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The staff and park volunteers provide a number of educational programs to local schools, either at the park site or in the classroom. Contact the park to obtain information on arranging these programs. The Friends of Saratoga Battlefield sponsor many programs and activities during the year that assist the park in carrying out its educational mission.
The Battlefield
There are many special events and programs that visitors will enjoy. During the winter and spring the park hosts a Frost Faire, a March for Parks fund-raiser and a Crown Forces encampment. During the summer the Battlefield offers the annual 4th of July Celebration, colonial demonstrations, military encampments, and interpretive programs on topics ranging from colonial history to the environment. In September the park hosts an annual event to commemorate the two battles which includes programs centered around the American, British, German, and Canadian forces encamped as they were in the fall of 1777.
The Schuyler House
From late Spring to Labor Day Weekend, the country home of General Philip Schuyler, the noted statesman and military leader, is open to the public and free of charge.
Volunteers and park staff in 18th century-style clothing provide guided tours of this 1777 dwelling, built in some 30 days after the battles, and share the story of the Schuyler family, their homes, and General Schuyler's military and political contributions during the American Revolution. In mid-October, a 'candle-light tour' of the Schuyler House is given by the Old Saratoga Historical Association. Celebrating with warm spiced cider, homemade cookies, and period music, this annual event marks the end of the visitor season for the Schuyler House. In the 2006 visitor season, tentatively scheduled open Wednesday-Sunday, May 28th - Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Saratoga Monument
The Saratoga Monument is an imposing 155' obelisk begun in 1877 to commemorate the Battles of Saratoga and General Burgoyne's surrender and dedicated in 1912. On each face of the monument there is a niche for the statues of the principal American commanding officers: Horatio Gates, Philip Schuyler, Daniel Morgan and Benedict Arnold. Arnold's niche is empty in testament to his later treachery and exile in England. In 2006 visitor season, tentatively scheduled open Wednesday-Sunday, May 28th - Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Special Openings of Schuyler House and Saratoga Monument!
In honor of "Siege Week"
--Saturday and Sunday, October 14th and 15th, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE:
In Spring 2006, the Visitor Center museum will undergo renovations to create a new Revolutionary War Timeline exhibit incorporating artifacts from our collection. The Visitor Center will remain open.
We apologize for any inconveniences caused by the construction.
FROST FAIRE
Saturday, January 28th
Winter fun, past and present! Join us for a day of outdoor and indoor recreation, including sledding on the "Big Hill", horse and carriage rides, storytelling, warming tent, bonfire, 18th century soldier drills, musket firing, and for the younger visitors, the "Giant Soldier Puzzle", " Snowman Toss", and tin pattern piercing. Free.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
February
"LIBERTY'S KIDS" HOUR
Sunday, February 5, 12, 19
Battlefield
Calling all kids! These programs will combine showings of the popular PBS children's animated series -on our movie screen- with question-and-answer segments for younger visitors. 2:00-3:30 p.m.
"Buried Secrets of the Revolutionary War: Forensic Evidence of Jane McCrea"
Sunday, March 19
Battlefield
Author and historian David Starbuck has been at the forefront of modern research into the historic and scientific mysteries behind one of the area's more discussed and disputed figures, Jane McCrea. This program presents findings and answers some of those long-time questions. 1:30 p.m.
MARCH FOR PARKS
Saturday, April 22
Battlefield
"March for Parks" 13th annual fun-day event, sponsored by Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, held to raise awareness of the park. Free prizes to fund raisers, silent auction, entertainment, and refreshments. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
NATURAL HISTORY HIKES
4 Saturdays, May & June: May 6, 20; June 3, 17
Battlefield
"In the journey of life, always take time to stop and smell the flowers." With guides like park volunteers Doris and Fred Ludewig, and park naturalist Linda White, it's easy and fun to do! 10:00-11:30 a.m.
"SPRING TRAINING" BRITISH ENCAMPMENT
Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14
Battlefield
The cold winter is ended, and the new campaign season begins. Soldiers drill, officers plan, and the army prepares again to quell the American "rebellion." Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
· Guided Bicycle Tour -Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
"HISTORIC PLANTS OF THE CHAMPLAIN CANAL"
Thursday, May 18
Battlefield
Not just for naturalists! Special presentation for the annual combined meeting of Stillwater Historical Society and Old Saratoga Historical Association. Held at the Battlefield Visitor Center. 7:30 p.m.
SCHUYLER HOUSE SEASON OPENING
Saturday, May 28th
See a general's house from the inside! In time for Memorial Day, the historic Schuyler House, located in Schuylerville, NY, opens for free tours by period-attired guides.
Wednesday-Sunday, May 28th-Labor Day
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Last tour starts 4:00 p.m.
SARATOGA MONUMENT OPENING
Saturday, May 28th
Whether for the first time or re-living precious memories, visit the Saratoga Monument, located in Victory, as it opens for its second season of "new life". This 155-foot granite obelisk commemorates the American victory at the pivotal Battles of Saratoga.
Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
NATURAL HISTORY HIKES
Battlefield
Saturdays: June 4th & 18th
"In the journey of life, always take time to stop and smell the flowers." Good advice in a busy world. And with guides like park volunteers Doris and Fred Ludewig, it's easy and fun to do! Continuation of program from May.
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
GUIDED BICYCLE TOURS
June, July, August
3rd Wednesday each month --June 21, July 19, August 16
Battlefield
Fantastic scenery and stories of 1777 mark these guided Battlefield bike tours by volunteers Kyle and Lynn Jenks. Helmets required. Water and snacks recommended. 6:00 p.m.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Tuesday, July 4th
Battlefield
Citizenship Ceremony in the morning is followed by Park Ranger Joe Craig portraying a 1776 town crier heralding news of American Independence. Join fellow citizens in toasting the 13 "new" states.
Ceremony: 10:00 a.m.
Readings of Declaration: 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
EVENING STROLL SERIES
Saturdays, July 1, 15, 29
Battlefield
Fun after five! Meet a park ranger in the Visitor Center parking lot, then caravan into the battlefield for leisurely walks and interesting stories about the people and grounds that gave birth to a nation and changed the world. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM SERIES
Schuyler House
Thursdays, July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Games, toys, clothing, dancing, cooking, and candle-making are just some of the activities for children ages 5 -12. Free programs.
1:00 p.m.
18th CENTURY SOLDIER TREK and ENCAMPMENT
Battlefield
Saturday & Sunday, July 15 & 16
Battlefield
A scouting party of 18th-century soldiers trek through the Battlefield to encamp at the "Summit" of Bemis Heights within American fortified lines. See demonstrations of flint and steel fire starting, cooking, baking, and casting musket balls. Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
AUGUST LUNCH SERIES
Tuesdays in August: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Battlefield
Bring a bag lunch and enjoy a breathtaking view while listening to "Music on the Menu" every Tuesday in August. Sponsored by Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, this popular music series offers a range of musical forms with a historical twist. 12 noon
CHAMPLAIN CANAL EVENING STROLL
Wednesday, August 9
Schuyler House
As part of "Historical Week" activities in Schuylerville, a Park Ranger conducts a guided evening stroll along the historic Champlain Canal. Tour begins from Schuyler House, Rt. 4, Schuylerville. 6:00 p.m.
18th CENTURY DAY
Sunday, August 13
Schuyler House
Step back in time as the historic Schuyler House grounds abound with 18th century activities like puppet shows, music, oxen cart rides, barn raising, blacksmithing, quilting, basket weaving, candle making, and more. Family-style fun! Sponsored by Old Saratoga Historical Association. 12 noon-5:00 p.m.
229th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLES OF SARATOGA plus Stillwater Heritage Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, September 16th & 17th
Battlefield
· 50+ re-enactors come from the 25th Continental Regiment, 2nd Continental Artillery, and Oneida Indian Nation, setting the scene with muskets, cannons, and campfires. Discuss strategy with officers, see a court-martial, learn stitching styles and open-fire cooking recipes, and take part in mock military drills. Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
· Sunday Wreath Laying -by Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution; public welcome. 2:00 p.m.
· Special displays by Stillwater Historical Society and the Town Historian's Office.
· Guided Bicycle Tour -Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
American Soldiers 
British Soldiers Encampment
BRITISH 24th REGIMENT ENCAMPMENT
Saturday & Sunday, October 7 & 8
Battlefield
His Majesty's 24th Regiment of Foot returns to encamp on the scenic, history-making grounds where their regiment stood 229 years before.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
GATES AND ARNOLD: The Continuing Controversy
Thursday, October 12
Battlefield
So, what did occur between Generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold in the American camp after September 19? About what did they argue, and why? Some answers are lost to time, but others remain, fueling controversy to this day. Come learn "the rest of the story." 2:00 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT TOUR
Saturday, October 14
Schuyler House
Old Saratoga Historical Association members in period costume, park staff and volunteers guide visitors by candlelight through General Philip Schuyler's 1777 country house. 6:00 -9:00 p.m.
"SURRENDER CEREMONY"
Tuesday, October 17
location TBA
Re-creation commemorates the 229th anniversary of American General Horatio Gates symbolically receiving the surrendered sword of British General Burgoyne. This ageless gesture, and the American victory it represented, helped change the course of the American Revolution …and the world.
Volunteer and Friends Appreciation Day
Sunday, November 12
Battlefield
Our annual event to recognize and celebrate the "contributions of self" made by our Volunteers and Friends of Saratoga Battlefield. 1:00 -3:00 p.m.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, December 10
Battlefield
Friends of Saratoga Battlefield and park staff invite you to help ring in the holiday season with live music, special 2pm program, free refreshments, and holiday gift ideas from our bookstore.
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