Saratoga Springs, NY - The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is excited to announce the Fall 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series highlights the rich history and culture of our county.
All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public and take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the H. Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street. Due to the series' popularity, advance registration is now required. Attendees can register online or in person through the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Presentations begin promptly at noon, and early arrival is appreciated.
Fall 2026 Schedule:
September 10, 2026 - “Charlie’s Heroes: The Charles Siciliano Sr. WWII & Korean War Veterans Photo Collection”
Retired Associated Press reporter Chris Carola tells the story of Mechanicville’s large and unique collection of photographs of WWII and Korean War veterans, all 600-plus of them taken at the bar inside a popular tavern by its owner in the 1940s and early ’50s. Featuring servicemembers from Mechanicville, Saratoga Springs, and other nearby communities, the collection is a “frozen in time” tribute to local WWII and Korean War veterans.
October 8, 2026 - “The Battles of Saratoga and the 18th Century Soldier”
James Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, will explore the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal point in world history. In 1777, a young American Continental Army defended the Hudson Valley against an invasion of British and German soldiers from the north. The two armies clashed near Stillwater, New York, that fall, resulting in the surrender of General Burgoyne to General Gates on October 17, 1777. Dressed as an 18th-century soldier, Parillo will discuss the Saratoga campaign, why the American Army was victorious, and dispel myths about events prior to and following the battles.
November 12, 2026 - “Veterans and Community Housing Coalition”
Presented by Marian Eck, Director of Community Engagement, and Diane Nazzaro, Executive Director, this presentation highlights the mission and programs of Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, showcasing how its housing and support services help veterans achieve stability and independence. Learn how community involvement through partnerships, donations, and advocacy directly impacts the lives of the veterans they serve.
The program will also feature live music by singer/songwriter Jeff Brisbin, who will perform “Foreverly,” the title song from his album of the same name. The song and album inspired the name of VCHC’s Foreverly House, which provides a safe and supportive home for homeless female veterans, including mothers with children. Brisbin’s performance will add a meaningful musical element to the program while highlighting the story and purpose behind Foreverly House.
December 10, 2026 - “Chestwood: A Portrait of Saratoga Through the Lives and Legacy of a Victorian Farmhouse”
For many Saratoga residents, Chestwood is either a mystery or completely unknown—a lone Victorian farmhouse surrounded by modern homes. Long before the neighborhood grew around it, Chestwood and its barns sat on hundreds of acres of farmland just over a mile from Broadway. Through original photographs, maps, and discoveries from their research, Kristi Krulcik and Marco Anichini will paint a portrait of Saratoga through the two families who lived at Chestwood over the last century and a half. They’ll explore the property’s connections to Saratoga’s architectural boom, the creative circles of Yaddo, and the racing world, as well as how uncovering its history is inspiring preservation efforts and guiding Chestwood’s next era.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the dedication of our speakers, the support of our partners at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and the continued enthusiasm of everyone who attends,” said Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Director Karen Verrigni. “Their combined efforts help us continue offering engaging, high-quality programs that celebrate and connect our community.”
For more information, please contact the Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241 or visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.
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About Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center
The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is owned by the City of Saratoga Springs and operated by Discover Saratoga, the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Saratoga County. Discover Saratoga’s mission is to drive economic impact by promoting Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as a premier year-round destination. The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.
