Step behind the polished façade of Gilded Age Saratoga and uncover the scandals that shook one of America’s most glamorous resort towns.

Opening May 13 from 5:00–7:00 pm, The Scandals of Saratoga: The Downfall of Gilded Age Glories is a new exhibition curated by Shoshi Cohen, a graduating senior from Skidmore College, in collaboration with the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Created as part of her senior art history honors project, the exhibition explores the darker side of Saratoga’s celebrated Gilded Age, a period remembered for luxury, elegance, and high society — but also marked by crime, exclusion, and controversy.

Through three infamous local scandals, visitors will discover how power, privilege, reputation, and social status shaped Saratoga’s history. The exhibition examines the murder of Frank Walworth, the downfall of the Canfield Clubhouse amid illegal gambling controversies, and the exclusion of Jewish guests from the Grand Union Hotel under Judge Henry Hilton.

This free opening reception offers guests the chance to experience a fascinating new addition to the museum’s Gilded Age exhibitions and see Saratoga’s history from a more dramatic and revealing perspective. Light refreshments will be served, including crudités, a cheese plate, water, and soft drinks.

Event Details
Date: May 13
Time: 5:00–7:00 pm
Location: Saratoga Springs History Museum
Admission: Free

Join us for an evening of history, intrigue, conversation, and scandal as we pull back the curtain on the stories that complicated Saratoga’s glittering Gilded Age.