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Cypress Hills National Cemetery Walking Tour Nov. 8
Few know that there was once a cemetery on Governors Island. The Army moved all of the graves, almost 500 men, women, and children, to Brooklyn in 1878. For Veterans Day, we are going to visit those graves and the final resting places of many others. The walking tour is free. Sunday, Nov. 8, 12pm-2:00pm Free Children welcome. Meet: 625 Jamaica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11208 cross street: Hale Avenue By subway: J train to Norwood Avenue, walk northwest 2.5 blocks on Hale Avenue to the front gates. By car: Jackie Robinson Parkway to 625 Jamaica Avenue is the National Cemetery (look for the eagles on the front entrance so you…
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Hearing to Stop Tourist Helicopters Over Island
If you have been to Governors Island at all in the last few years, you will notice the constant and incessant buzzing of tourist helicopters. These take off and land approximately every two minutes, seven days a week, directly across from Governors Island at the heliport next to the Battery Maritime Building. They frequently violate the airspace over the National Landmark and fly much lower than rules state. In November a hearing is being held by New York City on the problem. This is not a seasonal problem, when the island is open May-September. Don’t forget that the New York Harbor School, open during the school year, is also part…
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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…
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Grab A Plate, Here’s the Food Truck Schedule for Several Vendors
(Part of a series on Island business) Food trucks are extremely popular on Governors Island, which at this time has no permanent restaurants. The trucks have been a mainstay for more than five years, and of course, the island is home to the annual Vendy Awards, which this year will be held on September 12. Today there are more than a dozen food trucks on the island; some are under the @govislandfood Twitter handle. Other food trucks are on the island independently. Most are gathered around Liggett Hall (Building 400) nearby Liggett Terrace. We got the lowdown from Ben Goldberg, CEO of the Live Fast Group, about which trucks are…
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Photo Tour of The Hills Reveals Dynamic Change on Island
Getting a sneak peek at The Hills was a real treat. The Trust for Governors Island is hosting monthly hardhat tours. I attended the most recent one with more than a dozen other fans of the island, and what we saw was impressive. After getting our official reflective vests and hardhats at Liggett Hall, we were on our way. Our guide was Stephanie Shaw, a project manager with The Trust. She gave us a lot of information as we were on our tour. The highlights: The four hills are all underway and look to be finished by the 2016 season: Grassy, Slide, Outlook, and Discovery. They will range in size…
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Brothel Rolls onto Island, Poetry Fans Are Customers
With the annual New York City Poetry Festival coming up on July 25 and 26, we are checking in with some of the groups that are participating. The Poetry Brothel is returning to Governors Island and bringing the poetry whores to Building 407 on Brick Row, an 1894 officers’ quarters. We spoke to co-founder Stephanie Berger about what to expect in her house of ill-fame. Don’t forget to bring cash to have a poem read to you. What is the history of The Poetry Brothel and how did it start? What is your mission? Nicholas Adamski and I started The Poetry Brothel in late 2007/early 2008 to revitalize the concept…
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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…
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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.…
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New York City Poetry Festival July 25-26
The fifth annual New York City Poetry Festival returns to Governors Island on July 25-26 in Colonel’s Row Park. The featured poets this year are Nick Flynn, Patricia Spears Jones, David Matlin, and Fran Quinn. The headliners will be reading for The Poetry Society of New York at 3pm on the Algonquin Stage on Sunday, July 26. Admission is free and open to the public. Kids are welcome and the hours are 11 AM to 6 PM both Saturday and Sunday. All information is on the group’s site and Facebook page. Stephanie Berger and Nicholas Adamski founded the New York City Poetry Festival in the summer of 2011. The purpose…
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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!
