2026 Speaker Programs
The years surrounding the 250th are not simply commemorative; they are about connecting people to history through programs that are meaningful, educational, and rooted in place. While America's founders may have declared its independence this July 250 years ago, it was the struggles across a revolutionary period, including an eight-year American war for Independence, that proved liberty protected by a new form of self-government was possible.
Much of that struggle played out among the people and across the places of our region. This spring, Saratoga 250 will feature public programming and content that brings Saratoga Revolutionary Experiences to life, highlighting the individuals whose resolve forged a nation and the landscapes that shaped it.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities to make America's 250th a Saratoga Revolutionary Experience!
Please join us in the Green Room from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. for lunch. Attendees will order and purchase their own meal from Wallie's regular menu.
The Business Meeting and Award Presentations will take place from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with a review of committee reports, membership vote and approval of the proposed WCHS Nominations Slate and the 2027 Budget. Award Presentations will include the Cronkhite Award, Historic Preservation Awards and WCHS President's Awards.
Immediately after the Meeting, a special presentation, authored by Alec McMorris, will explore the rich military history of Salem's citizens from 1754 to 1865, highlighting their service in major conflicts including the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, Shay's Rebellion, the War of 1812, and the U.S. Civil War. It will detail the contributions of local figures such as members of Roger's Rangers, Colonel John Williams, Major Joseph McCracken, and Sergeant Harris Smith Hawthorne, Salem's first Medal of Honor recipient. The narrative will emphasize Salem's unique legacy, tracing its founding to early military service and showcasing stories of heroism, sacrifice, and community defense. Through historical documents, maps, and personal accounts, the presentation will connect Salem's past to its enduring spirit of service. There is no charge for the program. The approximate starting time will be 2:00 p.m. Donations are gladly accepted.
Alec McMorris was born and raised in Salem. He graduated from Salem Washington Academy in 1996 and earned a B.A. in History from the Virginia Military Institute in 2000. Alec retired from the U.S. Army in 2020 after 20 years of active-duty service. He then worked for three years as a contractor with the U.S. Department of State before returning to Washington County in 2023. Alec currently belongs to the American Legion's Francis J. Clark Post 812 and the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Friends of the Bennington Battlefield. He is currently serving at the Vice-President of the Washington County Historical Society.
The meeting is on the second floor of the airport terminal. Following the discussion, the group will view the display cases of Floyd Bennett memorabilia. Membership in the county historical society is not required.
The topic is the role of Floyd Bennett in the first flight to the North Pole for which he received the Medal of Honor. Discussion will include Bennett's early life in Warrensburg, his military service, and his untimely death. Sources of information include two books: Skyward, Man's Mastery of the Air, by Admiral Richard Byrd and Race to the Top of the World by Sheldon Bart.
Patrick will explore locations and events where Benedict Arnold played a crucial role. The talk will explore Arnold's ascent to prominence through his actions in the northern region, highlighting his reputation as the greatest battlefield general of the American Revolution. His notoriety stems from his exploits in the North Country, mostly in what was Charlotte County. These include capturing Fort Ticonderoga, constructing the American fleet in Whitehall, fighting at Valcour Island, and his activities prior to the Battles of Saratoga in Charlotte County, culminating with his leadership at Saratoga.
Patrick Niles is a retired history educator from Washington County. He has participated in public programs on the county's role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. He is currently the outgoing president of the Washington County Historical Society. He is co-chair of the Washington County 250th Committee and a Trustee of the Lake George Battlefield Alliance. He is also a licensed guide at the Saratoga Battlefield and presides over Adirondack Hudson Military Expeditions, a historic guide service operating along the Adirondack Hudson Corridor.
The program is free and open to the public. Donations are gladly accepted. For more information, please call WCHS at 518-747-9108 (Open Tues and Weds 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) We hope you will join us for this interesting and educational program.
