Here are seven Saratoga museums that helped shape the region’s considerable contributions to New York and the United States
For groups heading to upstate New York, Saratoga museums are a great way to include history and culture in any itinerary. This list dives into the best Saratoga museums that appeal to a variety of interests.
A Rich Region Filled with Fun Attractions
From horse racing in Saratoga Springs at the Saratoga Race Course and many of upstate New York’s best restaurants and breweries, the Saratoga region has it all. While you are at it, be sure to check out the Albany neighborhood, where you’ll be able to explore more of upstate New York’s amazing history and fascinating sites. Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the top seven Saratoga museums to check out on your next trip.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
If you are an avid fan of horse racing, or just an interested spectator wanting to learn more about this style of racing and its history, you have come to the right place. The museum is found just across the street from the oldest thoroughbred racetrack in America, Saratoga Springs Race Course.
The museum debuted in 1951 and moved into a 45,000 square-foot-building in 1955. The museum continues to evolve and in 2020, a new Hall of Fame Education Experience opened to the public. The $20 million project included a new immersive signature film and state-of-the-art interactive Hall of Fame plaques for all 460+ inductees. racingmuseum.org
The Hyde Collection Art Museum
Comparable to many of the art museums found in major metropolitan cities, the Hyde is one of the Northeast’s exceptional small art museums with distinguished collections of European and American art. Works included are artists like Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, Peter Paul Rubens, and Winslow Homer. Today, this art museum now holds and offers different national and international exhibitions as well as a schedule of events that allow guests to experience art in new and innovative ways.
A selection of adult, family and school programs take place throughout the year, with activities such as a film series, guided docent walks, after-hours social events, drop-in studio time and children’s theater performances. hydecollection.org
Shaker Heritage Society
In the town of Albany, you will find the Shaker Heritage Society, home of the first American Shaker settlement. You have the opportunity to visit the original church family site, and learn about many of the inventions and societal influences they’ve made on the country, especially inspiring communities to seek equality among gender and race. Here at the Shaker Heritage Society, you’re encouraged to roam and learn, as well as have fun.
One of the many ways you can learn at the Shaker Heritage Society:
- Field trips to the heritage center, whether through school or an organization.
- Hiking the trails and exploring an herb garden and the old cemetery where the founder, Ann Lee, is buried along with many other early Shakers.
- Art fairs, where visitors can come out and explore art from local vendors and even early art from the first Shakers church family.
The Shaker Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving an important part of American history, and there is much to learn and explore throughout the grounds. home.shakerheritage.org
Old Stone Fort Museum
Comprising an old Dutch barn, a law office, an early 1700s home, and a one-room schoolhouse from the 1890s, The Old Stone Fort was protected behind a wooden stockade during the Revolutionary War. Over the last 125+ years, the Old Stone Fort has been used as a museum. The museum consists of over 50,000 artifacts, all relating to the history of Schoharie County. Another interesting find here is their history magazine and the record of genealogy history, tracing back to the original settlement.
If you are a budding genealogist, or curious to see if you can trace your family tree back to the original people who occupied the area, be sure to check their research library, which has many books on families’ heritage of the people that once lived in the area. theoldstonefort.org
Irish American Heritage Museum
As a way to remember their culture, harbor the stories and traditions of Ireland, and to remind others of their heritage, this nonprofit promotes the importance of Irish Americans who live with customs and stories of times back in Ireland from parents and other family members.
One of the events that is sure to bring the whole family together, and even get your friends excited, is the Irish Sweater Run, which is held every March. Each race, the 5k and 10k, help raise money and support the Irish American Heritage Museum. Fun prizes are provided to all winners of the race. irish-us.org
Burden Iron Works Museum
If you are interested in the history of iron works in upstate New York, the Burden Iron Works Museum is the place to be. With many different exhibitions and learning programs to browse through, you will never grow bored of the fascinating history of some of the greatest inventions to come out of U.S. history.
Visitors will learn about some of the most interesting processes used on modern day iron objects, including impressive projects such as the replacement of the Liberty Bell. hudsonmohawkgateway.org
American Italian Heritage Museum and Cultural Center
As a way to best preserve Italian American history, a group of professors from Syracuse University came together to establish the American Italian Heritage Association. The center and its members are dedicated to recording and preserving the contributions of Italians in America, coming together to form a cohesive community in upstate New York.
Exhibit rooms in the museum include “Italians in Professional Sports,” “Italian Immigrant Room,” “Old Photos Exhibit Room” and the “Music Room.” There are also a wide range of events at the center throughout the year, especially around major holidays. americanitalianmuseum.org
These Saratoga museums are sure to enhance any itinerary that includes upstate New York. In a region so rich and history, culture and art, museums are a powerful way to further understand local communities and the people within them.
By Brandie Lorenzen
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