SPAC in Conversation: Dorothy Wickenden
New Yorker writer, editor, and bestselling author of The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women’s Rights
Wednesday • Oct 07, 2026 • 10:00am
Hall of Springs
JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY OF CONVERSATION, COMMUNITY, AND INSPIRATION.
Experience an extraordinary afternoon with Dorothy Wickenden, bestselling author, writer, and longtime New Yorker editor, as she explores the remarkable true story behind The Agitators — three fearless women whose friendship, conviction, and courage helped shape the fight for abolition and women’s rights. Moderated by former New York Times Style Photo Editor Tiina Loite, this timely conversation will examine the power of storytelling, the women who changed the course of history, and the enduring impact of their voices today.
Wickenden has spent a career chasing the stories history almost forgot — from the women who quietly rewired the fight for abolition and suffrage, to the untold forces shaping justice long before it had a name. Expect a conversation that’s as sharp and unflinching as her prose.
Spend the day with us for a seasonal luncheon, spirited conversation, and a curated boutique shopping experience to complete the day — all in support of SPAC’s mission to serve art, artists, and community.
Make your reservation online today!
Tickets – $100 pp.
You may also reserve by phone at 518.584.9330 ext. 142 or email at mmccarthy@spac.org.
Physical tickets are not needed as your name will be on the guest list.
Event Timing at a Glance
| 10AM | Doors open, boutique shopping begins |
| 12PM | Lunch served |
| 12:30PM | Conversation with Dorothy Wickenden |
| 1:15PM | Raffle drawing |
| 1:30PM | Book signing and boutique shopping resumes |
| 2PM | Event ends |
Dorothy Wickenden‘s extensive portfolio of writing includes wide-ranging topics, from humanitarian aid workers in Gaza and the last lighthouse keeper in America, to India’s rewilding movement and the pre-Civil War battles against white supremacy. Wickenden‘s books, The Agitators and Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West, are New York Times best sellers. She was executive editor of The New Yorker for 26 years and previously served as executive editor of The New Republic and national affairs editor of Newsweek.
Book Sponsor
Advance purchase of The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women’s Rights available for $15 when booking your reservation. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the event for $20.
Menu
Greeting Station
sparkling water and prosecco
coffee, decaf, and tea
cream, sugar, lemon, honey
assorted mini breakfast pastries
Grazing Station
Custom Cheese and Salumi
NY State cheeses, local charcuterie, dried fruits, Forts Ferry Farm honey, nuts, berries
Spreads and Dips
artichoke dip, spring pea hummus, Sicilian caponata, flatbreads, za’ataar pita, grissini, crostinis
Farm Stand Vegetable Crate
selections inspired by the growing seasons
heirloom carrots, radishes, beets, pole beans, pea pods, tomatoes, radicchio, romaine leaf, asparagus, cucumber, peppers
Olives
nicoise, gaeta, castelvetrano, cerignola
Composed Salads
Local Bounty
spring asparagus, breakfast radish, green peas, picked mint, preserved lemon vinaigrette, pressed goat cheese
Ancient Grains
collar city mushrooms, roast baby onions, confit garlic, aged sherry mustard vinaigrette, local thyme
Entrée
Grilled Chicken Paillard (GF)
whipped butternut squash, charred brussels sprouts, sage brown butter, bruleed lemon
OR
Acorn Squash Risotto (GF, V)
granny smith apple, whipped goat cheese, toasted pepitas, hot honey
Dessert
assorted Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundtlets
GF = gluten free, V = vegetarian
Boutique Shopping Vendors
One of a kind and limited-edition clothing for women of all sizes and ages
A Hug Around the Neck
Custom made beaded pet collars, accessories, and treats and matching human accessories
Saratoga’s premier ski and snowboard shop
Special interest bookstore and writing workshop space centered around the creation and appreciation of literature, art, and antiquity
Seasonal nursery and gift items
Claudia Russell’s Homemade Jams & Jellies
Homemade jams and jellies in seasonally decorated boxes, wreaths, and gift baskets
Creating functional ceramic vessels and sculptural planters inspired by nature
Emma Willard School is a historic, inclusive, and prestigious private boarding and day school for girls, grades 9 to 12. Founded in 1814, it was the first school of higher learning for young women in the United States and remains a trailblazer in girls’ education. Emma Willard is located in Troy, NY, and offers an academically rigorous college-preparatory education to nearly 360 students from 21 states and 38 countries.
Prints of watercolor artwork including stationary, postcards, greeting cards, fine art prints, and poster prints
Hand painted crystal and fine glassware – many items boxed and ribboned for gift-giving
Pre-packaged delicious rum cakes – every purchase helps to educate students and provide important career development opportunities
Artisan crafted fine jewelry in silver and gold with natural gemstones
National jewelry brand known for vibrant color, material innovation, and signature silhouettes
Handcrafted, colorful, functional, and decorative ceramics, bowls, platters, mugs, and vases
A consciously curated collection of women’s apparel, jewelry, and accessories
Children’s book author makes her delightful debut with Murray Goes to the Playground, inspired by her oversized Sheepadoodle and daily walking companion, Murray
Classic and timeless handcrafted contemporary jewelry collections
Apparel, accessories, and giftware – all purchases help provide meals for children in Upstate NY
Clean skincare, wellness, and gifts for women
Hand thrown porcelain vases, bowls, and vessels with hand lettered quotes
Environmentally safe, sustainable birdhouses, custom-made and handcrafted from eastern white pine and recycled copper
Luxurious handcrafted blankets made in Saratoga Springs
Custom handcrafted mini quarter poles and gift accessories
Timeless, functional, unique women’s clothing
Creatively crafted and curated decor and gifts
Homemade hand decorated cookies and kits
Raffle
$5 per ticket/5 tickets for $20
Winner announced at 1:15PM day of event
Basket #1: Saratoga Dine Around
Value: $400
Donated by: Chez Pierre, DZ Restaurants, Franklin Square Market, Wishing Well
Enjoy dining out at Chez Pierre, the Wishing Well, DZ Restaurants, and Franklin Square Market with $100 gift certificates from each of these Saratoga favorites.
Basket #2: J. McLaughlin
Value: $428
Donated by: Elizabeth Rutnik, J. McLaughlin
J. McLaughlin Waverly Leather Handbag + $100 gift certificate. Enjoy this lovely 100% leather crossbody bag with suede accents and a $100 gift certificate for shopping at J. McLaughlin.
Basket #3: Spa Little Theater Watercolor + 2 tickets to 2027 CMS performance
Value: $550
Donated by: Mary Tully & SPAC
Take home this stunning watercolor of the iconic Spa Little Theater by acclaimed local artist Tom Ryan. Enjoy a 2027 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performance* at the newly renovated Spa Little Theater.
Basket #4: 2027 SPAC Classical Season Passes for 2 + SPAC Blanket
Value: $550
Donated by: SPAC & Elissa Smith
Start planning your 2027 summer at SPAC! This package includes lawn admission for 2 to all performances* of New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra, complete with a fashionable insulated wine cooler and a SPAC blanket.
Basket #5: Hand Painted Tote & Gifts from Hen Picked Studio
Value: $400
Donated by: Hen Picked Studio – Heather LaCoppola
Hand painted Saratoga themed LL Bean Boat and Tote, vintage brass horseshoe, pillow, tea towels, and note cards.
Basket #6: SPAC in Conversation Boutique Vendor Selections
Value: $400
Donated by: 2026 SPAC in Conversation Participating Boutique Vendors
Beautiful, curated basket of items featuring our participating 2026 boutique vendors.
Basket #7: Meet Our Vendors — Special Raffle Drawing for Guests Engaging with ALL 2026 Vendors
Donated by: 2026 SPAC in Conversation Participating Boutique Vendors
Beautiful, curated basket of items featuring our participating 2026 boutique vendors.
*some exclusions may apply
THANK YOU
to our Sponsors and Honorary Committee!
as of 9/11/26
Lead Sponsor
Book Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Sally Bott*
Carol Firestone
Doris Fischer Malesardi**
Elissa Smith**
Eileen Whelley**
Supporting Sponsors
Keeley Ardman DeSalvo*
Micki Massry
Sharyn Neble*
Elizabeth Sobol
Charles V. Wait, Jr.*
Community Sponsors
Sandra Eng-Caulfield
Karen Macielak**
Marilyn S. Nippes
Kathy Odabashian
Emily Reilly**
Honorary Committee
Elaine Alfert
Jane Baker
Roberta Boone
Jeanette Borthwick
Susanne Buhac**
Carol Anne Bury
Colleen Carlson
Diane Casano**
Dr. Nancy Casna**
Nora & Jeffrey Cheek
Anthony Cirillo
Susan Dake*
Susan K. DePaula
Marsha Dolinsky**
Carol Douglas
Ellen Downing
JoAnn Duquette
Karen Eichoff
Pia Field
Jane Flynn
Rita Forbush**
Cherie Grey
Susan Mallery Gurian
Judy A. Harrigan, PhD*
Kay Hotaling
Patricia Joy**
Robin Kappler**
Sylvia Kravis Phillips
Judy LeCain
Janet Longe
Sandy Markatos**
Stephanie Markowich**
Christine L. McDonald**
Marcia Miller
Loretta Moore
Mary Murphy**
Carol Obloy
Norma M. Quinn
Tracy Quinn
Katie Richman
Melanie Shefchik
Peggy Silberman**
Julia S. Stokes
Kathie Swift
Kerry Tomson**
Linda Toohey*
Tamara Valentine
Joyce White**
Lori Whitney**
Additional Support Provided by
DeCrescente Distributing Company
Tiina Loite
J. Michael & Susanne Murray
Nothing Bundt Cakes
SPAC Action Council
Decor Committee Members
*SPAC Board of Directors
**SPAC Action Council
Honorary Committee & Sponsorship Opportunities
For additional information, please contact Maddie McCarthy at 518-584-9330 ext. 142 or mmccarthy@spac.org
Presented by the SPAC Action Council │ Action Council President: Eileen Whelley
Event Co-Chairs: Emily Reilly, Elissa Smith, Karen Macielak
SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization.
Donations and proceeds from fundraising events support our work to serve art, artists, and community.