OURstory Treasure Hunt invites you to begin to uncover and explore Saratoga Springs’ history of our People of Color … we cannot truly know ourselves and how we have arrived where we are today until we re-weave the very fabric of OUR shared story — which is a much more color-full, vibrant and extraordinary tapestry of Humanity than our history books, classrooms, and memories have represented over the centuries.

So, why a Treasure Hunt? Because we have so much to learn and appreciate about the many hidden *treasures — right here — that history has ignored, forgotten, or simply white-washed. This Treasure Hunt becomes more urgent now, as recognize how fast we are losing the threads of history held by our Elders as they pass from our midsts. MLK Saratoga hopes you will reach out to your families, friends, and neighbors to find the *Treasures of your own past! Let’s weave them into OURstory and repair HIStory, so we can grow our community into a stronger, healthier tomorrow — together.

OURstory Treasure Hunt started as a family-centered, Covid-safe outdoor experience option for the 2021 Dr. King Celebration Weekend and developed into a fully-interactive program, complete with “deep-dive” info pdfs and links to sources for further research. Formally launched in Spring 2021, the Treasure Hunt, was the creative spark of Jean Fei, long-time Saratoga resident, MLKS advisor, and community equity engager. Carol Daggs, artist & author, joined the development team and contributed first-hand historical insight, as well as adapting writings from her memoir book, “Saratoga Soul Brandtville Blues.” (See BHM Spotlight #4). Diana Domingo, artist and consultant, contributed to the overall creative visioning and planning of the project in its development stages, as well as beautifully adapted R.F. Dearborn’s map from 1872, which includes the updated ‘bump-out’ so as to show the relocation of two of Saratoga’s African American Houses of Worship. Jen Natyzak (Skidmore’s Sustainability Office) and Lezlie Dana rounded out the collaborative effort with brainstorming, research, marketing, and desktop publishing support. A strong group effort with a big ‘Labor of Love’ dollop — 2021’s OURstory Treasure Hunt is another *access point to illuminating Saratoga’s BIPOC history … OUR color-full and culturally-diverse past!

RESOURCES

Start Treasure Hunt here: https://www.mlksaratoga.org/treasure-hunt
Map & Hints pdf download HERE
Got your own Treasure story to share? Let us know HERE
*Black Experiences in Saratoga County, 1750-1950
Brookside Museum Exhibit
6 Charlton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY
The expansive exhibit explores the diverse lives of African Americans in Saratoga County from the colonial period through the mid-twentieth century. It is a panorama of the struggles and hardships, but also stories of their persistence and success. Displays will feature little-known events, as well as objects and memorabilia that bring to life the men and women who were often the heart and soul of Saratoga society.
Now thru June. Please click HERE for more information.
Diana Domingo: VoiceEnergetics.com
Carol Daggs: follow her on Facebook