Dave Patterson
Educator, Historian, Lover of All Things Saratoga Springs
David “Dave” Patterson is a South Boston native. Following high school he pursued a career in education, and after completing college he took a position teaching social studies in Rutland, Vermont. This was followed by his time at Saratoga High — the rest is “history.”
Dave became one of the best known, most respected and liked teachers in the district by his peers and students. In a career that spanned more than 30 years, he taught thousands of students about social studies and Saratoga Springs. Dave spearheaded the creation of an elective called the “History of Saratoga Springs,” a unique course for upperclassmen unmatched by any other Upstate New York school. Dave held many positions of responsibility at the High School including dean of the Social Studies Department and union representative. As an athlete he coached volleyball, golf and baseball at Saratoga and also baseball at Saratoga Catholic High School.
Dave became a board member of the Saratoga Springs Historical Society in 1996, and Board President in 2003. He led the Board though a capital campaign to revitalize the galleries and also through the name change and rebranding to the current name, the Saratoga Springs History Museum. He involved his students in exhibits, research and volunteering, and was always inventing new ways to have them engaged in history.
Dave continued teaching at SUNY Albany, preparing the next generation of educators as they completed their master’s in education. Dave can’t walk down Broadway without seeing someone and saying “that’s a former student of mine.” Along with his business partner, Charlie Kuenzel, Dave operated Saratoga Tours. Through 19 years of business they provided guided tours of the city and lectures to thousands of visitors as well as donating their services to any charity that asked for a gift.
He and Charlie co-authored two books on Saratoga Springs history, and also loved to sit and talk history with the late Minnie Clark Bolster (Hall of Fame Honoree, 2006). Dave is also well known for his ability handicap a turf race and to defeat all of his opponents on a golf course. As a “Southie,” he never abandoned his Boston Red Sox, despite calling New York home for so many years. Dave Patterson has made a deep impact on Saratoga Springs. As an educator and community member, he truly demonstrated what it means to be a Saratogian.