Written By Megin Potter | Photos PROVIDED
The tenacity of Patriots during the Battles of Saratoga led to their decisive victory here, known as the Turning Point of the American Revolutionary War.
America’s Turning Point is Saratoga County’s official commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.
“Knowing Revolutionary War history, and the role Saratoga played in it, definitely contributes to pride of place,” said Lauren Roberts, county historian and Chair of the Saratoga County 250th Commission of the Anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
“It’s important to know where we came from, how we started, and what struggles there were,” she said. “We are telling the stories that have not been heard before.”
On the National Stage
Established in 2021, America’s Turning Point, under the guidance of the Saratoga County 250th Commission, holds events and hosts educational opportunities supported by the Campaign for Saratoga 250, a 501c3 organization. Their mission is to promote historical preservation, educational enrichment, and heritage tourism.
“The commission sparks interest and drives tourists to these destinations to put their feet on the ground in the places where history happened,” said Lauren.
In January, at Bound By Fate in Schuylerville, there was a screening of Lauren’s appearance with Emmy-nominated travel host Darley Newman and a panel of guests from New Jersey, Virginia, and South Carolina, for a discussion about the American Revolution at The Smithsonian Institute.
That spring’s showing of Revolutionary Road Trip, the 12th episode in the 11th season of the PBS program “Travels with Darley,” highlighting local history and businesses, attracted a large crowd to the Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, as well.
Significant Local Events
In April 2024, the Commission marked patriot burial sites in Greenfield, Charlton, and Stillwater.
More than 1,300 visitors came out in the rain during their annual Saratoga Siege Weekend (an I Love NY Path Through History event) to the Saratoga National Historical Park’s Visitor’s Center, Schuyler House, and Blockhouse Museum to learn about 18th century life.
This May, the 3rd Annual Women in War Symposium and Bus Tour was held, attracting speakers from across the Eastern Seaboard.
Far-Reaching Impacts
Planning has already begun to expand the Commission’s regional reach in 2025. By collaborating with six states and Canada, they will continue to promote existing events while expanding and adding others.
This summer, Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Historian for Saratoga County, will be helping area campers put themselves in the shoes of those living in the years before the Revolution and facing America’s first great civil war.
This fall, their Surrender Day programing, for Schuylerville Central School’s 5th graders held at Fort Hardy Park, will include even more students.
While the America’s Turning Point augmented reality app is still being developed, a free download (where visitors can preview initial characters) is available in the Apple and Google Play store. Additional funding for this landscape-activated interpretive software is still needed for its completion.
By 2027, the Commission plans to add more cultural events, music, and art to their programming. They are still searching for a location to hold a military reenactment.
To learn more, make a tax-deductible donation, or volunteer, follow them on Facebook @BattlesofSaratoga250, on Instagram @Saratoga250, and go to https://saratoga250.com
