Saratoga Springs: Solomon Northup Day

Solomon Northup Day – A Celebration of Freedom 10th Anniversary!

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Solomon Northup Day Celebration of Freedom, founded in 1999 by Renee Moore. The annual event commemorating this important piece of Saratoga history will take place from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 18th at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 297 Broadway.

This year’s program will feature Dr. Sheila Aird, Professor of African American Studies at Empire State College and Paul and Mary Stewart of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region. Local violinist, Peg (Foye) Schalit will play selected violin pieces in honor Mr. Solomon.

The story of Solomon Northup is a moral fiber in the historic fabric of Saratoga Springs. In 1841, while working at the United States Hotel, Mr. Northup, an educated, free Black citizen of Washington County, was lured away from downtown Saratoga and sold into slavery. Through twelve years of enslavement, Mr. Northup was able to triumph, against all odds, and was returned to his family with the assistance of attorney Henry B. Northup, grand nephew of the man who had freed Solomon’s father, Mintus Northup.

In honor of the tenth anniversary of Solomon Northup Day, the mural created in 1999 by local youth at Saratoga Mentoring is currently on display once again in the main room of the Visitor Center.

Solomon Northup Day is listed in the United States Library of Congress as part of its Local Legacies Project. In 2002, the third Saturday in July was permanently dedicated by the City of Saratoga Springs as “Solomon Northup Day” in commemoration of the fortitude, tenacity and triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity and hardship.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served thanks to the generous donations of local businesses.

For more information, please contact the Visitor Center at 518-587-3241.