance of an 18th Century house in the evening with a special candlelight tour through the Schuyler House! Visitors should be aware that the candlelight tours are low light and may make walking through the house challenging for some visitors. Capacity limits will be in effect for safety and protection of visitors and the historic resource. Reservations will be required. Information for making those reservations will be posted in early September.
History Caravan
Saturday, October 19
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Saratoga Surrender Day
Thursday, October 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.
Last updated: June 17, 2024
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
648 Route 32
Stillwater,
NY
12170
Phone:
(518) 670-2985
Saratoga National Historical Park information desk available daily from 9am - 5pm. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
