Special Events and Programs

 

Concert goers at Saratoga National Historical Park.

NPS Photo

May

In Memoriam

Monday, May 26
2:00 pm
Visitor Center Theater

Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer reveals newly discovered stories of the lives - and deaths – of Americans who perished in the Battles of Saratoga.

June

Tinsmithing Demonstration

Saturday, June 7
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.

History Caravan

Saturday, June 21
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.

Silent Wings: Raptor Rehab and Education

Saturday, June 21
1:00 pm
Visitor Center Patio

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.)

Remembering Lafayette’s Visit to the Schuyler House

Sunday, June 29
1:00 pm
Schuyler Estate

Join us, the Schuylerville community, and other friends and partners in marking the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Schuylerville and the Schuyler Estate. Lafayette’s 1824-1825 tour reignited interest in the American Revolution as large crowds greeted him wherever he went. Speakers will share stories about the visit, Lafayette himself, and his contributions to the creation of the United States.

July

Citizenship Ceremony

Friday, July 4
10:00 am
Visitor Center Lawn

Saratoga National Historical Park welcomes 20 new American citizens!

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Friday, July 4
2:00 pm
Visitor Center Patio

Many Americans first heard the stirring words of the Declaration of Independence in a public, community setting. Join us as we recreate that experience on the document's 249th birthday!

History Caravan

Saturday, July 5
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 Year that Broke Him: Benedict Arnold in 1777

Sunday, July 13
2:00 pm
Visitor Center

For hundreds of years, Benedict Arnold's name has been a synonym for "traitor." But he was an ardent fighter for the American Cause from the war's beginning, often enduring hardships and putting his life on the line in the fight against Britain. The year 1777 was a particularly difficult one for the American general; while he fought the British to secure American independence, he also battled Congress over promotions due - but denied- to him. This program delves into how 1777 broke Arnold's "Zeal and Cause" for the United States and placed him on the dark path he ultimately took to committing treason against his beloved country.

History Caravan

Saturday, July 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.

August

History Caravan
Saturday, August 2
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 Demonstration

Saturday, August 2
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.

The McKrells Concert

Tuesday, August 5
12:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn

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.

History Caravan

Saturday, August 16
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.