Derby Tours

05/15/2024

Please Note: Due to low enrollments, our Mansion to Mansion Tours for May 20 and May 27 have been cancelled. The remaining tours are still available.

*To sign up for these tours you must pre-register via phone (518) 495-7012 or email: [email protected]

Updated Derby Tours for 2024
Date Tour

7/9/2024* Oldest Saratoga; meet at corner of Division & Broadway; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours;
11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

7/16/2024* Circular Street; meet corner of Circular & Whitney $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

7/23/2024* Merchants & Mansions; meet at corner of Union & Regent; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

7/30/2024* North Broadway; meet at corner of North Broadway & VanDam; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

8/6/2024* Woodlawn Walking Tour; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

8/13/2024* Greenridge Cemetery Tour; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

9/20/2024 Greenridge Cemetery; sign up through SUNY ADK

*must pre-register via phone (518) 495-7012 or email: [email protected]

05/08/2024

Just some photos from our Mansion to Mansion Tour on Monday.

05/08/2024

Great "Mansion to Mansion" tour on Monday. Beautiful weather and we all had fun touring inside the Batcheller Mansion and Union Gables.
Don't forget, we have three more open Mansion to Mansion tours available on: May 13, May 20 and May 27, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, $25/person. You must pre-register via phone (518) 495-7012 or email derbytours@yahoocom.

04/29/2024

For those of you who are interested, here is a listing of the Derby Tours for 2024. Hope to see you there.

Date Tour
5/1/2024 Woodlawn Walking Tour, sign up through HVCC

5/6/2024 Mansion to Mansion Tourl, sign up through HVCC

5/13/2024* Batcheller Mansion & Union Gables Tour
$25/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:30am - 1:30 pm*

5/16/2024 Merchants & Mansions sign up through SUNY ADK

5/20/2024* Batcheller Mansion & Union Gables Tour $25/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:30am - 1:30 pm*

5/22/2024 Woodlawn Walking Tour; sign up through SUNY ADK

5/27/2024* Batcheller Mansion & Union Gables Tour $25/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:30am - 1:30 pm*

5/31/2024 Bus Tour; closed to public

6/5/2024 Prestwick Chase; closed to public

6/21/2024 Oldest Saratoga; closed to public

7/9/2024* Oldest Saratoga; meet at corner of Division & Broadway, $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

7/16/2024* Circular Street; meet corner of Circular & Whitney $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

7/17/2024 SCHC Fundraiser; closed to public

7/23/2024* Merchants & Mansions; meet at corner of Union & Regent; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

7/30/2024* North Broadway; meet at corner of North Broadway & VanDam; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

8/6/2024* Woodlawn Walking Tour; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

8/13/2024* Greenridge Cemetery Tour; $15/person; sign up via Derby Tours; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm*

8/18/2024 Bus Tour closed to public

9/20/2024 Greenridge Cemetery; sign up through SUNY ADK

*must pre-register via phone (518) 495-7012 or email: [email protected]

04/26/2024

2024 Open Mansion to Mansion Walking Tours
Presented by
Dr. Hollis Palmer
Gilded Age/Victorian Historian and Author

Each tour starts at the Batcheller Mansion, 20 Circular Street
and ends at Union Gables, 55 Union Avenue.

The tour starts inside the Batcheller Mansion (first floor only). Hear the story of George, Catharine and Kate Batcheller. The tour will introduce the audience to what their lives were like when they built this beautiful home in 1874 and detail events in the following years. Hear about their friendship with President Grant and how they spent years in France, Portugal and Egypt - just to name a few. The tour will then move outside to a walking tour down Circular Street, telling the stories of the Batchellers’ neighbors such as the then Vice President (he lived across the street) and the acting First Lady (who lived a few more houses away). Our last stop on the tour is visiting inside the mansion known as “Union Gables,” built in 1901 for a local merchant and manufacturer.

Tour Dates:
May 13, 2024
May 20, 2024
May 27, 2024
Times:
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
$25/person - includes one of Hollis’ books
Cash or Check payable to Derby Tours
Pre Registration is required via Derby Tours:
518-495-7012, or
email: [email protected].
Wear comfortable shoes! Minimum of 15 - Maximum of 20 people.

04/18/2024

On behalf of Discover Saratoga, Derby Tours will be providing two complimentary walking tours this weekend. As always these tours make history fun. Both tours start promptly at eleven.

Saturday April 20th ‘s tour is of North Broadway. The tour begins at the corner of North Broadway and Van Dam. This tour is a loop.

Sunday April 21st 's tour is of Union Avenue The tour begins at the corner of Union Avenue and Regent Street.

As always, the tours are about the people who lived in the houses during the Gilded Age.

03/19/2024

We just had our first Walking Tour up North Broadway on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The group that helped us start the tour season was a lively bridal party. Thank you to the ladies for making the day a great success for all!

09/08/2023

I have commented several times about how writing is a lonely experience. This morning I woke up to the following email that makes it all worthwhile.

"When I first got the book, I was going to thank you. I started it right away and decided I'd wait until I'd finished. I loved it and the ending was a nice set up for Book 4 which, I hope, you're working on.

I appreciate the depth of the character development and thoroughly enjoy your sense of humor.

Much as I thought Book 2 could be a standalone without Annandale, by book 3 I was so invested in the characters that I thought my daughter should start the series with Annandale. Caitlin was visiting over the weekend and left heading back for Virginia with Annandale (which we checked out of the library) and my copies of 2 and 3. You have another fan.

Thank you.
Maureen"

And yes book four is in the works! The entire series is available at Amazon and Impressions Of Saratoga.

07/24/2023

REMINDER
July 29, 2023, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Book Signing with Author Hollis Palmer

In celebration of his new book, local author and historian, Dr. Hollis Palmer, is back for another book signing. There will be special pricing for his six books based in Saratoga including his newest, "All That Glitters."

Meet Hollis at Impressions Of Saratoga,
368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

07/09/2023

Thank you to everyone who helped make our book signing a success on Saturday, July 8th at Impressions.

If you didn't get a chance to join us then, we will be having another on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at:
Impressions
368 Broadway,
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

07/06/2023

Reminder - Book Signing and Special Pricing for Dr. Hollis Palmer's newest book, "All That Glitters." His prior books will also be available for the special pricing. Meet Hollis at Impressions, 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, on Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Here is the newest review on Dr. Palmer's new book, "All That Glitters" -
If you think historical fiction is long, boring chapter books, then you need to jump on the extreme ride that is Dr Hollis Palmer’s book All That Glitters. He is an historian, true, but he write his books in short vignettes rather than long chapters and each one ends with some sort of cliff hanger that makes it impossible to stop reading! All That Glitters is the third book in his series on the Gilded Age of Saratoga Springs, NY, where the rich and famous came to play at the end of the 19th Century. Dr. Palmer is an expert on the facts and adds extra players and events to fictionalize and spice up the emotional impact of the story. The first book, Annandale was heavy on facts and meeting the families and I loved it, but had a hard time remembering all the people. The second book, What if? was a delight because I already knew and loved or hated the characters and there was some heavy drama towards the end that made reading the third book imperative! All That Glitters is the best one yet! This is the one I couldn’t put down and stayed up way too late at night reading on a road trip with grandchildren, but who cares when you have a great book!

This series is definitely Downton Abbey, American Style, and I would SO LOVE to see it on screen! (Someone from Hollywood please pay attention!) Meanwhile, I really want to read more about the characters and their stories. Fact or fiction, I don’t care - just give me more! I lived for many years near Saratoga and have seen the great houses and heard of the families that lived in them, but I think if you’ve never even heard of Saratoga you could jump into All That Glitters and be hooked! Fasten your seat belt!

I purchased my copy of All That Glitters , and the others, too, and was not paid or reimbursed in any way for this review. This is my honest opinion! Diane G, Florida, USA

07/04/2023

Coming July 8th. The official opening of "All That Glitters."
Join us at Impressions of Saratoga from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
Special pricing for those who attend!

06/04/2023

REMINDER: Reservations for the Tour of the Batcheller Mansion & Neighborhood Tour on JUNE 6, 2023 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm MUST be made by 3:00 pm on Monday, May 5, 2023. Register for this tour @ [email protected] or (518) 495-7012. This may be your last chance to see inside the Mansion!

Batcheller Mansion & Neighborhood Tour
Presented by Dr. Hollis Palmer, Gilded Age/Victorian Historian and Author
By Popular Request – for all of you who have seen the beautiful Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, and wondered what it was like inside, we would like to introduce you to a very special tour opportunity. The Batcheller Mansion has opened its doors exclusively for Derby Tours this spring 2023.
The tour will focus primarily on the Batcheller Mansion, but also will include a walking tour of the prominent neighborhood. Please note, we have not been able to provide this tour for several years and may not have the opportunity again.
The tour starts inside the Batcheller Mansion (first floor only) where local author, Victorian/Gilded Age historian and tour guide Hollis Palmer will describe the history of the house and tell the tales of the family, George, Catharine and Kate Batcheller. The tour will introduce the audience to what their lives were like when they built this beautiful home in 1874 and detail events in the following years. Hear about how they were friends with President Grant and how they spent years in France, Portugal and Egypt - just to name a few.
The tour will then move outside to a walking tour, telling the stories of the Batchellers’ neighbors such as the then Vice President (he lived across the street) and First Lady (who lived around the corner).
The tour will take a little over 1.5 – 2 hours and the cost is $25/person (the fee includes a copy of one of Hollis’ books - he’s written 14!). We realize this is short notice, but when the opportunity presented itself, we felt this was a worthwhile opportunity for you.
Please note: You must pre-register for this tour. To sign up, email us at: [email protected] and provide us with your name(s), number of attendees and email address. For questions, contact us at (518) 495-7012. Thank you and we hope to see you on Tuesday, June 6th!

05/29/2023

REMINDER -

OPEN TOUR - JUNE 6, 2023 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
You MUST pre-register for this tour @ [email protected]
or (518) 495-7012

Batcheller Mansion & Neighborhood Tour
Presented by Dr. Hollis Palmer, Gilded Age/Victorian Historian and Author

By Popular Request – for all of you who have seen the beautiful Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, and wondered what it was like inside, we would like to introduce you to a very special tour opportunity. The Batcheller Mansion has opened its doors exclusively for Derby Tours this spring 2023.
The tour will focus primarily on the Batcheller Mansion, but also will include a walking tour of the prominent neighborhood. Please note, we have not been able to provide this tour for several years and may not have the opportunity again.

The tour starts inside the Batcheller Mansion (first floor only) where local author, Victorian/Gilded Age historian and tour guide Hollis Palmer will describe the history of the house and tell the tales of the family, George, Catharine and Kate Batcheller. The tour will introduce the audience to what their lives were like when they built this beautiful home in 1874 and detail events in the following years. Hear about how they were friends with President Grant and how they spent years in France, Portugal and Egypt - just to name a few.
The tour will then move outside to a walking tour, telling the stories of the Batchellers’ neighbors such as the then Vice President (he lived across the street) and First Lady (who lived around the corner).

The tour will take a little over 1.5 – 2 hours and the cost is $25/person (the fee includes a copy of one of Hollis’ books - he’s written 14!). We realize this is short notice, but when the opportunity presented itself, we felt this was a worthwhile opportunity for you.

Please note: You must pre-register for this tour. To sign up, email us at: [email protected] and provide us with your name(s), number of attendees and email address. For questions, contact us at (518) 495-7012. Thank you and we hope to see you on Tuesday, June 6th!

Derby Tours offers tours of Saratoga Springs including various walking tours and step on guides for

05/23/2023

REMINDER!!
OPEN TOUR - JUNE 6, 2023 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
You must pre-register for this tour @ [email protected]
or (518) 495-7012

Batcheller Mansion & Neighborhood Tour
Presented by Dr. Hollis Palmer, Gilded Age/Victorian Historian and Author

By Popular Request – for all of you who have seen the beautiful Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, and wondered what it was like inside, we would like to introduce you to a very special tour opportunity. The Batcheller Mansion has opened its doors exclusively for Derby Tours this spring 2023.

The tour will focus primarily on the Batcheller Mansion, but also will include a walking tour of the prominent neighborhood. Please note, we have not been able to provide this tour for several years and may not have the opportunity again.

The tour starts inside the Batcheller Mansion (first floor only) where local author, Victorian/Gilded Age historian and tour guide Hollis Palmer will describe the history of the house and tell the tales of the family, George, Catharine and Kate Batcheller. The tour will introduce the audience to what their lives were like when they built this beautiful home in 1874 and detail events in the following years. Hear about how they were friends with President Grant and how they spent years in France, Portugal and Egypt - just to name a few.

The tour will then move outside to a walking tour, telling the stories of the Batchellers’ neighbors such as the then Vice President (he lived across the street) and First Lady (who lived around the corner).

The tour will take a little over 1.5 – 2 hours and the cost is $25/person (the fee includes a copy of one of Hollis’ books - he’s written 14!). We realize this is short notice, but when the opportunity presented itself, we felt this was a worthwhile opportunity for you.

Please note: You must pre-register for this tour. To sign up, email us at: [email protected] and provide us with your name(s), number of attendees and email address. For questions, contact us at (518) 495-7012. Thank you and we hope to see you on Tuesday, June 6th!

05/18/2023

Wonderful group from SUNY Adirondack joined us May 16, 2023, in visiting the Batcheller Mansion followed by a walking tour of surrounding streets and other beautiful homes.

05/14/2023

OPEN TOUR - JUNE 6, 2023 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Batcheller Mansion & Neighborhood Tour
Presented by Dr. Hollis Palmer, Gilded Age/Victorian Historian and Author
By Popular Request – for all of you who have seen the beautiful Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, and wondered what it was like inside, we would like to introduce you to a very special tour opportunity. The Batcheller Mansion has opened its doors exclusively for Derby Tours this spring 2023.
The tour will focus primarily on the Batcheller Mansion, but also will include a walking tour of the prominent neighborhood. Please note, we have not been able to provide this tour for several years and may not have the opportunity again.
The tour starts inside the Batcheller Mansion (first floor only) where local author, Victorian/Gilded Age historian and tour guide Hollis Palmer will describe the history of the house and tell the tales of the family, George, Catharine and Kate Batcheller. The tour will introduce the audience to what their lives were like when they built this beautiful home in 1874 and detail events in the following years. Hear about how they were friends with President Grant and how they spent years in France, Portugal and Egypt - just to name a few.
The tour will then move outside to a walking tour, telling the stories of the Batchellers’ neighbors such as the then Vice President (he stayed in the house across the street) and First Lady (who lived around the corner).
The tour will take a little over 1.5 – 2 hours and the cost is $25/person (the fee includes a copy of one of Hollis’ books - he’s written 14!). We realize this is short notice, but when the opportunity presented itself, we felt this was a worthwhile opportunity.
To sign up, email us at: [email protected] and provide us with your name(s), number of attendees and email address. We are limited to twenty-five guests so get your reservation in soon.
Thank you and we hope to see you on Tuesday, June 6th!

05/14/2023

On May 11, 2023, we presented the "Oldest Saratoga Walking Tour." Thank you to all the folks from SUNY Adirondack who participated and made the tour successful.

05/06/2023

OPEN TOUR - JUNE 6, 2023 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Batcheller Mansion & Neighborhood Tour
Presented by Dr. Hollis Palmer, Gilded Age/Victorian Historian and Author

By Popular Request – for all of you who have seen the beautiful Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, and wondered what it was like inside, we would like to introduce you to a very special tour opportunity. The Batcheller Mansion has opened its doors exclusively for Derby Tours this spring 2023.

The tour will focus primarily on the Batcheller Mansion, but also will include a walking tour of the prominent neighborhood. Please note, we have not been able to provide this tour for several years and may not have the opportunity again.

The tour starts inside the Batcheller Mansion (first floor only) where local author, Victorian/Gilded Age historian and tour guide Hollis Palmer will describe the history of the house and tell the tales of the family, George, Catharine and Kate Batcheller. The tour will introduce the audience to what their lives were like when they built this beautiful home in 1874 and detail events in the following years. Hear about how they were friends with President Grant and how they spent years in France, Portugal and Egypt - just to name a few.

The tour will then move outside to a walking tour, telling the stories of the Batchellers’ neighbors such as the then Vice President (he stayed in the house across the street) and First Lady (who lived around the corner).

The tour will take a little over 1.5 – 2 hours and the cost is $25/person (the fee includes a copy of one of Hollis’ books - he’s written 14!). We realize this is short notice, but when the opportunity presented itself, we felt this was a worthwhile opportunity.

To sign up, email us at: [email protected] and provide us with your name(s), number of attendees and email address. We are limited to twenty-five guests so get your reservation in soon.

Thank you and we hope to see you on Tuesday, June 6th!

05/03/2023

We had our first walking tour of the season on Monday, May 1, 2023 with the adult ed folks from Hudson Valley Community College. Even the rain didn't scare them away. We saw the homes of the Chief Judge on the International Court; the man who is credited with creating soda pop; and the widow of a Vice President, just to name a few! Thank you to all who made the day special!

12/16/2022

Derby Tours’ Newest Tour
The Blue Tooth Tour

Recently, out of necessity, Derby Tours developed a new type of tour.

We had a family book a two-hour walking tour of Saratoga. When the day arrived, one of the participants had a problem walking. We came up with the idea of connecting multiple cars via Bluetooth. In effect we were able to provide our bus tour of the whole city without the restrictions and cost of the bus.

With this type of tour, the participants have an intimate and safe tour. They also have the advantage of staying warm and dry. On a Blue Tooth Tour, we are able to:
- see areas not accessible by buses;
- provide tours year-round,
- be flexible on starting and ending points;
- make special stops - modify the tours based
on participants interests

The Basic Tour is 1.5 hours in length and the charge is $150. Participation is limited to up to three cars.

12/03/2022

I've commented before on how writing is a lonely task. Unsolicited comments like this make it worthwhile.
Annandale:
Dear Hollis!
I LOVED Annandale! It felt like I was watching a great TV series as I read it. I could “see” the characters in my mind through your descriptions. It felt like I was reading a script, which took a little getting used to, but after the first chapter I was hooked on your style and couldn’t put the book down. I would LOVE to see this on screen and imagine it as the American version of Downtown Abbey. Great book! I’m definitely buying the next book in the series!

11/26/2022

Impressions of Saratoga
Like so many other small businesses, the distributor for Deep Roots Publications closed its doors as a result of the pandemic. This year, just in time for Christmas, for those who have been looking for the books, Impressions Of Saratoga, 368 Broadway, is now carrying several of the titles by local historian and author Hollis Palmer including:
Annandale (historical fiction) based on actual incidents from 1889-1890;
Saratoga 1858 (historical fiction);
Saratoga’s Great Ladies: Franklin Square and North Broadway (while they last); the story of the families who built the houses.
The Victorian Society of America, regional history award winning See and be Seen: Saratoga in the Victorian Era.
All the books are $14.95

09/15/2022

Just a reminder, there will be a presentation on the new series, Gilded Saratoga, at the Ballston Spa Public Library on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 am. Come and hear how the true stories of the Lathrop, Batcheller, Davidson and Hanson families came together to create this new series.

09/14/2022

Just a reminder, the first presentation on the new series, Gilded Saratoga, will be held at 6:30 on Wednesday September 14th at the Greenwich Public Library. Come and hear how the true stories of the Lathrop, Batcheller, Davidson and Hanson families came together to create this new series.

08/13/2022

Upcoming Presentations:

For those who would like an overview of how "Annandale: Gilded Saratoga Book 1" went from a complicated history of some of Saratoga Springs leading families to a dramatic historical fiction series, there are two upcoming presentations open to the public.

These will be held at:

Greenwich Public Library September 14, 2022, at 6:30 PM.

Ballston Spa Public Library September 29, 2022, at 6:30 PM.

Those who attend will learn why, in this series, Maggie Horrigan, whose tragic murder is told in my book "Maggie’s Revenge", is given a second chance at life. She is a principal character in all the new series. Maggie deserved it!!

Although historical fiction, "Annandale" is the first of a six or seven book series (the number keeps growing) that will follow five true life families and actual events in their lives. People who attend will learn the surprising reason why there is no concern about upsetting their descendants.

Readers should keep in mind that most of what happens, to the fictional characters, is based on actual stories from the period.
Hopefully everyone will leave looking forward to "Kaser-el-Nouzha (Batcheller Mansion) Gilded Saratoga Book 2".

Those who attend the presentations will also get a preview of what lies ahead for five of Saratoga's most famous Gilded Age families.

08/13/2022

At last, through the miracle of computerized publishing, the book "Annandale", the first book in the Gilded Saratoga five book series, is being released in print form. The Gilded Saratoga series is historical fiction based, in large part, on the trials and tribulations of several of the wealthiest, wildest and most interesting families in the village – yes, this was when Saratoga was still a village.

The series follows three generations of the Lathrops, Batchellers, Davidsons, and Hansons as they face the challenges of courtship, inheritance and social expectations during the time of strict Victorian rules.

"Annandale" (book 1) takes place in (1888-1889). This book primarily follows two of the Lathrop daughters. These young women faced very different relationships. Independently wealthy, the Lathrop girls’ uncle was Leland Stanford, one of the wealthiest men in America. Unfortunately, they prove once again the adage “Money can’t buy happiness.”

Book two in the series, "Kaser-el-Nouzha" (i.e., the Batcheller Mansion), deals mostly with the same main families from Annandale focusing on the Batchellers and their service to the country and the family’s international adventures.

"Annandale" is available locally at the Saratoga History Museum, Union Gables, Saratoga Dreams, gift shops and, of course, Amazon ($14.95).

08/05/2022

Good news for people who love Saratoga Springs, its history and are intrigued by the families that built the beautiful mansions that line our streets. Although historical fiction, the book Annandale is based on actual events that confronted five of the city’s most notorious families.

The last week in July 2022, copies of the book Annandale, the first book in the Gilded Saratoga series, were delivered to the local libraries listed below. The books should be available for checking out by the time you read this announcement.

The public libraries that received free books included: Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Greenwich, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park and the Crandall in Glens Falls. Hopefully there is a waiting list so be sure to tell anyone you know the book is available and to sign up.

The book is also available at the Saratoga Springs History Museum and of course on Amazon. We are still waiting to hear from Northshire.