My dad and mom immigrated to the USA from Pakistan and bought a house in Saratoga within the late ’80s, which is after we formally moved right here. From that second on, I’ve felt I had a number of identities: American, Warriors Fan, Pakistani, Muslim, Saratogan, Bellarmine Bell, Cal Bear, climbing fanatic—the listing goes on.
One ardour that continues to be fixed is my love for historical past. It teaches us who we’re and reminds us that many issues we take into account new have occurred earlier than. To cite The Onion: “History sighs, repeats self.”
Rising up in Saratoga, I discovered about American historical past: the founding of our nation, the removing of Native People, slavery, wars, social actions and extra. However what I discover equally fascinating is our native historical past, which displays the various tales and private journeys of the individuals who name Saratoga house.
Saratoga’s variety is one in all our best strengths. The group right here represents individuals from each nook of the globe. I grew up with buddies of Chinese language, Indian, African American, and Pakistani descent, amongst others. Regardless of international tensions—equivalent to these between India and Pakistan—individuals right here type friendships and share a dedication to creating Saratoga an inclusive place. That sense of unity is a testomony to how communities can come collectively and form a collective future.
What does this should do with Saratoga’s historical past? Each one who passes via our metropolis—whether or not they’ve lived right here for many years or simply stopped by for a fast meal—is a part of the narrative. We’re all contributors, leaving footprints that form Saratoga’s id.
In 1966 Florence Cunningham, the founding father of the Saratoga Historic Basis, wrote “The First Hundred Years of Saratoga.” Although out of print, it incorporates an unimaginable assortment of tales from 1866 to 1966. These accounts aren’t simply relics; they reveal how we grew to become the group we’re as we speak. They clarify why sure roads are named as they’re, why sure traditions endure and what values information town’s improvement.
After studying Cunningham’s e-book, I noticed these tales deserve a contemporary platform. Enter the Saratoga Historical past Podcast. Hosted on Apple and Spotify, the podcast delves into our metropolis’s historical past from a number of angles: Saratoga’s founding, notable landmarks and the private accounts of on a regular basis residents who’ve quietly formed our group. We’ve revealed two episodes up to now and plan to launch extra all year long, every exploring a novel side of Saratoga.
Why a podcast? It’s accessible. Most of us are busy, and it’s typically simpler to take heed to a narrative whereas commuting or cooking than to learn via total books. It’s additionally a possibility for newcomers, longtime residents and even curious guests to study Saratoga’s previous in a enjoyable and interesting manner. Alongside the best way, we hope to spark new conversations and foster a deeper sense of belonging.
In the end, I hope you’ll tune in, be taught one thing new about the place we dwell and perhaps be impressed to share your individual recollections or views. In spite of everything, historical past isn’t simply in regards to the previous; it’s about how we select to form our future. By understanding how we arrived right here, we’re higher geared up to resolve the place we go subsequent.
Whether or not you’re tuning in from the world over or from simply down the road, I invite you to hitch me on this journey via time. Our collective histories, backgrounds and views intersect in Saratoga, forming a tapestry we will all be pleased with—and proceed to counterpoint for generations to come back.
Keep curious, keep engaged, and I stay up for listening to your ideas on the Saratoga Historical past Podcast.
Belal Aftab is the mayor of Saratoga.
