History Center Spring Offerings
The Saratoga County History is pleased to announce two major events this spring featuring prominent local scholars: “Supporting the Poor in Saratoga County” with Lauren Roberts on March 24; and “The Deepest Devotion,” with Ben Kemp, who will portray Frederick Grant, the eldest son of Ulysses Grant, on April 6.
“Supporting the Poor in Saratoga County”
Thursday, March 24, 7pm
Brookside Museum (6 Charlton St, Ballston Spa)
Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts will explore the history of Saratoga’s “poorhouse.” Established in 1827 as an alms house for “the victims of misfortune,” the institution grew along with the county. The Poor House complex included a large-scale farm, schoolhouse, imposing brick residence, and an infirmary. Over the decades, laws changed the way indigents were cared for, and, finally, in 1961, the poorhouse was demolished. Though the building no longer exists, this institution played a significant role in the care of county residents for well over a century.
“Many people may not realize that County Farm Road in the Town of Milton once led to an actual farm that was operated by people who lived in the county poor house” Roberts explains. “This 112-acre parcel was home to thousands of county residents over its 130-year history and operated almost self-sufficiently. Some of the people who were cared for there stayed only a few days, while others were there for much of their lives.”
Free tickets to attend this event in person are available at
https://brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/39903-supporting-the-poor-in-saratoga-county
The program will also be broadcast on Facebook Live on the Saratoga County History Center Facebook page.
“The Deepest Devotion”
Wednesday, April 6, 7pm
On Zoom
Timed perfectly to celebrate the 200th birthday of the beloved general and president Ulysses Grant, Episode 19 of the popular virtual speaker series Experts Next Door will feature public historian and re-enactor Ben Kemp of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage National Historic Landmark (Wilton, NY).
Mr. Kemp will embody Frederick Grant, the eldest son of the Civil War victor and controversial two-term president Ulysses Grant. President Grant spent his final months of life at a cottage on Mt. McGregor in the Adirondack foothills of northern Saratoga County. Fred devoted himself to helping his father write his memoirs, and thus had a unique perspective on both the flesh-and-blood person and historical figure. Through intimate stories, Fred will show a different side to his famous father while illustrating the intense devotion his father had for his nation and his family.
Mr. Kemp was born and raised in the Saratoga region of New York State. He is a living historian, speaker, and researcher who has been featured on C-Span, PBS, and the History Channel documentary Grant (2020). Mr. Kemp has been a staff member with The Friends of U.S. Grant Cottage since 2014.
This event is free and open to the public. Please register at https://brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/40362-experts-next-door-episode-19
The Saratoga County History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. In addition to Brookside Museum, the History Center offers a variety of innovative, exciting, and educational programming online. Please visit the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@SaratogaCoHistory) for news and announcements.
