News
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Volunteer on Governors Island
Spend some quality time on Governors Island – as a volunteer! The Governors Island volunteer corps performs critical tasks from maintaining the Island’s lush landscapes to enhancing the visitor experience. With 172 acres, there’s a lot of ground to cover and many ways to lend a hand. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil gardening retreat or a lively social scene, the robust Volunteer Program has something for everyone. Volunteering on Governors Island is easy! Just follow these four steps: Review our available positions below and find one that’s right for you. Fill out a quick, easy online application. Attend a volunteer orientation and training. Have fun! Team Volunteering Spend a rewarding half day digging in the dirt! Available…
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ESPN Brings Drone Racing to Governors Island August 5-7
https://youtu.be/4flD2dClWbs A major media and interactive sports event was announced this week: drone racing is coming to Governors Island August 5-7, courtesy of ESPN. Drone racing took off this year with international competitions in Dubai, and ESPN announced a multi-year broadcasting deal. The championships for the debut of the series will be held live on Governors Island, bringing the Island worldwide audiences that will be able to see the drones race live on their smartphones via the WatchESPN mobile app. The International Drone Racing Association (IDRA), the leading global organization in first-person-view drone racing, announced that it has signed a multi-year, international media distribution deal with ESPN, bringing the new…
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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…
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Governors Island Alliance Changes Name, Rebrands, as Friends of Governors Island
Are you a friend of Governors Island? The Governors Island Alliance announced today that it is rebranding, and has changed its name to the Friends of Governors Island. In anticipation of the fourteenth public season on the Island, the organization is getting ready for the public opening on May 28. With a little more than fifty days until the Island opens, the Friends are planning public activities and fundraisers (more information coming soon). Congratulations to the team, led by Merritt Birnbaum. From their news release: Today we are announcing an exciting new development for our organization. Going forward, Governors Island Alliance will be known as the Friends of Governors Island.…
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New York Post: The Hills Open in 2016
The New York Post today has a good story about the progress of The Hills. While The Trust For Governors Island was always planning to have The Hills ready to use in 2016, this story confirms it. The development on the South end of the Island has been coming to a big milestone with The Hills being prepared for visitors. The other salient point in the article is that 1,000 more trees are being planted this spring, which is on top of the more than 2,000 that have been planted in the past three years. The story says: Governors Island is on the fast-track to getting a lot greener, with…
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The Early Birds Monument and Governors Island Aviation Pioneers
Governors Island played an important role in the history of aviation. Each week this month will be a historical look at one event in the island’s contribution to the history of manned flight. The Early Birds Monument is the only tribute to the island’s part in the early days of aviation. It is located outside Liggett Hall (40.687967 N, -74.018033 E). The unique bronze monument is also the first public sculpture on Governors Island. This rough-cut granite marker has a bronze propeller that was cast from a wooden one used by Wilbur Wright on the Island in 1909. The monument was dedicated on Dec. 17, 1954 to honor pioneering aviators…
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Mayor Bill de Blasio Eyes Economic Growth and Development on Island
On February 4, 2016, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the city is going to make economic development on Governors Island a high priority. He made the announcement during his State of the City speech. While he offered no specifics or timelines, he said that preserving the Historic District was paramount, but hinted that the two Development Zones on both sides of the Island will now be getting more attention. The statement by de Blasio said in full: Governors is a 172-acre oasis in New York Harbor that has a history as long as New York City itself. It was a fishing camp for the very first…
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2016 Summer Guides Positions Open at National Monument
Want to work on Governors Island National Monument this summer, as part of the guides with the National Park Service? The open period for applicants for these positions is Monday, December 28, 2015 to Monday, January 11, 2016: GS-3 Park Guide – Entry-level position for a upper class high school student with general work experience or lower class college student. The position not only is set to accomplish our summer program, but gives a good introduction and work experience with the National Park Service. GS-4 Park Guide – Advanced entry-level for college students meeting qualifications or others for education and work experience. This position is the backbone of our visitor…
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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…
