When History Lingers: The Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Times Union
Oct. 23, 2021
The Saratoga Springs History Museum was honored to be featured in a recent Times Union article exploring the long-standing stories, legends, and unexplained experiences associated with the historic Canfield Casino. The article highlights how the building’s rich past—rooted in 19th-century society, politics, and gambling—continues to fascinate visitors and spark curiosity today.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Times Union for shining a spotlight on this unique aspect of the museum and for helping share the layered history of one of Saratoga Springs’ most iconic landmarks.
A Building Steeped in Stories
Originally built in 1870 as John Morrissey’s Saratoga Club, the Canfield Casino has worn many hats over the decades—from elite gambling house to social hub, and eventually home to the Saratoga Springs History Museum. With that long and colorful history comes countless stories passed down through generations.
As the article notes, staff members, volunteers, and visitors have occasionally reported unusual experiences: unexplained sounds, subtle scents reminiscent of another era, flickering lights, and moments that seem to blur the line between past and present. Whether viewed through a historical, cultural, or purely imaginative lens, these stories add another dimension to how people engage with the building.
History, Not Horror
At the museum, we approach these tales not as sensational accounts, but as part of the broader human relationship with historic spaces. Old buildings—especially those as significant as the Canfield Casino—carry memories, emotions, and layers of lived experience. The stories people tell reflect how deeply connected the community remains to this place.
These narratives also help open the door to conversations about Saratoga Springs’ social history, including figures like John Morrissey, the Walworth family, and the many individuals who passed through the Casino during its most vibrant years.
Engaging the Public in New Ways
The article also touches on how the museum embraces public interest in these stories through popular seasonal programming, including ghost tours and special after-hours events. These programs offer a fun, educational way to explore local history while encouraging visitors to see the building—and the past—from a fresh perspective.
Whether guests come for the architecture, the exhibits, the documented history, or the lingering legends, the goal remains the same: to spark curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for Saratoga Springs’ heritage.
Thank You, Times Union
We are grateful to the Times Union for covering the museum and helping bring attention to the many layers of history housed within the Canfield Casino. Coverage like this helps us reach new audiences and reminds us that history isn’t just something we read—it’s something we experience, question, and continue to explore together.
We invite visitors to stop by, walk the halls, explore the exhibits, and decide for themselves: is it just history… or does the past still linger?
Photos courtesy of Times Union.
