Saratoga National Historical Park

Discover the Schuyler House, its history, and inhabitants during this 45-minute tour! 

Join Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer as he gives 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.

Join Dutchess County Historian Will Tatum for the conclusion of the sorrowful story of the Continental Army’s Invasion of Canada, launched in 1775. From August into December, American forces under the command of Brigadier General Richard Montgomery of Rhinebeck, NY, fought their way to the gates of Quebec City, where Montgomery famously died on New Year’s Eve. But the story doesn’t end there: what happened to the thousands of American troops still surrounding the Canadian Capital and garrisoned throughout the 14th Colony? Why does this campaign, which occupied a significant amount of attention during the first half of 2026, remain relatively unknown today? What were the consequences of the Canadian Campaign upon the later defense of New York and the Champlain Corridor when the British Army returned in force on both fronts? Join us to learn how the Woes of Richard Montgomery survived his demise, continuing to complicate the struggle for American Independence over the following year.

William P. Tatum III holds a Ph.D. in History from Brown University, focusing on the eighteenth-century British Empire. He is a peer-reviewed published author and delivers approximately 20 original research-based programs every year. Dr. Tatum has served as the official government historian of Dutchess County since October 2012 and has led the Dutchess County Rev250 Committee since 2019.Support for the Fall Lecture Series is provided by Friends of Saratoga Battlefield. Reservations are required due to limited space. Email SARA_Reservations@nps.gov to reserve your seat!

Join us on the lawn of their father’s Saratoga estate as the Schuyler sisters take center stage in the hit Broadway musical, Hamilton! Rated PG-13, runtime 160 minutes.

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.

Join us on the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Valcour Island for a new look at that legendary encounter traditionally credited with stopping the British invasion of 1776 and setting up the Battles of Saratoga the following year. Benedict Arnold's flotilla may have lost, but "never had any force, big or small, lived to better purpose or died more gloriously, for it had saved the lake for that year." At least that's what naval officer and historian Alfred Thayer Mahan boldly declared in his 1913 assessment of American War for Independence naval operations. The outrageousness of his hyperbole aside, is there any truth to Mahan's claim? What could the British have reasonably done differently to successfully retake Ticonderoga that fall? If nothing, how does that impact popular perception of Arnold's Valcour gambit? Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will attempt to answer these questions and more.