-
WWI Memorial Project Completed
The Governors Island World War One Memorial Project has been successfully completed and three bronze tablets are back where they belong on the island. In three heartwarming rededication ceremonies held during Camp Doughboy WWI History Weekend, September 16-17, the memorials were unveiled by the U.S. Army’s storied 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division. The Iron Rangers traveled from Fort Riley, Kansas, to lead the ceremonies, and were joined by forty WWI reenactors. The Memorial Project was focused on three sites: *Private Merle David Hay, one of the first three Americans killed in the war; *Captain Harry L. Kimmell, a company commander who died at Fléville; *General John J. Pershing,…
-
Island to Remain Open until Halloween
Today the Trust for Governors Island and the Office of the Mayor announced what was kept secret this summer: the Island will remain open until October 31. This will be the longest the Island has remained open to the public on a daily basis since it became a public park in 2003. With the earlier-than-expected opening on May 1, this stretches the public season a full six months. The press release: Governors Island to Remain Open in October for the First Time, Expanding the Public Season “As we work to increase livability, affordability, safety and equity in this great City, I am incredibly proud that beginning this fall – and…
-
Schedule For World War 1 Day, Governors Island Sept. 17
A platoon of living history reenactors will bring World War I Doughboys to Governors Island National Monument on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, for a free exhibition. See demonstrations and hear stories as reenactors portray famous New York regiments, including the Harlem Hell Fighters, at Doughboy Day at Fort Jay. The centennial of American involvement in the “Great War” is in 2017 and this group of volunteer reenactors will share the story of U.S. participation. Both men and women will be in full uniform and provide displays and talks about the role America played in World War I. It is free and suitable for all ages. Participants: Long Island Living History…
-
Take a Free Island History Walking Tour, May 28-29
To celebrate the fourteenth public season of Governors Island opening, there will be free history walking tours on Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29. The walks will meet at 12:15 p.m. at Soissons Dock on the Island (see below). A free walking tour will focus on the three hundred years of island history. Learn about the people and stories that shaped Governors Island. Stops explore the military life, Civil War and World War I events, aviation pioneers, and even where the tiny railroad once ran. The tour is led by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, author of The Governors Island Explorer’s Guide (Globe Pequot Press). • See 50 locations on the…
-
Doughboy Day at Fort Jay on Sept 17 Honors WW1
Governors Island played a critical role in America’s involvement with World War I. It was the headquarters of the First Army, and General John J. Pershing began his trip to France to lead the American Expeditionary Forces from the Island. On Saturday, Sept. 17, come out to the Governors Island National Monument for a day of living history that honors and tells the story of the men and women who fought in the Great War: • Full day of living history of World War I • See re-enactors in vintage frontline uniforms • Equipment displays and demonstrations • Talks and discussions on World War I and Fort Jay • Free…
-
Brooklyn ARTery Brings Local Artisans & Activities to Nolan Park
The arts are represented well on Governors Island, but one special place not to miss is the Brooklyn ARTery. This is where artists from around the world have handmade items on display and for sale, but also where free DIY classes and events are held for all. The group prides itself on having items from local artists and fair trade artisans worldwide. Brooklyn ARTery is in Building 10, an 1878 house built for an officer and his family, on the end of Nolan Park. It is open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM to 5 PM, but will stay until 6 if it’s busy. Their online calendar lists special events. We…
-
Explore Art Kibbutz in Nolan Park on Sundays
Tucked into Building 6 in Nolan Park, a former Army officers’ quarters built in 1878, is Art Kibbutz. This is the only Jewish arts organization on the island, and it is presenting unique programming that is free and open to the public to view on Sundays. What is the history of Art Kibbutz and how did it start? Art Kibbutz is an international Jewish artist residency, community of 500+ artists and hub. Our mission is to foster global arts conversation and exchange among artists of exceptional talent in an inspiring and peaceful space to work, learn, and seriously explore the rich heritage of Jewish experience that informs their creative process.…
-
Free Walking Tour Sunday, July 26
A FREE Governors Island Explorer’s Guide Walking Tour will be held on Sunday, July 26, at 11:15 AM. How is my walking tour different from other tours of the island? I’m a licensed New York City Sightseeing Guide who has been leading walking tours since 1999. I’m the author of the upcoming book The Governors Island Explorer’s Guide (Globe Pequot Press), coming soon. It’s the first guidebook about the island. All of the walking tour information is here. It’s free!
-
Photos From Jazz Age Lawn Party
It was the 10th anniversary of the Jazz Age Lawn Party, and I don’t see how it could get any more perfect. Once more, Michael Arenella has pulled off another fantastic weekend on Governors Island. The Brooklyn bandleader and his team produced a fantastic event that had a wonderful turnout. The weather cooperated and it was a warm and sunny weekend for live jazz, shows, cocktails, and special events. I’m a fan of the Court of Pie and the pie baking contest. I talked to people that had come from Europe for the weekend to attend. The next Jazz Age Lawn Party is August 15 and 16, 2015, and tickets…
-
OutdoorFest Adventures Day May 30 in Nolan Park
Bring your yoga mat, sneakers and frisbee for a fun (and fit) afternoon. OutdoorFest Adventures Day is Saturday, May 30, 2:00-5:00 pm, in Nolan Park. OutdoorFest is bringing FREE outdoor adventure to Governors Island. It begins with yoga, followed by outdoor fitness classes, field day games, and wilderness skills demos. There will be a group run, bike rides, boot camp, and outdoor skills classes. The partners are: Pop Up Yoga NYC: OutdoorFest’s Official Yoga Partner, Pop Up Yoga brings yoga to urban spaces. Live life better, stronger, and happier. The Rise: An on-going fitness boot camp dedicated to transforming participants from fitness beginners to all-out warriors. You don’t have to…
