Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
This monthly educational seminar, originally produced by the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, began in the early 1990’s and has remained popular for over 30 years. In the early 2000’s, the program outgrew the capacity of the Visitor Center and a partnership was formed with the Saratoga Springs Public Library. This partnership allows us to offer more seating for attendees, provide research guidance for speakers, utilize presentation equipment and arrange for IT support on the day of the program. This community lecture series is meant to highlight the rich history, culture and traditions of our city and Heritage Area. Programs attract an audience of mostly locals who are interested in area history and learning about their community.
- This lecture series takes place eight times per year during the spring and fall seasons: March – June and September – December. There are no programs in July and August.
- Programs are offered in-person at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
- All programs run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- All programs are FREE and open to the public.
- We encourage attendees to check the library website for registration, more information and guidelines.
Fall 2025 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
September 11, 2025
October 9, 2025
November 13, 2025
December 11, 2025
Upcoming Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
Thursday, September 11, 2025
“A Veteran Speaks: Oscar Kemp of the 115th NY and Grand Army”
The Civil War is one of the most studied conflicts in American history, but much of the emphasis is on battles, leaders, and soldiers during the four years of war. What happened to the survivors? What were their stories, and how did they transition back into civilian life? Many of the veterans joined fraternal organizations for support, the largest being the Grand Army of the Republic.
Join Civil War veteran Oscar Kemp (portrayed by relative and Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp) as he recounts his war experiences with the 115th NY and then discusses the experience of veterans after the war and the Grand Army of the Republic.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
“75 Years: The History of the Saratoga Springs Public Library”
Let's Celebrate 75 Years! Michelle Isopo, Archivist and History Librarian of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, will share the story of the library's 75-year history. From the opening of the first free library in 1950 to the current three-story library in the heart of Saratoga Springs, she will highlight changes, staffing updates, and programming adaptations made to meet the needs of the community. Cake and coffee will be available for the celebration!
Thursday, November 13, 2025
“Saratoga’s Gilded Age”
The Gilded Age of American history was an interesting time that produced an enormous gap in wealth in the country. During this period Saratoga Springs was the summer playground for the ultra-wealthy. Join Charlie Kuenzel as he highlights our city’s role during this period and describes how we grew and flourished from the influence of the wealth of the day.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
“A Portrait of Nelson Cook: A Saratoga Springs Artist”
Nelson Cook was a prolific and talented portrait artist in mid-19th century Saratoga Springs. His portraits include prominent Saratogians such as Rockwell Putnam, son of Gideon Putnam, members of the Van Deusen and Walworth families and many more. His works are housed in countless museums and private collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Saratoga Springs history Museum has over 20 of his works in its collection. James Parillo and Charlie Kuenzel will discuss Cook’s life, his struggles and show a selection of his works in the museum collection.
“Our fall season honors our past with topics and tales from a timeline of history, including distinctive people, interesting places and an illustration of human paradox,” said Heritage Area Visitor Center Director, Karen Verrigni. “We are grateful for our speakers, our partners at the library, and the attendees who continue to support this popular lecture series. Through collaboration, we are proud to offer free, high-quality programming that enriches our community.”
The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until March 31; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 1 through December 31. For more information visit, www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.