A Woman Making History By Preserving It

Each morning, Samantha Bosshart leaves her 1921 Aladdin bungalow kit home, purchased in 2020, to walk to work with Leo, her friendly, fluffy Samoyed. She arrives at the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation located at 112 Spring Street, the former Public School No. 4, where she has been Executive Director for 15 years. It is through her leadership that the historic buildings in our beautiful neighborhoods and vibrant downtown are preserved and recognized.

Passion For Preservation

Immediately after Samantha was born in Illinois, her parents, Don and Clara Bosshart, moved to Galveston, Texas. There, her parents restored the 1884 Jacobs Home and her father was an early advocate for the preservation of the historic East End neighborhood. When she turned five, the family relocated to Kent, Ohio, where Samantha lived until she left to attend college at Indiana University. Initially, she sought a business degree, but quickly realized that was not a good fit. She changed course and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Criminal Justice. On a whim, Samantha returned to Galveston, where she followed in her father’s footsteps. There, Samantha was responsible for the extensive rehabilitations of four historic houses located in the East End National Historic Landmark District and later took a position at the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF). It was during her five years with GHF that Samantha learned the importance of historic preservation advocacy; enjoyed helping historic building owners; and grew her appreciation for architecture and the stories that it tells.

Preserving The Past

Wanting to pursue her passion, Samantha attended Cornell University, completing her coursework for a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning. In 2006, Samantha moved to Saratoga Springs and soon took the position of Director of Preservation Services at Historic Albany Foundation. In 2008, Samantha joined the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Under her leadership, the Foundation has become a stronger advocate for preserving the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of our city; undertaken several noteworthy preservation projects; and offered an increased number of diverse educational programs

During her 15 year tenure, the Foundation completed a four-year, $750,000 restoration of the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park in partnership with the City of Saratoga Springs; undertook a comprehensive cultural resource inventory of the Saratoga Race Course and successfully advocated for the Foundation to review capital improvement projects to ensure the preservation of the historic character of the oldest sports venue in the country; and helped the small congregation of the 1855 First Baptist Church raise $50,000 to complete the restoration of its most endangered stained-glass windows. Recently, Samantha secured City Landmark designation for the 1872 Smiley-Brackett Cottage at 166 Excelsior Avenue and led the effort to preserve the long-neglected historic buildings at 65 and 69 Phila Street. The Foundation purchased 65 Phila Street and is currently rehabilitating the structure with the intent to sell the property to someone who will be a good steward. The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in another preservation project that will benefit the community. As Executive Director of the Foundation, Samantha regularly advocates for best preservation practices before the land use boards of the City of Saratoga Springs and provides technical assistance to property owners. She often gives walking tours and has written more than 150 articles to highlight the architecture and history of Saratoga Springs, the people who help to preserve it, and why preservation matters

Promoting Preservation

Samantha not only prioritizes historic preservation in Saratoga Springs, but also understands its importance to all communities throughout the United States. In addition to her work in Saratoga Springs, she currently serves on the Advisory Council for Adirondack Architectural Heritage, a nonprofit historic preservation organization for the Adirondacks. Prior to joining the Advisory Council, she served six years on the Board of Directors. Samantha recently was elected Chair of the National Preservation Partners Network, an association of local, statewide, regional, and national non-profit organizations from across the United States that works to advance the growth and effectiveness of the organized preservation movement

Prioritizing Relationships

Samantha’s capabilities are outmatched only by her passion. To her, historic buildings are more than just a style of architecture; they represent the stories of those who built, lived, and worked in them. When buildings - whether small and simple or grand and ornate - are lost, the stories of the people are also lost.

Many may think that preservation is in direct opposition to change and development. However, Samantha understands that the communities need to evolve and grow. She often tries to strike a balance between preservation and development, which has helped her build effective relationships with city officials, architects, developers, contractors, and property owners. It is her passion and deep connection to historic preservation that endears her to many even when they may not always agree with her position

Over the years, Samantha has also built lasting relationships with donors, friends, members, and volunteers of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation as well as with her peers from Leadership Saratoga. She regularly meets with community leaders from Discover Saratoga, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, and the City Center, who she affectionately calls “the Crew.” This group of friends supports one another in their leadership roles and collaborates on ways to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our community

Samantha’s contributions to our community are evident throughout Saratoga Springs. Next time you stroll by the Spirit of Life, 65 Phila Street, or a new building at the track or downtown, take a moment to wonder what it may look like if it were not for her efforts. Samantha has given us a fresh appreciation for our community’s special places and people