Old Saratoga Historical Association

08/26/2026

Schuylerville is often associated with the surrender that ended Burgoyne's campaign.

But the story began much earlier.

Rain, muddy roads, transportation problems, shortages and delays were already shaping the campaign before the Battles of Saratoga.

The landscape around Schuylerville helps visitors understand that campaigns are built one difficult mile at a time.

Read more:
https://tinyurl.com/4x6m6dwc

08/12/2026

08/11/2026

🏛️ Old Saratoga, we need to talk about one of our own.

Louis Cook was born right here on along the Hudson River— and it was here he was captured as a child during a French and Mohawk raid in 1745. He went on to become the highest-ranking officer of both Black and Native American descent in the entire Continental Army. It would take over 90 years for another Black officer to reach his rank. Born here. Captured here. And in 1777, he came back and fought here at the Battles of Saratoga.
That's not just local history. That's American history. 🇺🇸

Louis Cook was the highest-ranking military officer of both Black and Native American descent to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Born to an African father and an Abenaki mother, he was captured as a child during a French and Mohawk raid, adopted into the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk community, and raised speaking multiple languages while learning to read and write.

During the Revolution, Cook fought alongside the Patriots in key battles, including Saratoga, and earned a reputation as a respected military and Indigenous leader. In 1779, the Continental Congress commissioned him as a lieutenant colonel, the only known commission of that rank granted to a man of African descent during the Revolutionary War.

After the American Revolution, Louis convinced the Oneida to lease approximately 5 million acres believing it would lead to more prosperity for his people. The leases were then declared invalid by the New York government and the land was taken by military force and then resold. He continued to represent the Oneida and American military until his death in 1814, when he was buried with full military honors.

08/02/2026

TODAY! Join us for the 2026 Turning Point Parade & Festival as we celebrate the rich history, heritage, and community spirit that make Schuylerville, NY so special!

📅 Sunday, August 2, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Schuylerville, NY

PLEASE NOTE: August 8th is the Turning Point Festival in Fort Hardy Park

From Revolutionary War reenactors and marching bands to community groups, beautiful floats, horses, and patriotic music, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Bring your family, gather with friends, and help us celebrate America’s Most Historic Village!

🇺🇸 We can’t wait to see you along the parade route!

07/28/2026

A Tradition That Marches Through Time: Turning Point Parade & Festival Returns to Schuylerville

The Capital Region’s signature celebration of Revolutionary heritage returns this summer as the Turning Point Parade & Festival brings thousands of residents and visitors back to Schuylerville for two marquee events on August 2 and August 8, 2026. Organized by a dedicated volunteer committee, the festival honors who built this community, what the Battles of Saratoga achieved, when the turning point of the Revolution occurred, where it unfolded across the Hudson River corridor, and why this tradition continues to matter. Recently recognized by CNN as one of “14 Unique Ways to Celebrate America’s 250th,” the Turning Point celebration remains one of the region’s most beloved summer gatherings.

The event begins on Sunday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m., when the Turning Point Parade steps off through the Village of Schuylerville. Crowds line the streets for a patriotic procession of colorful floats, marching bands, veterans and military groups, first responders, equestrian units, classic vehicles, and dozens of community organizations. For many families, it’s the moment summer truly arrives — a tradition that blends Revolutionary remembrance with the energy of a modern hometown celebration.

The festivities continue on Saturday, August 8, when Fort Hardy Park hosts the Turning Point Festival from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Festival‑goers can expect live music, local food vendors, craft and artisan booths, historical displays, family activities, beverages from regional breweries and distilleries, and a fireworks finale over the Hudson River. It’s a full community showcase — part heritage tourism, part summer celebration, and entirely powered by volunteers.

The Turning Point Parade & Festival Committee extends special thanks to its 2026 Revolutionary Sponsors:

Village of Schuylerville

Town of Saratoga

Fort Miller Group

Their support keeps this longstanding tradition free and open to all.

Event details, parade participation forms, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer information are available at www.turningpointparade.com.

Looking ahead:
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, the Turning Point Parade will move next year to Surrender Day — October 17, 2027 as part of the Saratoga 250 commemorations.

The Turning Point Parade & Festival commemorates the American Victory at the Battles of Saratoga on October 17, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War. In the months prior to October 8, 1777, the British suffered about 2,000 casualties. Burgoyne’s forces, now down to about 6,000 men, took ref...

07/10/2026

Thank you so very, very much for participating in the Reading of the Declaration of Independence program last night in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of this special document.

It was a very moving event with so many of our local organizations, churches and governments represented.
Each and everyone of you had such an important role in making this such a memorable evening!

The Old Saratoga Historical Association is most appreciative of your support.

Lets always strive to uphold the truths proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence:

"That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Looking forward to working with you again.

Pat Peck & Deb Peck Kelleher

07/07/2026

Join community members at the Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville on Wednesday, July 8, at 6 pm, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The program will include not only the reading of the Declaration of Independence, but also presentation of colors by Schuylerville Girl Scout Troop 3579, singing of our National Anthem by Paige Phillips and Haleigh LaBounty, group singing of patriotic songs led by Schuylerville High School Vocal Director Jodi Ogburn, and 13 toasts to our new nation by Town historian Sean Kelleher.
The evening will conclude with ice cream served by our Saratoga County Dairy Ambassadors.

This event is sponsored by the Old Saratoga Historical Association. Contact Deb Peck Kelleher for further information

06/27/2026

Join in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Everyone is invited to the Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 8, where representatives of numerous​ town and village entities and organizations will read the Declaration of Independence.

This event is part of a national simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence which will occur at the same moment across the nation’s ten time zones from here to the western Pacific to commemorate the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, which was held on July 8, 1776, in front of the Philadelphia State House.

The event, sponsored by the Old Saratoga Historical Association, will also include a presentation of colors, singing of patriotic songs led by Jodi Osborn and Chris Tucker, 13 toasts, and Stewart's ice cream served by Saratoga County Dairy Ambassadors.

This is part of Sharing the Spirit of America. This is a nationwide program initiated and sponsored by the Hawai’i America250 Commission.

Hawai’i developed a project related to America250 and the Declaration of Independence - “Sharing the Spirit of America”. The premise of ‘Sharing the Spirit of America’ is pretty simple, and its implementation is equally simple, with limited cost in doing so.

Just as the Declaration of Independence was read to the people on July 8, 1776, now, 250-years later, Americans in all 50 States, 5 Territories, the District of Columbia, and Minor Outlying Islands of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’. Read more at https://hawaiiamerica250.org/sharing-the-spirit-of-america

04/23/2026

From Stillwater to Schuylerville, the ground still tells the story.

As local residents, we’re preparing to bring that story forward during the Semiquincentennial—on the very terrain where it unfolded.

Tonight, Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM. The Making of the Declaration of Independence
📍Old Saratoga Historical Association at Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, NY
Skidmore College Professor Beau Breslin explores the debates, ideas, and political tensions that shaped the drafting of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. A deep dive into how one of America’s most influential documents came to be.

Read more events
https://tinyurl.com/tdbvmjzd

04/07/2026

The Town of Saratoga continues to play a leading role in interpreting the deeper history of the American Revolution—and public response has been strong.

Saratoga 250’s program Benjamin Franklin Slept Here has proven so popular that it sold out almost immediately, prompting the addition of a second date and a second venue.

In the spring of 1776, Benjamin Franklin passed through this region on his way to Canada. Though the mission failed, it helped shape the diplomatic strategy that followed the Battles of Saratoga.

Programs like this highlight Saratoga’s role not just as a battlefield landscape, but as part of a broader network of movement, decision-making, and consequence.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend.

If you’ve ever wondered how this region connects to the larger story of the Revolution—and ultimately the Battles of Saratoga—this program brings it into focus in a powerful way. All free and handicap accessible.

📅 April 15, 7 PM (Schuylerville) registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/5n6thbm3

📅 April 12, 1 PM (Saratoga Spa State Park part of Friends of Grant’s Cottage Annual Meeting)

details are at https://open.substack.com/pub/seanpatrickkelleher/p/due-to-popular-demand-more-benjamin?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web