
Mansion Tours
The Batcheller Mansion is the only grand home in Saratoga that is ever open to the public and we are the only guides that can provide tours. Those who take tours of the mansion meet Mr. Batcheller and tour the home as if they were his guest in 1875.
Recommended by the New York Times, August 2007!
Our principle guide is Hollis Palmer, a local character. What other tour guide made the front page of the local section of four of the five regional newspapers this year (he was relegated to page 2 of the fifth newspaper). The reason for his success is that he has learned that when you take people back in time it makes history enjoyable (of course his humor helps).
Step Back in Time
What we offer is not just a tour of the mansion, but more of an interpretation. Those who join us are treated as guests of the Batchellers in 1875. People enter as if they were “calling” on the Batchellers and leave wishing they were fortunate enough to have known the family. The explanation of the house is provided by Mr. Batcheller (Hollis Palmer) and if the group is large, Mrs. Batcheller (Sandra Graff) has been known to join in.
Tours are restricted to 60 people with a minimum of 20 people. Because this tour is priced per person it is the best option for groups of twenty or more.
Tours must be arranged in advance and are not offered from the beginning of the track season through the Travers Stake.
All reservations can be made through Derby Tours only.
You might also be interested in Tour and a Book.
To Schedule a Tour
Call Derby Tours at 518-495-7011; or Click here to e-mail them.
About Hollis Palmer:
Hollis is a noted Saratoga Springs Historian. He has authored six books that document true crimes from Saratoga or the surrounding area.
About Derby Tours:
Saratoga Springs is arguably the most beautiful small city in the country. Regardless of the season, at Derby Tours our goal is to enhance the experience of those who visit. To accomplish our purpose we offer different services. The most common are:
• Step on guide service;
• Tours of the Batcheller Mansion;
• Four different walking tours;
• And slide presentations to introduce groups to the city.
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