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.
Spring 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
March 12, 2026- "Enter the Woman Politician”
Join us as we celebrate National Women's History Month with Dr. Lauren Kozakiewicz. Dr. Lauren Kozakiewicz will present on women’s successes in politics in the 20th century, and how it progressed much more slowly than many liked or anticipated. Suffrage turned out to be only the first step. Using archival materials and interviews, Kozakiewicz summarizes the experiences of some of the eighty-eight women elected to the New York State Legislature over the period 1919-1992. She will highlight both the challenges faced, and the progress made in their pursuit of political careers in the Empire State.
April 9, 2026- "The Universality of Katrina Trask"
Join Rumara Jewett and Lezlie Dana (portraying Katrina Trask) and experience in 1899 how Katrina Trask (1853-1922) experienced a vision for her home “Yaddo” as a future artist residency, initiating many years of planning and preparations. Today, Katrina Trask is remembered as the founder of Yaddo, but how would she have described her life focuses? During this 100th anniversary of the first artists arriving at Yaddo in 1926, we listen to Katrina Trask discuss her personal interests, spiritual exploration, relentless societal activism, and the role that art and artists played in her life. In her words we note universal chords that resonate today.
May 14, 2026 - “Finding Military Service Records and Unit Histories”
Join librarians Jim Gandy and Dan Salage from the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center as they share the effective strategies for researching military records of New York veterans. They will cover both New York National Guard records and records of the men & women who served in the U.S. armed forces. The session will also address what steps to take when no records can be found.
June 11, 2026 - "Dressing the Revolutionary Lady”
As the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga approach, join Caitlin Sheldon, Librarian and Historical Costumer for a demonstration of fashionable lady’s dress from the time period. Using images from the era, as well as her own handmade garments, this engaging discussion and dressing demonstration will illustrate the many layers that go into dressing a lady, from chemise to cloak.
Fall 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
September 10
October 8
November 12
December 10