Friends of the NYS Military Museum

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

The Friends of the New York State Military Museum is seeking corporate sponsors who believe in honoring the service, sacrifice, and stories of generations of New Yorkers who served our nation.

Your partnership helps us preserve artifacts, expand educational programs, support veterans initiatives, and ensure future generations understand the legacy of those who came before them.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your support makes a lasting impact while supporting an important mission of remembrance and education.

Join us in protecting New York’s military heritage for generations to come.

📩 Contact us today to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
🌐 friendsnysmm.com
✉️ [email protected]
📞 (518) 226-0490

06/18/2026

On June 18, 1812, the United States formally declared war against Great Britain, beginning what became known as the War of 1812. Over the next two years, New York would emerge as one of the most important fronts in the conflict.

In September 1814, American forces defended Plattsburgh and the Saranac River through a network of forts, blockhouses, and defensive positions, including Fort Brown. Their victory helped secure northern New York and shaped the course of the war.

Today, these stories remain an important part of New York’s military legacy. The New York State Military Museum works to preserve the artifacts, battle histories, and stories that connect future generations to this defining chapter of American history.

06/14/2026

The Friends of the New York State Military Museum Board of Trustees was proud to march in the 57th Annual Saratoga-Wilton Elks Flag Day Parade.

Flag Day reminds us that our flag carries the stories of service, sacrifice, family, and community.

Thank you to the Saratoga-Wilton Elks and the City of Saratoga Springs for bringing the community together to honor this important tradition. 🇺🇸

06/12/2026

Today, we recognize Women Veterans Day and honor the generations of women who have served our nation with courage, strength, and dedication.

In this message, our Vice President JoAnn Swapp reflects on the service and legacy of women veterans, and why their stories deserve to be remembered, preserved, and shared.

To all women veterans: thank you for your service, your leadership, and your example.

06/08/2026

The VBC Jamboree is just around the corner and as a past participant, we wanted to be sure you were updated on this year's event.

Don't miss out on this fun event to support Veterans on Thursday, June 18th at VFW Post 420 in Saratoga Springs!

There are three fun ways to participate:

Play Co****le - Assemble your dream team, whether it’s with your company or your pals, and battle it out for co****le glory. All co****le participants get BBQ and entertainment included with registration. Please pre-register to play online. Co****le starts at 3 p.m.

Buy Delicious BBQ - Not into competition? Then just join the fun and leave the workday behind with BBQ from Dizzy Chicken and live music by J Yager from 4:30-6 p.m. Purchase a BBQ dinner for yourself and your family or friends and enjoy the evening with some great music and good food. Even if you can't stay, you can get it to go to support the cause. Pre-purchase your tickets online.

Enjoy FREE Live Music - Live music is open to all who support Veterans from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Please consider supporting our on-site raffles if you're able to help the cause. A cash bar is available from the VFW.

You can purchase BBQ tickets and sign up for co****le teams at this link: https://www.saratoga.org/vbc-jamboree-co****le-bbq-and-music-fundraiser/

06/08/2026

Get ready to celebrate freedom and community at the FREE annual Turning Point Festival in Schuylerville, NY!

🎶 Live Music by The Zookeepers & Practice in Public! 🎸
🍻 Food & Beverage
🎪 Booths
🛍️ Vendors
🐎 Children's Activities
💥 Fireworks by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks!

Stay tuned - more details to come!!

https://turningpointparade.com/

06/06/2026

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed in Normandy and began the long, costly work of liberating Europe.

One catalog record in the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center preserves a small but powerful piece of that story: “35th Supplies, Normandy Beach,” a 1944 U.S. Army Signal Corps photograph connected to the 35th Infantry Division.

D-Day is often remembered through the first wave ashore, but victory also depended on what came after: supplies unloaded, units reorganized, wounded cared for, roads opened, and soldiers pushing inland one hard mile at a time.

Today, 82 years later, we remember the courage of those who landed, those who supported them, and those whose service helped change the course of history.

Image: “35th Supplies, Normandy Beach,” U.S. Army Signal Corps, 1944. NYS Military Museum catalog, PA.2013.0317.

06/02/2026

Join us in downtown Saratoga Springs for the 57th Annual Saratoga-Wilton Elks Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 12 PM. The Friends of the NYS Military Museum are proud to march as participants as our community honors the American flag and celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States of America. We hope to see you along the parade route!

06/01/2026

Join the AUSA Uncle Sam Chapter for its Golf Fundraiser celebrating America’s 250th birthday on June 15, 2026, at Eagle Crest Golf Course in Clifton Park.

Registration is $160 per player and includes golf, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, buffet dinner, awards, and prizes. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For registration or sponsorship details, contact our board member Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) John Willsey at 518-496-2669 or [email protected].