National Park Service Hosts Civil War Weekend Aug. 8-9
We are happy to report the Governors Island National Monument will be hosting the annual Civil War Weekend August 8 and 9 this month. The island fills with scores of living history enthusiasts that bring the 1860s to the park. The National Park Service and volunteers are joined by dozens of Civil War re-enactors in uniform. See camp life, watch cannon and rifle demonstrations, and learn about the history of Governors Island when it was an important Army post.
All of the activities are centered around the National Monument at Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and the Soldiers Camp nearby. Free tours of Fort Jay and Castle Williams are offered. For more information visit the NPS official Facebook page and website.
- Schedule of events:
Saturday, August 8
All Day Saturday (10:30 AM–5:00 PM)
Cannon Demonstrations
11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM
You might want to cover your ears when you come out and watch us load and fire our 1842 six-pounder! Located at the Small Arms/Artillery Demo Field.
Small Arms Demonstrations
12:30PM, 2:30PM
Learn about the complex process of loading and firing a rifle every Civil War soldier knew! Located at the Small Arms/Artillery Demo Field.
Civil War Music Performances
12:15PM, 2:15PM
Balladeer Linda Russell and Ranger Joe compare military and civilian music at the time of the Civil War. Come relax on the rocking chairs of Fort Jay and enjoy the sounds of the Civil War!
Civil War “Base Ball” Game
4:00 PM
Join us for a talk about the history of baseball and how it was enjoyed during the Civil War. Then stay and cheer as the living historians play a game against the NPS rangers!
All Day Sunday (10:30 AM–4:00 PM)
Cannon Demonstrations
11:30 AM, 1:30 PM
You might want to cover your ears when you come out to watch us load and fire our 1842 six-pounder! Located at the Small Arms/Artillery Demo Field.
Small Arms Demonstrations
12:30 PM, 2:30 PM
Learn about the complex process of loading and firing a rifle every Civil War soldier knew! Located at the Small Arms/Artillery Demo Field.
Civil War Music Performances
12:15 PM
Balladeer Linda Russell and Ranger Joe compare military and civilian music at the time of the Civil War. Come relax on the rocking chairs of Fort Jay and enjoy the sounds of the Civil War!
Officers of the Civil War Generation
11:30 AM, 1:30 PM
Volunteer Keith leads a tour of the historic district discussing various Civil War leaders who spent parts of their career at Governors Island. Starts at the top of Soissons Landing.
Corporal Fitzpatrick
Kevin C. Fitzpatrick has written and edited seven books with ties to New York history, including "The Governors Island Explorer's Guide" and "World War I New York: A Guide to the City’s Enduring Ties to the Great War." Kevin is a licensed sightseeing guide and has been leading walking tours since 1999. He resides in Manhattan.
