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Saratoga Springs History Museum/Historic Canfield Casino

• Saratoga County
• Capital/Saratoga Region

The Haunting

Ghost Hunters investigated Saratoga Springs' Canfield Casino in 2010. The investigation was prompted by reports of unexplained phenomena in the 140-year-old landmark building in Congress Park.

According to Jamie Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, while unusual events had taken place sporadically in the building in recent years, they accelerated after the opening of an exhibition of antique clothing once owned and worn by members of some of Saratoga Springs most prominent first families, now all deceased.

Featuring three floors of exhibits as well as dynamic programs throughout the year, the Saratoga Springs History Museum welcomes visitors and members to learn more about this famous city and the people that made it so.

Congress Park East Congress Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 P: (518) 584-6920 Guided Tours

Opportunities for visitors:

The Canfield Casino and Saratoga Springs History Museum is Saratoga Springs' most historic and haunted building. The Casino was featured on the SYFY Networks show Ghost Hunters in 2010, and in 2019 was named number 4 in the top 10 of America’s Most Terrifying Places on the Travel Channel. Experience a 1-hour tour led by staff members who have experienced paranormal events in the building. Staff tell their own experiences and show actual evidence of paranormal activity.

Days/times of operation:

The Museum is open year-round, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tours are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday July and August at 11am. Reservations are not required.

$15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for students

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.saratogahistory.org .

Handicap Accessible:

Yes Bottom floor

TV shows aired on:

Ghost Hunters - Season 6, Episode 18

Most Terrifying Places

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Discover the Hidden Gems

Tours of saratoga springs, ny.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center offers unique tours of beautiful Saratoga Springs throughout the year:

Ghosts of Saratoga Guided Trolley Tours - Every October

Join us every fall for unique 90-minute guided trolley tours of numerous ghostly locations in Saratoga, including the second floor of the famed Canfield Casino. Pursue the stories that make the city a portal of paranormal activity. Led by local historian Charlie Kuenzel, the stories are derived from research by noted ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal investigators. Get on board for a fun-filled evening of eerie entertainment!

Grand, Gilded and Glorious:  A Saratoga Stroll - July - October

Explore the legends and lore of Saratoga's splendor! This 90-minute guided walking tour entertains and enlightens with famed stories of our fascinating city. The playground of the rich and famous during the 1800s, Saratoga is filled with stories of the wonderful, gilded period. This unique and engaging tour will guide participants from the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center to Congress Park and will conclude with a complete tour of the elegant Canfield Casino. Tours take place Tuesday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m.  Cost is $20 per person.

Historic Guided Trolley Tours of Saratoga Springs - Every August

This informative and entertaining 90-minute guided tour includes historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, Skidmore, the High Rock area, Saratoga Race Course, Union Avenue, and more! Upstate Transit has captured the charm of yesteryear and the comfort of today by designing trolleys with an authentic wooden interior, decorative etched glass windows, and air-conditioning. Trolleys also feature a wheelchair lift. Tours take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. August 1 - August 31. The pick-up and drop-off location is the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs . Tickets are $25.00 per person. Recommended for children 12 and over. Day-of tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center.

Other popular Saratoga Springs tours include:

BOAT AND TRAIN TOURS:

Adirondack Cruise & Charter Company Founded in 2016, Hal and Erin Raven began offering lake tours with their pontoon boat “Kaydeross." Lake tours quickly proved to be a success! In 2017 a fantail launch was purchased to handle larger groups. This small family business soon became a welcomed attraction at Saratoga Lake. Narrated boat cruises on beautiful Saratoga Lake are offered at a variety of dates and times, please visit  www.adkcruise.com .

Daleys Adventure Boat Tours

Servicing both Saratoga Lake and Lake George, Daleys adventure provides private boat tours catered to your party’s needs! From history tours to tubing and snorkeling and everything in between, there is a boat tour for everyone. Daleys offers a variety of pick-up locations, boat types and guides, with up to twelve passengers per tour. For more information or to schedule a tour visit: www.daleysboattours.com or call (518)-469-8745.

Lake George Steamboat Company Choose from three beautiful boats and spend an hour or a day on this beautiful waterway known as the “Queen of American Lakes." Embark on an hour-long cruise aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha, one of the last steam paddlewheel ships in America. Or for a longer cruise, board the Mohican for a lovely scenic experience that will take you on a 28-mile tour. The Lac du Saint Sacrement is the largest ship on New York State’s Inland waterways and offers sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises. Book your cruise online at  www.lakegeorgesteamboat.com  or call the ticket office at (518) 668-5777.

Lake George Waterfront Cruises Enjoy narrated cruises on beautiful Lake George aboard either the Horicon or the Adirondac. Various cruise options are available for dinner tours as well as sunset, fireworks, and history cruises.  For more information, visit  lgwaterfront.com/cruises/ or call (518) 668-4644.

Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway Hop on board the Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway and enjoy the scenic views of the Southern Adirondacks on our 90-minute vintage train ride. Located just 20 minutes north of Saratoga Springs, we offer the perfect adventure for families and train lovers of all ages. 

• Tickets start at $10.00 per child and $25.00 per adult.
• Choose from first class, coach, or open-air seating.
• Ride with the Engineer!
• Book a private event!

For more information, visit  www.corinthtrain.com  or call (518) 222-9590.

HAUNTED TOURS:

Saratoga Springs History Museum Ghost Tours As investigated by GHOST HUNTERS, come and experience the original Ghost Tours of Saratoga Springs at the Canfield Casino! Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in July and August. Cost is $15.00 adults, $12.00 children 6-17, children under 5 free (cost includes Museum admission). Reservations not required. Meet at the History Museum in Canfield Casino in Congress Park. For more information, visit  www.saratogahistory.org  or call  (518) 584-6920.

HISTORY TOURS:

Derby Tours of Saratoga Led by local historian, Hollis Palmer, this walking tour features the unique history and architecture of Saratoga Springs. Visit  www.derbytours.com  or call (518) 495-7012 for reservations.

History Center at Brookside Museum: Historian’s Tours

The history center at Brookside Museum will be hosting a series of history tours this summer. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and is led by an experienced historian that is knowledgeable about their community. Registration required, and there is a $10 suggested donation per registration. To see the tour schedule or register for a tour go to: brooksidemuseum.org/events/

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Sunday Strolls Sunday morning 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., rain or shine. Various historic Saratoga locations. Cost is $20.00 non-members, $15.00 members. Reservations required, contact Preservation Foundation at (518) 587-5030 or visit  www.saratogapreservation.org .

HORSE TOURS:

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Saratoga County farm tour series:

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with six Saratoga County farms for exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. The Museum’s farm tour series begins Saturday, May 27 at the Bond family’s Song Hill Thoroughbreds in Mechanicville. There will be one farm featured per month through October.

Guests will enjoy a 90-minute tour through each thoroughbred farm, where a knowledgeable guide will provide a comprehensive look at the day-to-day operations and what makes each farm unique. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with real thoroughbreds. Finally, at the close of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to ask their guide any questions they may have about the care and keeping of these beautiful animals and aspects of life on the farm. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on this tour.

Each tour is $30 for Museum members and $40 for non-members. All tour purchases include a complimentary Museum admission. To book a farm tour, click on your preferred date and farm below:

• May 27, Song Hill Thoroughbreds
• June 24, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
• July 29, Old Friends at Cabin Creek
• Aug. 26, McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds
• Sept. 30, Old Tavern Farm
• Oct. 14, Sugar Plum Farm

NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Backstretch Tours This tour is available every race day except Travers Day and Labor Day (there are no races or tours on Mondays and Tuesdays). This is a guided walking tour of the famous and historic stable area (weather permitting), available during breakfast at the track. The first tram to the stable area leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at 7:30 a.m., with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at approximately 9:00 a.m. No reservations accepted – trams are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, visit  https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/breakfast-at-saratoga .

NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour s Offered by NYRA on Fridays during the racing season (July 14-Sept. 4). The tour will feature a buffet breakfast at the racetrack, time to watch the thoroughbred horses exercise, and a round-trip open-air trolley ride and tour of Old Tavern Farm. $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at  www.NYRA.com .

NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Walking Tours History, highlights, unique architecture, and landscapes at Saratoga Race Course! These daily walking tours bring more than 150 years of history within Saratoga Race Course to life. Ever wonder why we ring a bell at 17 minutes to post or why there is a canoe in the lake in the infield? Take a guided tour to get to know The Spa! Tours are scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. each racing day and costs $5 per person or $15 for a group of 4 or more. Binocular rentals available at first floor Grandstand Guest Services Center only. Please note: No morning tours on Runhappy Travers Day and Labor Day. For more information, visit  https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/walking-tours  or call (518) 584-6200 x 4433.

Old Friends at Cabin Creek A wonderful farm for retired thoroughbred horses! Old Friends at Cabin Creek, the Bobby Frankel Division, is Saratoga County’s only thoroughbred retirement farm and one of the few that will take thoroughbred stallions. Starting on July 5 – September 3, tours will be offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. No reservations needed. Private and group tours available by prior arrangement. Admission is FREE; however, donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, visit  https://oldfriendsatcabincreek.com  or call (518) 698-2377. 

Oklahoma Training Track Tours Tours of the Oklahoma Training Track are offered by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.  Walking tours at 9:00 a.m. daily through racing season. Tour lasts approx. 90 mins. and covers roughly 1 mile. Adults $15.00, Seniors/students $10.00; no children or strollers. (Fee includes $5.00 off museum admission.) Reservations required. Sturdy footwear recommended. For more information, visit  https://www.racingmuseum.org  or call (518) 584-0400.

FREE SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS:

We produce several self-guided walking tours. Brochures for these walking tours can be found at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center or can be  downloaded here .

• Historic Congress Park
• Mineral Waters
• North Broadway
• East Side Neighborhood
• West Side Neighborhood
• A Strolling Tour of the Gut

Saratoga National Historical Park The tour road is open to vehicles April 1 through November 30, weather permitting – inclement weather can result in delayed opening or early road closure. The Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Use your own smart device for a cell phone-activated walking/driving tour to explore the many look-outs and historical sites within the park. The tour road is open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for vehicles and dawn to dusk for pedestrians and bikers through 9/4/22. For more information, visit  https://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm  or call (518) 670-2985. 

Scavenger Hunt: “On the Hunt for Saratoga History” Gather your family and friends and travel through time as you stroll Broadway, Saratoga’s award-winning main street.  Explore and discover the meaning behind our city’s well-known slogan “Health, History, Horses." Learn about the beverage that put Saratoga Springs on the map! Uncover the truth behind the history of the city. Test your knowledge about thoroughbreds and the Saratoga Race Course. Most importantly – have FUN! Scavenger hunt forms can be found at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway or the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. A completed form with answers can be found at the Visitor Center or the History Museum. If you score 40 questions or more correct on the scavenger hunt, you will receive a packet of free admissions and coupons for businesses and museums in Saratoga Springs. For more information, call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241.

FREE GUIDED TOURS:

Saratoga Spa State Park There are approximately a dozen mineral springs located within the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park.  Free guided tours will be offered Friday – Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Creekside Classroom, Geyser Loop Road, in the Saratoga Spa State Park. For more information, visit  https://www.parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa  or call (518) 584-2535.

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“Preservation Matters” Strolling Through History: Canfield Casino

Jun 24, 2020 | Preservation Matters

Next Sunday, June 28, Charlie Kuenzel will lead a tour of Congress Park, a National Historic Landmark.  Charlie, a former teacher, local tour guide, and current president of Saratoga Springs History Museum, will share a wealth of information on the tour.  However, this year the tour will have greater focus on the Canfield Casino as it celebrates its 150 th anniversary.  When asked about the significance of the casino, Charlie responded, “It is one of the last structures in the city that helps to tell the story of our city’s greatness in the 1800’s when we were the number one tourist destination in America.”

“Morrissey spared no expense, the premier furniture design company, Herter Brothers of New York City, was hired to design the furnishings,” shared Charlie.  The company was known for designing furniture for prominent business leaders in New York City.  “The same year they worked on the Canfield Casino, they also did The White House.  Today, the Canfield Casino is only one of three public spaces designed by the Herter Company to still be in existence,” noted Charlie.

Upon the passing of Morrissey, two lesser partners Albert Spencer and Charles Reed operated the gambling house at a less than stellar level of performance. In 1893, they added a new partner, Richard Canfield.

Canfield had just returned from a trip to England and became interested in the Club House when he visited Saratoga Springs that summer. The following year, Canfield bought out Spencer and Reed for the handsome sum of $250,000, approximately $7 million today.  He immediately began to make changes to the operation and renamed it the Casino.  He required men to dress in formal attire to enter the building and payed all money won by patrons immediately from a safe located in his office that daily held one million dollars. “Canfield ran honest games and was happy to take the percentage of profit from the natural risk of each game.  He gave those that lost a split of champagne and consoled them with a gentle hand on their back,” Charlie shared. His honest and open business approach resulted in huge success.

“We are very fortunate that the City of Saratoga Springs is a good steward of the building that tells such an important part of our community’s history.  Commissioner of Public Works, Skip Scirocco, and his staff have done a tremendous job of maintaining and preserving the building,” recognized Charlie.  The restoration of the stained glass windows, skylights, and the wood floors of the ballroom were most recently completed. Currently, the copper cupolas above the parlor are being restored.

As president of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, Charlie encourages everyone to visit the museum to celebrate the 150 th anniversary of the Canfield Casino and see the interior.  The Museum will be allowed to open in Phase 4 of the state’s reopening plan, which is expected to be in July. “When we re-open, we will be highlighting a fantastic new exhibit on the grand historic hotels of Saratoga Springs that will reveal the day-to-day life of visitors, traditions, social practices, and accommodations provided during the summer season – it is an exhibit not to be missed! The staff and volunteers are eager to get back to what they do best, telling the story of Saratoga Springs,” enthusiastically stated Charlie.  To learn more about the Museum, its collections, hours of operation, and admission, please visit www.saratogahistory.org .

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.  To learn more or to join, please visit  www.saratogapreservation.org .

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Hard Rock Casino Rockford is opening. Here's what you need to know

A moment some have waited decades to arrive is here: The Hard Rock Casino Rockford opens this week.

It's the culmination of a dream that at one time seemed impossible to attain.

But after years of planning, investment, construction and dodging all the political land mines, the nearly 180,000-square-foot casino resort at 7801 E. State St. is finally here.

Here is what you need to know about Rockford's casino.

When does the Hard Rock open?

The doors to Hard Rock Casino Rockford open at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.

Will there be enough parking?

There are 1,700 parking spaces available in the main parking lot at the casino. An auxiliary lot east of Lyford Road has an additional 342 parking spaces with shuttle service to the casino.

What's cookin'?

There are six restaurants to suit virtually any budget and taste offered at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford. They include the upscale Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and the signature Hard Rock Café. They also have a Marketplace food hall featuring Brick'd Italian Kitchen, Constant Grind, Street Tacos and the YouYu Noodle Bar.

What did it take to build the casino?

Built by Ringland-Johnson Construction, about 1,200 workers had a hand in the construction of the Hard Rock . Workers used 1.4 million cubic feet of gravel — enough to fill 500,000 average size swimming pools — to level the roughly 25-acre site. The building, among other materials, is made of 243,000 cubic feet of concrete and 2.2 million pounds of steel. Crews installed 145 miles of electrical wire needed to power the lights, computers and slot machines.

How about that guitar?

A replica of Rockford legend and Cheap Trick Hall of Fame guitarist Rick Nielsen's signature Hamer checkerboard guitar marks the entrance to the casino. It stands 62-feet, 10-inches tall and 38-feet, 6-inches wide. Custom crafted over five months by Baltimore-based Gable sign company and shipped to Rockford, it weighs in at 7 tons.

What kind of games do they have?

Hard Rock Casino Rockford boasts 65,000 square feet of gaming space. There are nearly 1,300 slot machines and 44 table games including a six-table room dedicated to baccarat , one of the most popular casino games in the world. In addition, the casino will feature a six-table poker room .

What are the minimum bets?

Minimum bets vary based on time of day, day of the week, player demand and what players are willing to spend. Minimum bets usually range from $10 to $25.

Is anything special planned opening weekend?

Opening ceremonies including a Hard Rock guitar smash, a visit from Gov. JB Pritzker and an inaugural performance by the Nielsen Trust are invitation only and not open to the general public. However, Hard Rock officials said all the restaurants will be open, musical acts are expected on stages inside the Hard Rock Café and at the steak house and there are bunch of acts coming to the Hard Rock Live venue opening weekend.

Are there any concerts I can go to?

Opening weekend is jam packed with entertainment at the Hard Rock. Senegalese American hip-hop and R&B artist Akon takes the stage Friday night, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett and the Blackhearts plays Saturday and country singer-songwriter Brad Paisley performs on his Son of the Mountains tour Sunday.

What's the venue like?

The Hard Rock Live features 1,600 seats and can accommodate up to 2,000 people. It can be converted into a banquet hall for 600 to 800 people or reconfigured for smaller events.

How much money will this make for Rockford?

Under a host community agreement, Rockford is guaranteed $7 million annually in gaming tax revenue. If the city’s share falls below $7 million, the company would pay to close the gap.

What other local taxing bodies earn casino revenue?

Rockford collects 70% of the local share of casino gaming tax revenue. Winnebago County gets 20% while Loves Park and Machesney Park each get 5%.

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at  (815) 987-1374, via email at  [email protected]  and on X  @jeffkolkey .

Rare Bronze Age jar smashed by five-year-old boy in museum in Israel

The 3,500-year-old artefact broke into several pieces but Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa is far from angry. Instead, the boy has been invited to return for a tour and experts say it will be repaired.

Tuesday 27 August 2024 22:10, UK

A five-year-old boy has accidentally broken an ancient urn dating to the late Bronze Age at a museum in Israel.

The artefact was on display at the Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa when the damage happened on Friday.

But the reaction from the museum's director, Dr Inbal Rivlin, might take some people by surprise.

Directly addressing the boy and his mother, she invited them to return for a guided tour adding: "Don't be afraid, we have no claim against you."

The pair are said to have been "scared" after the jar was damaged near the entrance to the museum and quickly left.

A boy at a museum today broke a priceless 3500 year old jar. The incident took place at the Hecht museum in Haifa, Israel. #Oy pic.twitter.com/eEVs1rhewm — Rodger (with a D) (@Noz4news) August 23, 2024

The archaeological find was discovered during excavations in Samaria, in central Israel , and has been in the museum for 35 years.

It is dated to between 1130 and 1500 BC.

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The museum described the jar as rare and an "impressive find" as most others of that period were found broken or incomplete.

It added in a statement: "It predates the days of David and King Solomon, is typical of the Canaan region and was intended for storing and transporting local consumption, mainly wine and olive oil".

Dr Rivlin explained that the jar was not behind a display case because of the vision of the museum's founder, Dr Reuven Hecht.

His intention was to make archaeological items as accessible as possible to visitors.

The museum says artefacts rarely suffer damage but this jar will be repaired and placed back on display.

Read more: 4,000-year-old artefacts uncovered in Cardiff park Rare tomb discovered during dig in Orkney Experts reconstruct face of 75,000-year-old Neanderthal

Dr Rivlin also issued a note of caution to parents suggesting they may need to give their children guidance before their visit, so exhibits are not touched unless it is explicitly stated that is allowed.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

The museum, which is free to enter and within the grounds of the University of Haifa, has numerous archaeological exhibits from the Chalcolithic to Byzantine periods.

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