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The History of Saratoga County
A 30 minute PowerPoint Presentation. The presentation is a general overview of the history of our county from the prehistoric period to present day. The presentation explores little known and interesting facts.
• Records Available at the Saratoga County Historians Office
A 45 minute PowerPoint presentation that explains the types of sources, both primary and secondary, available at the Saratoga County Historian’s Office. This presentation can be tailored to discuss specific fields of research.
• The La Rue Collection
A 45 minute PowerPoint presentation about the Joseph LaRue family of Charlton. Joseph LaRue was an early settler and became one of the first Justices of the Peace in Saratoga County. Research is based on 600 original documents dating from the late 1700s and early 1800s which were found beneath the attic floorboards in the historic LaRue farmhouse.
• Women of the Saratoga Campaign
Many know the story of British General John Burgoyne’s Surrender to the Americans after the Battles of Saratoga in 1777, commonly referred to as the Turning Point of the American Revolution. Familiar names such as Benedict Arnold and Philip Schuyler are often associated with this history, but what about the women who were also involved in this crucial campaign? Whether actively traveling with the armies, or local residents who had the revolution brought to their doorsteps, this presentation tells lesser-known stories of women on both sides of the conflict and shares their perspectives on the ways their lives were forever changed by these events.
• Celebrations, Ceremonies, and Commemorations
What does it mean to celebrate the anniversary of a historic event? What goes into planning the events, who is the intended audience, and what are the goals of the commemorations? Join us as we explore these questions in the context of the American Revolution and, more specifically, the Battles of Saratoga. We’ll look at events that marked the 100th, 150th, and 200th anniversaries and get a preview of projects underway to honor the 250th anniversary in 2027 in Saratoga County. In addition, participants are encouraged to share their own memories of the American Bicentennial and other anniversaries of historic events.
• Experiences at Saratoga, 1777
Join us as we explore the lives of a variety of individuals who experienced the Battles of Saratoga. Starting with an overview of the campaign and battles, we will then learn about what brought them to the Saratoga District (as Saratoga County was then called), their experiences while here, and their fates after the battles. We’ll also learn about some of the local residents who saw this military campaign roll through their communities and farms. Participants will also learn about opportunities to continue exploring history at upcoming events with Saratoga 250 and other local historical organizations.
• Summarizing Saratoga: A Brief Overview of the Battles of Saratoga
The stories of the Battles of Saratoga are full of names, locations, and fascinating details. Join us for an overview where we explore a summary of the events surrounding the battles, the major individuals involved, and the far-reaching consequences of the battles and the surrender in 1777. Discover ways to learn more through books, online sources, local organizations and upcoming events.
• Farm Fields to Battlefields
Local residents may be familiar with the Saratoga National Historical Park as a place to hike, bike, and drive through. Many have heard about the battles that took place here. Yet the agricultural roots of this landscape are often forgotten. Hints about the uses of the land are found in the phrasing of the “Battle of Freeman’s Farm” and “Barber’s Wheatfield”. We also see the Nielson family farmhouse at Stop 2. Who were the Freemans, the Barbers, and the Nielsons? What did they grow and how do we know? Did they ever return to their land? Join us to discover the rich history of this landscape.
• Writing the Revolution: The Importance of the Written Word in the 1770s
Based upon our popular school program, “Writing the Revolution” explores how ideas spread through handwritten correspondence as well as printed broadsides, newspapers, pamphlets, and books. How long did it take for news to reach across the Atlantic Ocean? Who was involved in the “Committees of Correspondence” and what did they do? How were quill pens made and used? We’ll explore these questions and examine some early examples of early print culture.
• Extraordinary Women of Saratoga County
Though their names are unknown to most, these groundbreaking women deserve our recognition! Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts will give a presentation highlighting a few amazing women throughout county history. Some courageous, some colorful, these lesser-known females were trailblazers in their own right; overcoming boundaries and making a difference in the world around them. Their contributions to science, government, history, the arts, and military campaigns are not to be ignored.
• The Saratoga County Poorhouse
Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts gives an overview of the 130-year history of the Saratoga County Poorhouse and the changing ideas of how to support the poor overtime. The Poorhouse was established in 1827, when the county purchased land to accommodate an Alms House for “the victims of misfortune.” As the county grew, so did the number of people who needed care. The Poor House complex included a large-scale farm, schoolhouse, imposing brick residence and an infirmary. This presentation includes photos, memoirs and records of those who were both in charge of, and supported by, the Saratoga County Poorhouse.
• The Creation of the Great Sacandaga Lake
Nestled in the southern foothills of the majestic Adirondack Mountains is the Great Sacandaga Lake, the largest man-made body of water in New York State. This is the story of how the people of the Sacandaga Valley had to sacrifice their homes, their farms and their livelihoods for the greater good. It is a story of heartbreak, rebirth and a remarkable engineering project in its own right.
• Overhearing History is an illustrated book perfect for young readers to explore the Revolutionary War. Written by Anne Clothier and illustrated by Alex Portal.
Coming Soon:
• Sharing Stories: A Brief Primer on Capturing Oral History Interviews
Have you ever listened to someone telling a story and realize that others should hear it too? Do you, or someone you know, have fascinating details about the history of a community, a remarkable experience, or a historical event? Join us to learn the basics of recording oral histories. We’ll discuss how the professionals do it, the equipment used, and even how to record using items you may already have. Participants will receive guidance on how to develop a list of questions, encourage good storytelling, and ways to responsibly document and preserve the recording.
• Cultivating Communities: Saratoga County’s Rich Agricultural Heritage
Join us as we travel back in time to explore the history of farming in Saratoga County. We’ll explore archeological indications of the earliest residents, the arrival of settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries, development of communities and markets, farming innovations, and more. Using an assortment of primary sources including early photographs, census data, written accounts, and government records we will discuss the evolution of farming practices and share the current state of agriculture within the region.
