Wednesday, June 26, 6:30 pm – Saratoga County History Roundtable and Brookside Museum: Abner Doubleday 200th Birthday Party at Brookside Museum
On June 26, join members of the Saratoga County History Roundtable and Brookside Museum to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abner Doubleday’s birth in Ballston Spa. The talk and birthday party will be held at 7:30 PM at Brookside Museum at 6 Charlton Street in Ballston Spa.
There will be a festive cake and local history researchers David Fiske and John Cromie will give presentations on different aspects of Doubleday’s life. Though credited with having designed the game of baseball, research in recent years has cast doubt on that–but why was it ever believed that he had “invented” baseball in the first place? Come learn why, and hear about the interesting life of Doubleday, an Army officer who was present at the outbreak of the Civil War, and who participated in other battles–eventually attaining the rank of Major General. He continued to serve in the Army after the War, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Those who are interested can participate in a walk to view the Doubleday House, where Doubleday lived when he was a young boy, starting in front of Brookside at 6:30 PM. Along the way, some commentary will be given about what Ballston Spa was like in 1819–the year Doubleday was born. (Walkers will be back at Brookside in time for cake!) In case of inclement weather, the walk will be canceled. For more information, contact Brookside Museum, 518-885-4000 or email info@brooksidemuseum.org.
