Saratoga Springs History Museum Annual Meeting & Hall of Fame Induction
October 27, 2022
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.
A Year of Growth, Renewal, and Community Strength
Board President Charlie Kuenzel opened the meeting, welcoming guests and highlighting the importance of transparency, community engagement, and honoring the individuals who carry the museum’s mission forward.
Treasurer Tom Burns shared an encouraging financial outlook for 2022, celebrating the museum’s continued recovery and success:
Museum visitation increased by more than 1,000 guests over the previous year.
Museum Shop sales doubled, supported by new offerings like the 1,000-piece puzzle and the popular Saratoga Trivia Game.
Membership surged from 150 to 300 members, strengthening the backbone of the museum’s support system.
Tom reminded attendees of something every tour guide sees firsthand: the look of awe on visitors’ faces when they enter the historic Canfield Casino. “We sometimes forget what a beautiful building we have,” he noted. “We’re lucky to steward this treasure.”
Executive Director’s Report: Innovation & Momentum
Executive Director Jamie Parillo reflected on the museum’s remarkable rebound following the challenges of the pandemic. What started as uncertainty in 2020 transformed into bold experimentation, new programming, and record-setting attendance.
Highlights included:
The wildly successful Murder Mystery Dinner, which brought 150 enthusiastic guests into the Casino.
The launch of the museum’s custom board game “Murder in the Canfield Casino,” created in partnership with Maddie Zanetti, Larry Ambrosino, and Charlie Kuenzel.
The continued success of the Saratoga Springs Trivia Game, now in its second edition.
Preparation for a new long-term exhibition on the Indigenous history of the Saratoga region, created in collaboration with the N’dakinna Education Center and representatives of the Mohawk and Mohican communities.
Growth of the museum’s digital presence, including historicSaratogaPhotos.com, which makes the Bolster Collection accessible online to the public.
Jamie expressed deep gratitude to the museum’s volunteers and part-time staff—those who greet visitors, lead tours, run the Museum Shop, and keep the museum vibrant every day.
A Vision for 2023: Collaboration & Growth
President Kuenzel emphasized that the museum’s success comes from many hands—members, volunteers, staff, and the broader Saratoga community. Looking ahead, he identified three pillars of future growth:
1. Membership
Membership remains essential to sustaining the museum’s mission. The recent increase is cause for celebration—and continued effort.
2. Volunteers & Staff Development
With volunteerism declining community-wide, the museum encourages all Saratogians to consider getting involved. “If you know someone wondering what to do with their time,” Charlie said, “send them to us.”
3. Collaboration
New partnerships with organizations like Discover Saratoga and the National Museum of Racing are shaping innovative programs, including sold-out Ghost Trolley Tours and upcoming co-hosted events.
Charlie concluded with a message of optimism:
“The key word for next year is growth. Growth in outreach, growth in exhibits, growth in impact.”
Honoring Anthony ‘Skip’ Scirocco: Hall of Fame Induction
The evening concluded with the induction of Anthony “Skip” Scirocco into the Saratoga Springs History Hall of Fame—an honor reserved for individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped the civic life of the city.
A lifelong Saratogian, Skip was:
A beloved Civic leader,
A longtime Animal Control Officer,
A dedicated Commissioner of Public Works, and
A passionate steward of Congress Park and the Canfield Casino.
Skip’s efforts led to the restoration of numerous historic landmarks, including:
The Casino’s chandeliers, plasterwork, roof, and foundation
The Morrissey Fountain
The Spiritual Life Fountain
The 77th New York Volunteers Civil War Monument
He embodied public service, community pride, and a deep dedication to preserving Saratoga’s heritage.
His induction marks him as the 29th member of the Saratoga Springs History Hall of Fame—a distinction warmly received by attendees, friends, and family.
A Meaningful Evening of Reflection and Gratitude
The 2022 Annual Meeting celebrated more than progress—it celebrated people. The members, visitors, volunteers, partners, and supporters whose combined efforts keep Saratoga Springs' history not only preserved but alive.
The museum extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and to those who continue to champion its mission year after year.