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Dr. Myra Armstead, Professor of Historical Studies at Bard College, presents Free in the Spa City at the Victoria Pool House (58 Roosevelt Dr. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866). The emergence of Saratoga Springs as a national resort after 1820 was facilitated by a small, but critical free, Black population. The overwhelming majority of these African Americans were workers – some year-round and some seasonal. In time, some were even tourists. This talk will provide an overview of the development of this black presence in Saratoga – its labors, residential patterns, demographic, and social rhythms. The focus will mainly be on the 19th century.
Historian Field Horne will also present "Black Leaders in Saratoga County, 1702-Present." While opportunities were always circumscribed for African Americans and many left for larger cities for just that reason, Saratoga’s free Black community provided Black folks with a chance to pursue the American dream – upward advancement, achievement and dignity. In a series of 30 short profiles, we learn how they impacted the Saratoga landscape despite disenfranchisement by cultural and social forces. A small book of portraits will be handed out as a remembrance of their lives.
These presentations are part of NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's Solomon Northup "Hope Out of Darkness" statue series. The 13-foot bronze sculpture is on display in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse (65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) at Saratoga Spa State Park until Oct. 7, 2025.
Accessibility Note: Due to its historic nature, the Victoria Pool House has steps leading into the space. A ramp is located at the 58 Roosevelt Bar and Grill entrance, but a single stair leads into the Victoria Pool House room.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, United States
