The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum has announced their seasonal schedule of Historical Tours for 2025. Over the last four years the History Center has joined with local historians to offer tours throughout Saratoga County. “Our intent is to bring the past to life by focusing on the people and places that are not really known to most residents” said Jim Richmond, the Museum’s tour coordinator. “This year’s schedule offers five all new tours and for the first time includes a train excursion through the northern region of the county.” These tours are held on five Wednesdays from mid-June through mid-September.
The five tours this year include:
Union Ave Saratoga Springs – June 11 10am. Local historian and author Hollis Palmer will revisit the Gilded Age by telling stories behind the great cottages that line Union Avenue and Circular Street in the city. Learn more and register HERE
Grant Cottage at Mt.McGregor – July 2 10am. Site Manager and historical interpreter Ben Kemp will lead a tour of the trails at the Historic Site, sharing the mountain’s compelling and storied history. Learn more and register HERE
Saratoga, Corinth & Hudson Rail Tour – July 30 11am Owner and Operator Hal Raven, accompanied by Corinth Town Historian Rachel Clothier will welcome guests into the vintage rail car “Palmer Falls” for a relaxing and informative 90 min ride through northeastern Saratoga County. Learn more and register HERE
Ballston Spa Beyond the Springs – August 20 10am. Assistant County Historian Anne Clothier and Brookside Museum assistant Connor Murphy will walk along the railroad bed overlooking the village and describe the mills and factories that dominated the community over 150 years ago. Learn more and register HERE
Hudson View Cemetery Mechanicville – September 17 11am. Local history buffs Tom Salvadore and Bob Murphy will visit the gravesites of Mechanicville residents to tell the stories of the glory days of the city during the industrial age. Learn more and register HERE
All tours are scheduled for approximately 90 minutes. Registration is available at brooksidemuseum.org. Tour limits vary between 25 and 45 people. Suggested donation for the walking tours is $10 to support the programs of the Museum. The train tour is $25 excluding any additional donations for the museum. Registrants will receive further information including directions, parking and weather updates prior to the tour dates.
