SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Saturday, May 14, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF), along with Honorary Co-Chairs Georgie Nugent and Michael Dubb, will welcome spring with the 2022 Historic Homes Tour. After being virtual for the past two years, the Foundation is excited to again host this event in-person as well as virtually. This highly anticipated event offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes of the East Side neighborhood of Saratoga Springs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“I’m thrilled to have the Historic Homes Tour back in person. After receiving such positive feedback from the virtual tour last year and not knowing what would be possible this year, we are happy to be able to have the best of both worlds! Many people loved last year’s virtual tour because they were able to notice details that they otherwise might have missed during an in-person tour, see beautiful drone views of Saratoga Springs, and enjoy from afar,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart.
For 45 years, the Foundation has preserved and enhanced the architectural, landscaped, and cultural heritage of Saratoga Springs. The Foundation has a long tradition of hosting tours of private historic homes throughout Saratoga Springs. The Historic Homes Tour is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year and provides important support for educational programs, advocacy efforts, technical assistance, and restoration projects.
This year’s in-person tour features four homes, including a “Rehab-in-Progress,” and the virtual tour features five homes. Different homes on Union Avenue, George Street, Madison Avenue, and Circular Street will be showcased with the exception of one home which will be featured both in-person and virtually.
In addition to the tour, the Foundation is hosting two educational programs on Saturday, May 14. The Breakfast & Buildings program “W.C. Whitney: Redefining Racing” is presented by Charlie Kuenzel. Guests enjoy light breakfast fare while Charlie shares about the life and legacy of William C. Whitney, who brought credibility to the crumbling racing industry, built the Oklahoma Training Track, and made major improvements to the Saratoga Race Course. Breakfast & Buildings starts at 9AM at the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, 191 Union Avenue.
The Lunch & Learn program “A Week of Wonder” is presented by Carol Godette. Learn about the quiet, mixed-use neighborhood of George, Case, and Mitchell streets. It was home to a variety of small businesses such as a mom and pop store, an insurance company, and a gas station and garage while enjoying a boxed lunch. This area came alive once a year the with the sounds of yearlings neighing from the green stables, horse auctioneer calls from the open air pavilion of Fasig-Tipton, and piano bar singers at the Spuyten Duyvil. The Lunch & Learn begins at 12PM at Fasig-Tipton, 153 George Street.
“The popular breakfast and lunch programs consistently sell-out each year because Charlie and Carol bring a unique perspective to the history of Saratoga as long-time residents. Their roots to this community and passion for bringing history to life always makes for an interesting presentation,” said Membership & Programs Director Nicole Babie.
Historic Homes Tour tickets for the in-person and virtual tours are $35 for SSPF members and $45 for non-members. Virtual tour tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for non-members. Tickets for the Buildings & Breakfast and Lunch & Learn programs are $30 for SSPF members and $35 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited for these educational programs and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 11. To receive event ticket discounts, become a member and support preserving Saratoga Springs please visit www.saratogapreservation.org.
For more information or to purchase tickets and to join to receive discounted prices, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. For updates please visit the Foundation’s Facebook page.
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