The Saratoga County History Center Board of Trustees announced the recipients of the 2026 Public History Awards and hosted a celebratory gathering at the Brookside Museum in Saratoga Springs on September 17.
The fifth annual ceremony brought together historians, educators, volunteers, and community members who have contributed to the documentation and interpretation of Saratoga County’s past. Attendees toured the museum’s exhibits before gathering in the main hall where the board presented the awards.
Award categories recognized a range of efforts, including research projects, oral‑history collections, educational programs, and public exhibitions that deepen public understanding of local heritage. Each honoree received a citation and a commemorative plaque acknowledging the impact of their work on preserving county history.
The event underscored the board’s ongoing commitment to fostering public history initiatives across the region. By highlighting exemplary projects, the awards aim to encourage further collaboration between scholars, schools, and civic organizations in sharing Saratoga’s historical narratives.
Organizers noted that the growing participation and diversity of submissions over the past five years reflect a vibrant interest in the county’s heritage. The celebration concluded with a reception where participants exchanged ideas and discussed future projects that will continue to enrich the community’s connection to its past.
Brookside Museum, housed in a restored 19th‑century building, serves as a focal point for local heritage exhibitions and educational outreach. The venue’s historic architecture and permanent collections provide a backdrop that reinforces the themes celebrated by the Public History Awards.
Looking ahead, the board announced that the 2027 awards will continue to spotlight innovative projects that engage diverse audiences. Applications will open later in the year, and the board encouraged community groups to submit proposals that expand the public’s access to Saratoga County’s historical resources.