Local History

The Saratoga Room and Local History

The Saratoga Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library is home to a premier collection of primary sources that chronicle the rich history of the City of Saratoga Springs, NY. From rare books and photographs to maps and manuscripts, the Saratoga Room offers a unique opportunity to explore the heritage and evolution of the region. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or a researcher, the Saratoga Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library is a valuable resource for delving into the past and uncovering the stories that have shaped the community.

The collection features rare books, journals, manuscripts, and reference materials focusing on local history, genealogy, and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Saratoga Springs Public Library provides access to digital archives and online databases that offer a convenient way to explore historical records and primary sources.

The knowledgeable staff in the Saratoga Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library are available to assist researchers in navigating the collection and locating specific resources to support their research endeavors. Whether you are conducting genealogical research, studying the development of the local community, or exploring the cultural heritage of the City of Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Room offers a rich and diverse array of research materials to support your inquiries.

Stop by today, and take a walk through History, Health, Horses, and so much more.

As part of its digitization efforts, portions of the collection can also be found online through multiple services, such as:

• New York Heritage
• The Digital Public Library of America, via New York Heritage
• Saratoga Room Digital Exhibits
• Finding aids for special collections (also found within the library catalog)
  • Used by researchers to describe a collection, what is in it, how it is arranged, with additional document context

Access to the room is available during the room’s special open hours. Please see the library’s hours page for details. For any additional requests or needs, you may contact the Saratoga Room.

A Sampling of Our Many Resources

Many resources are available for your research about Saratoga Springs history! Interested in: Health, History, Horses? Come see what we have in the Saratoga Local History Room.

Photo Gallery

Photos: Local History

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Goldie - The Mascot

“Goldie”, our Saratoga Room Mascot, who welcomes children and their families daily.

Yaddo Scholarship Medal

Yaddo Scholarship medal. A medal, designed by artist James Siena, awarded annually to two graduating members of the Saratoga Springs High School since 1912.

Yearbooks

Saratoga Springs Central School district Recorders Dated 1897 – 2022, including a collection of High School reunion photographs and ephemera. Other local area school yearbooks are also available!

Saratoga Mineral Waters: Dissertation

A dissertation on the Mineral Waters of Saratoga, by Valentine Seaman, MD. Published New York, 1793

Congress Spring Stereoview

The Bob Joki Stereoview Collection: Congress Spring 1873 by C. S. Sterry

Stereoscope

Late 1800’s Stereoscope: A stereoscope is a device for viewing a stereoscopic pair of separate images, depicting left-eye and right-eye views of the same scene, as a single three-dimensional image.

The Grand Union Hotel View Book

The Grand Union Hotel, Saratoga Springs, NY View Book “Season of 1894” Presented to Monty Woolley by “Nuggy” Knapp September 10th, 1944.

Stereoscopic Views (a label)

Congress Spring, Saratoga Springs, NY with visitors; 1873 Stereoscopic View by Photographer P. H. McKernon

Maps

Area maps! Shown here are the (brown) Lester Brothers, Inc. Real Estate Brokers Map of 1915, and (white) a 1750 Saratoga Patent John Butae Bleecher Surveyor map.

Map: Saratoga Streets Owners

Saratoga Springs, Map Street Owners 1888 John Bevan.

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Donation of Items

First and foremost thank you to all who kindly consider thoughtful donations for the Saratoga Local History collection! Patrons and donors help make the collection remain diverse, relevant, and informative for future generations of researchers.

For questions, or to provide details about the intended donation and related contact information, reach out to the Saratoga Room, or speak in-person (review the room’s hours).

Legally, any and all items being donated, including items such as books, manuscripts, ephemera, and photographs, must be signed over to the Saratoga Room by Gift Agreement. This does not include the intellectual property rights, so each item is bound by allowable use and copyright depending on the date, media format, and if the donator has the right to provide such rights.

For those interested in donating to the library’s local history collection within the Saratoga Room, we can only accept a proposed donation with a signed gift agreement, or at a minimum, complete contact information including a full name, address, phone number, and email address.