Stillwater, N.Y. – Saratoga National Historical Park is hosting the following special events in September and October, commemorating of the 248th anniversaries of the Battles of Saratoga and the Surrender of Burgoyne’s army:
Battle of Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour
Saturday, September 20
2:00 pm
Meet at Tour Stop 6
Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer gives a guided tour of Freeman’s Farm, the place where most of the first battle of Saratoga was fought on September 19, 1777. The battle – one of the longest land battles of the eight-year-long war – was a terrible fight over farm fields and woods and ended up costing the lives of hundreds of men and boys, most of whom are still buried in unmarked graves near where they fell. Meet at the Freeman Farm parking lot (stop 6); the tour will last for about one hour.
Stars Over Saratoga
Saturday, September 20
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn
Saratoga National Historical Park is hosting a Night Sky Viewing Party on September 20, from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. Visitors may start arriving around 7:00 pm if they would like to enjoy sunset and find a spot on the Visitor Center lawn. Join us for a night under the stars on the Visitor Center lawn during the new moon. Park Rangers will give a short presentation about our connections to the night sky, a night sky tour, and how you can help to protect this disappearing resource. Junior Rangers can work on the Night Explorer Activity Book to earn their Night Explorer Badge! After the presentation, attendees will have time to enjoy the night sky. Although we have light pollution here, if the weather cooperates, we hope for a good viewing!
Soldier Encampment at the Battlefield
Saturday, September 20
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tour Stops 2 & 6
Sunday, September 21
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tour Stops 2 & 6
Soldiers return to Saratoga! Some of the heaviest fighting in the two Battles of Saratoga in 1777 involved Massachusetts Continental infantry on the American side and General Fraser’s Advanced Corps on the British.
You can meet American soldiers from multiple recreated regiments of the Massachusetts Continental Line at Tour Stop 2. They will fire muskets, drill, post guard, cook, and sew clothing throughout the weekend.
Fraser’s British soldiers from the 24th and 62nd Regiments of Foot will await you at Tour Stop 6! Activities there will include soldiers drilling, cooking, and sewing clothing.
Finally, meet Loyalist refugees seeking refuge from their American neighbors with General Burgoyne’s army at Stop 9.
Make sure to ask the reenactors lots of questions!
History Caravan
Saturday, September 27
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
History Caravan
Saturday, October 4
9:30 am
Meet in the Visitor Center
Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Battle of Bemus Heights Walking Tour
Tuesday, October 7
1:00 pm
Tour Road Stop 5
Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer leads a guided tour of the fields where the Battle of Bemus Heights – the second battle of Saratoga – was fought on October 7, 1777. The battle was one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War and put an end to the British scheme to capture Albany. Major new information has reshaped our understanding of Benedict Arnold’s role in the battle, and discussing his heroism in the fight will be a highlight of the tour. No sign-up required; those interested should meet at “The Tide Turns” parking lot (stop 5); the tour will last for about one hour.
Soldier Encampment at the Battlefield
Saturday, October 11
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday, October 12
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tour Stops 2, 3, & 6
More soldiers return to Saratoga! The park will host three small encampments on the original 1777 Revolutionary War battlegrounds.
At Benedict Arnold’s headquarters (tour road stop 2), Continental soldiers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont will encamp within the American defenses, ready to defend against any British invasion.
At Bemus Heights (tour road stop 3), New York’s Continental artillery corps will ensure that no Redcoats pass the high bluffs and march on to conquer Albany.
At Freeman’s Farm (tour road stop 6), British soldiers of His Majesty’s 24th Regiment will be on hand to restore legitimate government to the rebellious American colonies.
All camps are free to visit and open to the public during the dates and times listed above. Soldiers will fire cannons and muskets throughout the event and perform other martial activities, while they and the camp’s followers will cook food and sew clothing throughout the event. Make sure to ask the reenactors lots of questions!
Homefront at the Schuyler Estate
Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Schuyler House
Renowned blacksmith Jymm Hoffman will demonstrate 18th century techniques at the forge. Living Historian Anne Clothier will share the stories of Women in Healing from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. Living Historian Sara Evenson will discuss and demonstrate 18th century food. The Saratoga County 250th Commission will be there with their tent full of fun activities for the whole family! And you can visit General Philip Schuyler’s home.
Siege of Saratoga Walking Tour
Tuesday, October 14
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Saratoga Monument
Discover the Siege of Saratoga. Following their defeat in the Battle of Bemus Heights, Burgoyne’s army struggled to retreat. They made it this far before being surrounded by superior American forces, beginning the short but unpleasant siege. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will lead a walking tour from the Saratoga Monument through part of Burgoyne’s camp.
Saratoga Surrender Day
Friday, October 17
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saratoga Surrender Site
Visit with a park ranger at the Saratoga Surrender Site in Schuylerville, NY to learn more about the surrender of General Burgoyne and his forces.
