The Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs, NYSaturday, June 24, 2017
While on the road I finally made my stop at the The Saratoga Automobile Museum. On display during my trip were the photos as a play on the words, TrailerTrashed provides a raw glimpse into what once were living, breathing homes – a glimpse into everyday lives – real people who laughed, cried, raised a family and, in one case, died... in a trailer. Along with a group of sketches called Evolution of Automobile Design from 1900 to the 1960s.
One key exhibit was on the history of automobile racing in New York State. That goes back to 1896 when six cars competed in the state’s first auto race. The race covered the distance from New York City to Irvington-on-Hudson and back, averaging 10 miles per hour. Around the turn of the 20th century, New York served as one of the most popular starting or finishing points for cross-country endurance runs. Also the New York State Stock Car Association display which is dedicated to the betterment of the sport through education and continued support.
East of Detroit display shows New York State was once home to over 100 different automobile manufacturers. While most New York automakers were small, there were great successes like the Pierce Arrow and the Franklin. This exhibit provides an in-depth look at the automobile industry in New York State and a look back in time at the innovations of different New Yorkers in their quest to create the automobile of their dreams. It also examines New York’s role in importing European-made cars and custom-coach building.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum was organized in 1999, and opened to the public in 2002. The Museum’s mission is to preserve, interpret and exhibit automobiles and automotive artifacts. We celebrate the automobile and educate the general public, students and enthusiasts regarding the role of the automobile in New York State and in the wider world. In addition to technical and design aspects, our educational focus is on the past, present and future social and economic impact of the automobile.
The Museum is located within the 2,500 acre Saratoga Spa State Park, in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs, New York, world famous for its legendary, much honored one-mile thoroughbred track. The museum’s facility is the totally restored and renovated Saratoga Bottling Plant, a beautiful neo-classic structure built in 1934. The Museum is adjacent to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. http://www.saratogaautomuseum.