At our 142nd Annual Meeting, held in the historic Canfield Casino, Museum Director James Parillo invited guests on a fast-moving, 140-year journey through the life of the Saratoga Springs History Museum—its origins, its champions, its close calls, and the work that continues today.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum has officially reopened its extensively updated Indigenous history exhibit, and it’s one of the most important—and thought-provoking—spaces in the entire building.

On the evening of Thursday, May 15, 2025, guests gathered at 1 E. Congress Street in the Canfield Casino to welcome a rather unexpected visitor back to Saratoga Springs: President James Madison himself.

On December 12th, the historic Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs came alive with intrigue, elegance, and excitement as guests gathered for the highly anticipated Murder Mystery Gala & Dinner. With its grand halls, ornate chandeliers, and storied history, the casino provided the perfect setting for an evening of suspense and style.

On November 14, 2024, the Saratoga Springs History Museum traded snow flurries for summer thunder as guests packed into the gallery for The Travers: Saratoga’s Midsummer Derby – Celebrating the Legacy with Authors Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch. For one brisk autumn evening, everyone in the room was transported trackside to hot August afternoons, roaring crowds, and some of the most unforgettable moments in American racing.

On October 23, the Saratoga Springs History Museum held its 141st Annual Meeting inside the historic Canfield Casino—an evening that blended institutional updates, community tradition, and a powerful story about a woman who helped “buy” women’s right to vote.

On September 19, 2024, the Saratoga Springs History Museum welcomed guests for a powerful and richly detailed program: “The Bemis Heights Regiment: The 77th New York Volunteers in the Civil War”, presented by renowned journalist and local historian Chris Carola.

On August 21, the Saratoga Springs History Museum welcomed a packed and enthusiastic audience for “Secretariat’s Legacy: The Greatest Racehorse and His Enduring Impact on Saratoga Springs.” For one memorable evening, guests explored the unmatched story of America’s most famous racehorse — not only his Triple Crown triumphs, but the deep and lasting imprint he left on Saratoga Springs itself.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum has officially launched a groundbreaking new AI-narrated Self-Guided Audio Tour, offering visitors an immersive way to explore Saratoga’s rich history through cutting-edge technology.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum was thrilled to welcome guests to our annual Murder Mystery Gala & Fundraiser, an evening filled with suspense, spirited performances, and unforgettable moments inside the historic Canfield Casino.

On November 9, 2023, the Saratoga Springs History Museum welcomed educator and Saratoga native Warren Dart for an extraordinary evening devoted to the history and heroism of the Tuskegee Airmen—the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces—and to the remarkable life of his father, Lt. Col. Clarence W. Dart, one of their own.

On October 25, 2023, museum visitors stepped back into the world of 1777 as Saratoga Springs History Museum Director James Parillo delivered an engaging, deeply detailed presentation on the Battles of Saratoga and the everyday realities of the soldiers who fought, suffered, and persevered during one of the most pivotal moments of the American Revolution.

On August 17, 2023, the Saratoga Springs History Museum welcomed transportation historian Richard Chait for a captivating presentation on one of the most remarkable—and surprisingly short-lived—chapters in local railroad history: The Saratoga Limited, a luxury express train that once made the journey from New York City to Saratoga Springs in an astonishing 3.5 hours.

On July 27, 2023, the Saratoga Springs History Museum welcomed guests for a truly captivating evening as Director of Education Jacqueline Bunge presented “History & Symbolism of Greenridge Cemetery.” Blending art history, local heritage, funerary symbolism, and a deep appreciation for 19th-century mourning culture, Jacqueline guided attendees through the fascinating stories carved into the stones of Saratoga’s most historic cemetery.

History Museum education director Jacqueline Bunge, writer Carol Godette and Burke & Bussing's Mark Phillips discussed the history of William J. Burke and the legacy of the Burke Funeral Home, which has served countless Saratogians with dignity and respect for more than 100 years.

An enriching discussion filled with photos and stories to open up a history of the Spa City that will be new to many people.

Saratoga and George bumped into each other twice—once when we almost cost him his job as commander of the Continental Army and the other when he visited the village on a secret real estate mission. 

Eminent Saratogian Katrina Trask (1853-1922), visionary thinker and founder of Yaddo, left a complex and fascinating legacy from an inspiring life of triumph over devastating losses. 

The Saratoga Springs History Museum gathered members, supporters, volunteers, and board leadership on October 27, 2022, for its Annual Meeting—an evening reflecting on a year of growth, resilience, and remarkable community support. The meeting also included a deeply meaningful moment: the induction of Anthony (Skip) Scirocco (1948–2022) into the Saratoga Springs History Hall of Fame.

Starting in 1914, the Feast of St. Michael was celebrated in late September in Saratoga Springs’ Dublin neighborhood, now known as the Beekman Street Arts District.