Bill Teator: A Civic-Minded Leader Preserving Saratoga’s Legacy

Bill Teator, a man deeply rooted in community service and historical preservation, has dedicated his career to making a positive impact on the Saratoga region and beyond.

As the Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Teator is at the forefront of efforts to educate, promote, and preserve the legacy of the Battles of Saratoga, a pivotal moment in American history. His journey, shaped by a rural upbringing and a passion for civic engagement, reflects a commitment to balancing individual initiative with public good.

A Foundation in Upstate New York

Born in 1972 in Durham, New York, a small, rural town in Greene County, Teator grew up immersed in the values of hard work and community. Raised by a teacher mother and an Eastman father, with roots tied to dairy farming and entrepreneurship, he developed a strong sense of self-determination and civic responsibility. “It shaped me,” Teator reflects, noting how his family’s grit and service-oriented mindset influenced his worldview. This foundation guided him from his early years in the northern Catskill hills to a career focused on community impact.

After graduating from Binghamton University, Teator’s career began on Capitol Hill, where he served as an intern and later press secretary for Congressman Jerry Solomon in the mid-1990s. This role, a “trial by fire” at age 22, exposed him to the inner workings of public policy and communications. Working in Solomon’s district, which stretched from Lake Placid to Poughkeepsie, allowed Teator to serve the communities he understood deeply. His time in Washington, D.C., included a brief stint at a PR agency, but he returned to work with Solomon, who became a key mentor until his passing in 2001.

A Return to Roots and Community Impact

Following Solomon’s death and the events of September 11, 2001, Teator felt a pull to return to upstate New York. In 2006, he and his wife, Kim, a proud Western New Yorker, settled in Saratoga Springs with their two young children. The move was motivated by a desire for a high quality of life and a place to raise their family. “We wanted to live where we have an incredible quality of life and seasons,” Teator says, highlighting Saratoga’s appeal.

Professionally, Teator transitioned into roles that blended public benefit with commercial viability. As a marketing and communications strategist, he worked with nonprofits and dairy co-ops, advocating for public policy that supported rural communities. His focus shifted to affordable housing, driven by a recognition of the needs of working-class families, such as hospital staff, teachers, and public safety officers. Teator spearheaded projects in Saratoga Springs and Buffalo, including the reuse of an old factory in Buffalo for housing. Though some projects faced challenges securing funding, his efforts helped pave the way for other developers to build affordable housing in the region. “It’s about stabilizing households and helping them make the next leap,” he explains.

Leading the Campaign for Saratoga 250

Since taking the helm of the Campaign for Saratoga 250, a nonprofit dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga in 2027, Teator has channeled his passion for history and community into a transformative initiative. The Battles of Saratoga, fought in 1777, are widely regarded as a turning point in the American Revolution, cementing global alliances that secured American independence. Teator’s mission is to ensure this legacy resonates for the next 50 years and beyond.

Under his leadership, the Campaign for Saratoga 250 is pursuing innovative ways to engage diverse audiences. One flagship project is Overhearing History, a graphic novel series aimed at children aged 8–12. Written by historian Ann Clothier and illustrated by Alex Portal, the book tells the story of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy, Nathaniel, set in 1775. “It’s edutainment,” Teator says, designed to spark interest in history among young readers while being accessible to families. The novel is available as an e-book and in print, with plans to distribute free copies to libraries across Saratoga County and the greater Capital Region.

Teator is also leveraging technology to bring history to life. The Campaign is developing a Saratoga Revolutionary Experience, an augmented reality platform that combines digital storytelling with physical heritage sites. Visitors can use their smartphones to access narrated stories and historical figures, such as Benedict Arnold or the Baroness von Riedesel, at locations like Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville, where British forces surrendered in 1777. “We want people to put their feet in the places of history,” Teator emphasizes, noting the importance of immersive experiences for younger generations accustomed to digital engagement.

A Vision for 2027 and Beyond

Looking ahead to 2027, Teator envisions a grand commemoration featuring large-scale battle reenactments, civilian encampments, and 18th-century-themed events in partnership with local hospitality businesses. The Campaign is collaborating with the Saratoga National Historical Park and other regional partners to highlight lesser-known sites tied to the Revolutionary era. A physical hub in Schuylerville, housed in the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center, will serve as an orientation point for visitors, offering digital exhibits and storytelling.

This fall, the Campaign is commemorating the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery, a daring 1775–76 mission to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. Teator is particularly excited about a project involving local BOCES students, who harvested timber and crafted replica sleds for the commemoration. These sleds, along with a replica cannon, will be part of a torch-relay-style event across multiple counties, culminating in Boston. “It’s about making history meaningful and engaging community audiences,” Teator says.

A Lifelong Commitment to Civic Good

Teator’s work is guided by a belief in balancing individual liberty with the common good, a principle he sees reflected in the U.S. Constitution and the legacy of the Revolution. His diverse experiences—from Capitol Hill to affordable housing to historical preservation—demonstrate a consistent commitment to community impact. “It’s about applying your abilities to benefit the greater good,” he says, a philosophy rooted in his upbringing and reinforced by his career.

For those interested in learning more, Teator invites the public to visit Saratoga250.com, follow the Campaign on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn), and join their mailing list for updates on events and resources. As Saratoga approaches its 250th anniversary, Bill Teator’s leadership ensures that its revolutionary heritage will inspire and educate generations to come.