Obituary of David A. Fiske

Ballston Spa – David Fiske, born in Bangor, Maine on February 24, 1954, died peacefully after a battle with cancer, on October 28, 2023. A retired librarian, David was a well-known local author, historical researcher and genealogist best known for his expertise and knowledge of Solomon Northup, the free black man from Saratoga Springs, New York, who was sold into slavery. Solomon's story was told in the Oscar winning film, Twelve Years a Slave. David consulted on the postproduction of the film and was interviewed by various news outlets after the film won several academy awards in 2013. His local history articles can be found in numerous local publications and local websites and blogs. He contributed articles for the New York Almanack for over 10 years. He presented programs of local interest at many libraries and historical societies over the years. Many of the programs were about Solomon Northup and his family members. David was also the author of Slavery on Stage: Black Stereotypes and Opportunities in Nate Salsbury's "Black America" Show. Locally, David was the author of the Ballston Spa History Walkaround and presented programs on Abner Doubleday and the movie, The Way We Were at local establishments. He also led tours at the Ballston Spa Village Cemetery focusing on notable industrialists from the area. He was on the board of directors for the Ballston Spa Village Cemetery Association from 2015 to 2018. David graduated from Cornell University. He studied library science at the State University at Albany, where he received his master's degree. Professionally, David was a technical writer and librarian. Before his retirement from the State of New York, David was employed at the New York State Library in library development and focused on NOVELNY (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library). After retirement David even spent some time working at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs. David was also an avid outdoorsman who introduced his wife, Laura, to many beautiful places in New England. They went on many adventures to various natural places in New England for pleasure and research. Many of their adventures became material for articles and the book, Forgotten on the Kennebec – Abandoned Places and Quirky People. David had a less serious side as seen in two of the pictures scrolling at the top of this page. He regularly posted funny items on his Facebook page. He provided his wife with hours of laughter and giggles and frequently wore a turkey leg hat on Thanksgiving. He leaves behind his wife, Laura (Heacox) and his sisters Nancy Dratwa (Michael) and Megan Fiske and his brother Daniel Fiske. In addition to these immediate family members, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and the local Adirondack Mountain Club and the Taconic Hiking Club members have fond memories of David on and off the trail. To view the full obituary or to leave a special message for the family online please visit David's page at www.mevecfuneralhome.com. A celebration of David's life and contributions to local history is being planned and will be held at the Ballston Spa Village Cemetery. Details when available will be located on David's page. David will be laid to rest on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 11:00 am at the columbarium at the Ballston Spa Village Cemetery. Use the Garrett Road entrance. For more detailed directions visit the cemetery website at https://ballstonspacemetery.org/contact/ Donations in David's memory can be made to the Saratoga History Center at Brookside Museum.