Saratoga Springs historic homes tour set for May 14
Homes on the city's east side along Union Avenue, George Street, Madison Avenue, and Circular Street will be open to the public on Saturday, May 14, as part of the 2022 Historic Homes Tour, a fundraiser for the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.
This year’s in-person tour features four homes, including a “rehab-inprogress,” and the virtual tour features five homes.
“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.
The Historic Homes Tour is the foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year and provides important support for educational programs, advocacy efforts, technical assistance and restoration projects.
The foundation is also hosting two educational programs on May 14. “W.C. Whitney: Redefining Racing” will be presented by Charlie Kuenzel at the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave. Light breakfast fare will be available while Kuenzel talks 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. The program starts at 9 a.m.
“A Week of Wonder” presented by Carol Godette is at noon at FasigTipton, 153 George St. Learn about the quiet, mixed-use neighborhood of George, Case, and Mitchell streets, home to a variety of small businesses such as a mom and pop store, an insurance company, and a gas station and garage. A boxed lunch will be served. This area comes alive once a year to 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 popular breakfast
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and lunch programs consistently sell out each year because Charlie and Carol bring a unique perspective to the history of Saratoga as longtime 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 nonmembers. Virtual tour tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for nonmembers. Tickets for the programs are $30 each for SSPF members and $35 for nonmembers and must be purchased purchased by Wednesday, May 11. Ticket sales are on the foundation website at saratogapreservation.org.