Annual Meeting & Program: A Portrait of Nelson Cook: A Saratoga Springs Artist
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Step into the world of 19th-century Saratoga Springs and discover the life, work, and remarkable portraits of an artist who captured some of the community’s most prominent figures.
Join the Saratoga Springs History Museum on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the historic Canfield Casino for the Annual Meeting of the Historical Society, followed by “A Portrait of Nelson Cook: A Saratoga Springs Artist,” presented by Museum Executive Director James Parillo.
Following a brief business meeting, James Parillo will explore Cook’s career, personal and professional struggles, and legacy. Guests will have the opportunity to discover a selection of Cook’s works from the Museum collection and hear the stories behind the artist and his subjects.
A prolific portrait artist, Cook painted prominent Saratogians including Rockwell Putnam, son of Saratoga Springs founder Gideon Putnam, and members of the Van Deusen and Walworth families. His portraits offer a visual connection to the people and families of mid-19th-century Saratoga Springs. His work is held in museums and private collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The History Museum preserves more than 20 pieces by Cook.
Admission is free and open to the community. Donations are welcome and appreciated. Reservations are recommended; reserve your place through the Saratoga Springs History Museum.