Saratoga "Surrender Day" Celebration: An Evening with Dr. Kevin J. Weddle

Campaign for Saratoga Surrender Day Celebration

Celebrating and raising awareness of the historic first surrender of a British Army on Oct 17, 1777 at Saratoga, marking the pivotal turning point in America’s Revolution

Join us for an Evening with distinguished author & historian, Dr. Kevin J. Weddle, US Army Colonel (Ret.)

6pm: Arrival

6:30pm: Program 

5:30pm – 6:15pm: VIP Reception 

Presented by Campaign for Saratoga 250 in partnership with The Saratoga Book Festival/Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library and Literary Arts @SPAC

Join area historians, musicians and our featured speaker,distinguished historian, professor, author and veteran, Dr. Kevin J. Weddle, US Army Colonel (Ret.). Dr Weddle, renowned for his expertise in Revolutionary War studies, will discuss Saratoga’s significant contribution to America’s fight for freedom. Featuring familiar names, like Generals Washington, Howe, Arnold, Burgoyne, Gates and Schuyler, he also brings forward lesser known voices and dynamics engaging both newcomers and those familiar with Saratoga’s Revolutionary past. His recent book “The Compleat Victory, Saratoga and the American Revolution,”  is the winner of the presitigious Gilder Lehrman Military History Prize, the Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award and The Society of the Cincinnati Prize. His work not only brings the past to life, but provides valuable perspectives on the strategic and cultural impacts of the Revolutionary era. A USMA West Point graduate, Dr. Weddle served honorably as a service combat engineer in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom, retiring from the U.S. Army as a colonel.

Additional event highlights:

• Presentation by Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian, Saratoga 250 Chair and New York State 250 Commissioner
• Revolutionary Era re-enactors & live musicians
• Musical performances by area students

Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich history of the Revolutionary War and the vibrant culture of the Saratoga region.

Biography of Dr. Kevin J. Weddle:

In The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution, historian Kevin J. Weddle explores the strategic events leading to the pivotal Battle of Saratoga. In 1777, after two years of indecisive conflict, the British aimed to end the American rebellion by capturing Albany. Their easy victory at Fort Ticonderoga seemed promising, but soon after, American forces under Major General Horatio Gates, inspired by Benedict Arnold, forced General John Burgoyne to surrender. This surprising American victory shocked the world, shifted the war’s momentum, and led to the Franco-American alliance. Weddle provides an authoritative history of the battle, detailing how British plans were undone by distance, geography, and underestimating American leadership, resulting in what was called “the Compleat Victory.”

Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization founded to educate, promote, and preserve the legacy of Saratoga as America’s Turning Point^TM. With the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga in 2027 as a catalyst, its community led stakeholders are dedicated to producing events and content to preserve the relatable stories of this momentous victory to connect new generations of people to Saratoga’s Revolutionary heritage for generations. Driving this awareness across local, national, and international audiences will ensure that the legacy of Saratoga’s patriots and contributions to America’s history and prosperity are remembered and a noted heritage destination for generations to come.