historical society of saratoga springs and canfield casino

JAO738

Interesting walk back in time to another Saratoga!Ghost-like presence in rooms. Enjoyable, and educational for adults .

SherazadeQ

The thing I like BEST about this organization are the lectures they put on throughout the year. The lectures are always interesting bits of historical significance--usually of interest to Saratoga Springs history, but often of interest in a larger historical context (such as a recent lecture on Ethan Allen). The museum is great, too. They do a great job of having an interesting rotating exhibit, and I look forward to the upcoming exhibit on MOBSTERS in Saratoga! They also have permanent exhibits, including some wonderful examples of fashion during Saratoga's golden age. Lastly, the building is magnificent. If you've never gone into the Casino just to prowl around, it's well worth it. It's a historical-architecture-lover's wet dream.

glassyraven

Since the price was reasonable, we did the self-guided tour and enjoyed the photos and reading the snippets of the Casino's history and that of the Walworth family. We also enjoyed the stories told by staff members, and learning more about the role of Saratoga Springs in NY's early history.

MaryHHB

This is a small museum. If you're short on time, you can still take a tour; they seem to run continuously. Our guide was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The artifacts of gilded-age gambling (illegal but tolerated) are extensive, ranging from clothing to a casino room with a roulette wheel that still works, so you can have a little flutter at no cost. There's also a fair amount about Saratoga history and prehistory.

NickiW85

Museums are usually not our 'thing' but we thoroughly enjoyed the historical society and Canfield Casino. Very nice man volunteering told us about the spirits who lived there. Worth a visit.

DestinyRides

I have lived near Saratoga Springs for many years, but never visited the Canfield Casino. We took a tour and was disappointed with the tour guide. Actually, after reading some of the TA comments after the fact, I learned more than what he shared. The first floor of the facility itself was in a bit of disarray as if an event had not been cleaned up after. With that said, I would still recommend a visit as you do learn a lot about the history of Saratoga. The signage is quite good so I don't think a tour adds a whole lot to the experience.

Pegdafittr

Small museum but with very interesting collections. Gives you a sense of things in days gone by. Well laid out in terms of timelines. Warning... No elevator and it is three stories high.

Bijou554

A terrific slice of history. See where scenes from "Seabiscuit" were filmed. Learn about the seamy side of the casino and colorful bootlegging period. Complete with ghost.

Cindy_Sue_Vacation

I LOVED the landscaping/entrance. So cheering and colorful with gorgeous flowers, hanging baskets and horse statues. My friend and I were on vacation we went to the casino to try our luck. I'm on weight watchers and although on vacation I was watching everything going in my mouth. We ate at Lucky Joe's, the staff was so nice, friendly and eager to please.

GPBurdell67

Thanks to a very knowledgeable docent, we learned all about the history of this historic building and town. There's a lot of it: prohibition, gambling, the Mafia, wealthy families and most interesting, it's the home of the Club Sandwich! Look it up.

Bos2NTraveller_13

The Historical Society of Saratoga Springs is the former home of the Canfield Casino. You can see some of the beautiful large public rooms including a ballroom now used for weddings and events and a spectacular carved wooden bar that takes up an entire wall. On the second floor, you can see the Ladies Tea Room and the High Rollers area. There is also a small historical exhibit area that walks you through the history of Saratoga Springs. But what really makes this tour fun are the wonderful docents. Lew and Tom took turns showing us around and were full of great stories about Saratoga. It was a very pleasant introduction to Saratoga Springs. The museum is in the middle of the city park and right across the street you can sample the spring waters that made the city famous.

dancer735

There are some wonderful old photos here of the monuments in the park with detailed explanations of the monuments and sculptures that you will see in Congress Park. You can also see old photos of the springs in the park taken in the 1800s. It's a great place to visit to learn more about the history of the area.

micheleg941

The history museum has all the information you could want on the history of our great city. It is a "not to be missed" venue that you must see to appreciate all that came before!

ParistoCapeCod

Our niece was married at the Canfield Casino, a lovely, elegant venue for any special occasion. The bartenders were a bit brusque, but the serving staff were fantastic.

torontothoughts

For a modest fee, you can visit this highly interesting museum. We were fortunate enough to have Mr. Lewis Elia as our guide. He is well informed and shared freely his knowledge of Saratoga Spring's history. The third floor is simply wonderful. Of interest to movie fans, a brief scene from "Seabiscuit" was filmed in the great room on the third floor. The gardens surrounding the building are worth a stroll.