Special Events and Programs

 
A large group seated in lawnchairs watches a band of musicians
Concert goers at Saratoga National Historical Park.

NPS Photo

September

History Caravans
Tuesdays, September 12 and 26, 9:30 am

Meet at the Visitor Center
Park Volunteers lead caravan-style tours of the Saratoga Battlefield!

Continentals Return to Saratoga Battlefield
Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop 2

Soldiers of Colonel Thomas Marshall's 10th Massachusetts Regiment return to Bemus Heights at Saratoga Battlefield! See them drill and shoot their muskets, eat Revolutionary War soldier rations, and perform military duties like their 1777 forbearers.

18th Century Medicine
Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Visitor Center Lawn

Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.

Loyalist Refugee Encounters
Sunday, September 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road Stop 9

When considering the American Revolution, many only think of two sides, the British and the Americans. Yet there is another important and 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. While exploring the battlefield, keep on the lookout for a refugee at Stop 9 who is making her way northward to Canada to reunite with relatives who have already fled the region. Take a few minutes to chat with her about her unique circumstances, the items she chose to pack, her plans for the journey, and her fears for the future.

Battle of Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour
Tuesday, September 19, 1:00 pm

Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield Tour Road 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. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at the Freeman Farm parking lot (stop 6); the tour will last for about one hour.

“Are we there yet?”
Saturday, September 30, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Visitor Center
Have you ever felt lost? Join Park Ranger Bill Valosin for an introduction to map and compass use. Discover the essential workings of a compass, what a map is, and how to use these tools together to find your way.


October

Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour
Saturday, October 7, 1:00 pm

Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield 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 7 and Sunday, October 8, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saratoga National Historical Park 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). But don't worry - Continental soldiers from Colonel Greaton's 3rd Massachusetts Regiment and the 2nd Continental Artillery at Bemus Heights (Stop 3) will keep the British from reclaiming Albany in the name of the king. Soldiers and women followers will be on hand to talk about what army life was like, and soldiers will perform military drill, cook rations, and fire muskets throughout the weekend.

For updates on this program, check this website: Events Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of The Battles of Saratoga (saratoga250.com)

Homefront at the Schuyler Estate
Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8, 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. The Saratoga County 250th Commission will be there with their tent full of fun activities for the whole family! Finally, visit General Philip Schuyler’s home.

For updates on this program, check this website: Events Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of The Battles of Saratoga (saratoga250.com)

Feeding an Army
Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Schuyler House
What did British soldiers at Saratoga eat, and how did they prepare their food? Join us as we explore these questions through a sensory exploration and live cooking demonstration using historical methods, tools, and reproduction foods. Visitors will have the opportunity to touch, smell, and hear the culinary past!

For updates on this program, check this website: Events Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of The Battles of Saratoga (saratoga250.com)

The Surrender at Saratoga: A First for World History
Tuesday, October 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saratoga Surrender Site
Join us for the surrender anniversary! Visit with a park ranger at the site where British Lt. General Burgoyne surrendered to Major General Horatio Gates bringing an end to the Battles of Saratoga. This was the first time in world history that the British Army surrendered to another country. On the morning of October 17, 1777, a British army over 6,000 strong made preparations to surrender arms and ordnance to the Northern Army forces of the United States of America.

There is no specific program time. Park rangers will be at the site from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm to talk with visitors on the anniversary of the British Surrender.

Candlelight Tours
Wednesday, October 18, 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! The tours will be held Wednesday, October 18 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 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 are required and all spots have been booked.

Last updated: September 29, 2023

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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.

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