To follow-up Brookside Museum’s grand reopening, the Saratoga County History Center has an exciting slate of summer events, offerings, and activities in July and August. From virtual speakers to live concerts to farmer’s markets, the History Center hopes to help families have the best. summer. yet.
Sounds of Summer from the Brookside Porch
The History Center is pleased to welcome instrumentalists from the American Federation of Musicians to perform two concerts at Brookside Museum. Performers, including several from the Albany Symphony Orchestra, will be playing popular melodies on Brookside’s grand front porch while guests relax on the spacious front lawn. On July 18, 3 p.m., the ensemble will treat visitors to a selection of toe-tapping pop favorites, while on July 25, 3 p.m., the band will delight the crowd with jazz and dance tunes. Guests are encouraged to sing and dance along. Students and representatives from the famed Dance Factory of Saratoga Springs will be on hand on July 25 to teach audience members a few basic steps and, perhaps, even put on a show. Both concerts are free and open to the public. Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets. [Rain dates for both concerts will be the following Wednesdays.]
Experts Next Door
Originating in the early months of the pandemic, the now-beloved Experts Next Door program has attracted a national audience. The virtual speaker series will continue to bring top scholars, authors, and thinkers into homes through the magic of Zoom. July’s installment features Dr. Mindy Pitre, Associate Professor of Anthropology, and Dr. J. Amsil Ramsay, Professor of Public Health, at St. Lawrence University, NY talking about amazing bio-archaeological discoveries in the Aswan-Kom Ombo Archaeological Project in Aswan, Egypt. August will introduce guests to Sara Evenson, a practitioner of early colonial cooking. Ms. Evenson will explore a single family through their legacy of recipes and provide cooking demonstrations along the way.
BSBPA Farmer’s Market
Once again, the History Center and Brookside Museum will host the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s weekly farmer’s market. Running from June 12 to September 30, 2021, Thursdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the gathering of artisans and farmers will offer 100% locally-grown produce, farm fresh agricultural products, scrumptious baked treats, and hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind gifts and goods.
“Hats-off” Dedication Ceremony
Please join the History Center and the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club at Brookside Museum on Tuesday, July 13 at 2 p.m. to dedicate the new handicap entrance. The ramp is made possible by a generous donation by Saratoga Springs Rotarians. The fun ribbon-cutting ceremony will involve participants tipping their hats to the Rotarians. The public is invited to attend and wear a favorite chapeau. So grab your ball cap, bowler, or beanie and help us show our appreciation to the community.
Brookside Museum is open Thursday to Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. and during the Thursday and Saturday Farmer’s Markets. Donations are appreciated. Please check the website for any changes to hours or events.
The Saratoga County History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. Previously focused on the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, the History Center now offers a wide variety of innovative, exciting, and educational programming online. Please visit the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@SaratogaCoHistory) for news and announcements.
