Historic off-site venues for group gatherings are plentiful in Albany and Saratoga Springs, two destinations where storied architectural gems are often tapped for meetings, receptions, banquets and other events.
According to Schuyler D. Bull, spokesman for the Albany County CVB, the War Room in the New York State Capitol is an impressive and often recommended option.
Centrally located on the capitol’s second floor, the War Room features murals of New York’s heroes, including Theodore Roosevelt, who became the state’s 33rd governor and the 26th president of the U.S.
Especially popular among military reunion groups is the USS Slater DE 766, the last remaining Destroyer Escort still afloat in the U.S. According to Bull, in 2013 the ship earned one of six New York State Historic Preservation Awards for its restoration work.
“The vessel hosts tours, overnight guests and groups on a regular basis,” he says.
One of a number of historic residences in Albany, Ten Broeck Mansion was built in 1797-98 for General Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife after a fire destroyed their previous Albany home.
“Now on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the Albany County Historical Association, the home and formal gardens provide a wonderful backdrop to any group function,” Bull says.
In Saratoga Springs, planners will find more than 100 buildings, homes and venues on the National Register of Historic Places, many of which are available for receptions, private dinners and special events.
“History plays such a significant role in Saratoga’s place as a great meetings destination,” says Todd Garofano, president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau.
The Canfield Casino, which sits in Congress Park and is host to the Saratoga History Museum, is one of many options. Here, in conjunction with an event, the historic carousel in Congress Park is available for rental and photo ops.
“It’s an amazing venue for groups to enjoy a cocktail reception or formal dinner,” Garofano says.
Universal Preservation Hall is another popular locale for visiting groups.
The venue, with a community room on the lower level and a Great Hall upstairs, accommodates banquets, cocktail receptions and meetings.
