Date: March 11, 2017
Contact: Lisa Dittman, 518-670-2980
2016 marked a banner year for visitation at Saratoga National Historical Park. Over 102,000 people visited the park during the 100th anniversary year of the National Park Service. This was a 58% increase in park visitation from 2015. The park witnessed an increase in visitors attending ranger programs, special events, hiking and cycling, and touring the park’s historic sites.
This increase in visitation was felt at all events throughout the year. In 2016, 3,019 students learned about the pivotal 1777 battles and life during the 18th century. Hands on activities, demonstrations, and hikes helped students gain knowledge of the lives of soldiers, camp followers, and every day people involved in the battles. Over 2,000 visitors attended living history days at the park where re-enactors highlighted life in the 18th Century. Some 500 visitors witnessed 20 new U.S. citizens taking the oath of allegiance at the park’s very special naturalization ceremony on Independence Day. The historic Schuyler House also received increased visitation in 2016 with 30% more visitors than in 2015.
“Seeing so many people come to experience their national park is inspiring,” noted Park Superintendent Amy Bracewell. “Whether people came to visit for the first time, for the 100th birthday of the National Park Service, or because of our unique link to the hit musical Hamilton, I hope every visitor found their own personal connection with the significance of this battlefield for American independence.”
Saratoga National Historical Park offers a variety of programs, events, and experiences throughout the year. In 2017 the park will be hosting its first-ever Jr. Ranger Day for all
ages on April 15, “I Love My Park Day” volunteer service day on May 6, the highly popular Independence Day activities, and a family bike summit on May 21. Ranger programs, guided hikes, music events, children’s programs, and many more events take place every month at the park. For a full calendar of events, please see the park’s website at www.nps.gov/sara
For more information on visitation in the National Park Service, please visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/annual-visitation-highlights.htm
To learn more about visiting National Parks visit http://findyourpark.com and https://www.nationalparks.org
For more information about this or other events, please call the Visitor Center at 518-670-2985 or check our website at www.nps.gov/sara or on Facebook and Twitter: @SaratogaNHP
