NEWSLETTER
Saratoga Springs, NY - The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is excited to welcome you back for the 2026 Autumn Sunday Stroll season, starting September 13! These guided walking tours, taking place every Sunday from 10:30AM-12:00PM through October 25 offer a great way to explore the city’s unique history and diverse architecture. September walking tours include “Breezing Through Saratoga: R. Newton Brezee Homes,” “Historic West Side,” and “Find Me in Congress Park!” All of the Foundation’s Sunday Strolls are a fun, engaging way to see Saratoga Springs up close and a Sunday tradition you will not want to miss!
On Sunday, September 13, join Executive Director, Samantha Bosshart, for the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s newest walking tour “Breezing Through Saratoga: R. Newton Brezee Homes.” If you missed this sold-out tour in August, Samantha will highlight the houses designed by prominent local architect R. Newton Brezee on the East Side of Saratoga Springs. Beginning his career as a carpenter in Saratoga Springs in the early 1870s, Brezee moved to Long Island where he worked as an apprentice under A. T. Stewart’s architect, Edward D. Harris. Not long after his return to Saratoga Springs in 1884, he became an architect and building superintendent. Brezee’s popularity increased rapidly – with him designing and overseeing the construction of nearly 50 buildings in the area. This new walking tour will include a selection of his work as well as his impact on Saratoga Springs' architecture. The tour meets at the SW corner of Regent & Caroline streets.
George Demers will lead “Historic West Side” on Sunday, September 20. This tour explores the diverse historic West Side neighborhood where Saratoga Springs’ Irish and Italian immigrants and Black community lived. A neighborhood rich in history, you will learn about its architecture, residents, stores, and clubs as well as the impacts of Urban Renewal and revitalization efforts.
Close out September with local author Patrice Mastrianni for a fresh look at a National Historic Landmark through her new tour, “Find Me in Congress Park!” on Sunday, September 27. Patrice will share interesting facts and folklore she obtained while researching her recent children’s book, Find Me in Saratoga. From the Katrina Trask Memorial Staircase to the Congress Park Carousel, Patrice will incorporate personal stories from antique journals – and some fun rumors! – alongside historic fact, giving you a deeper appreciation for the park.
The Autumn Series is sponsored by Fridholm Painting. To be a single stroll sponsor, contact Development Director, Dianne Winter, dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.
The four October walking tours will be announced in the coming weeks. All Sunday morning tours begin at 10:30AM, last approximately 90 minutes, and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF Members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call (518) 587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
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