Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

A Silent Sentinel in New York Harbor

For more than two centuries, the military communities on Governors Island were woven into the intricate social, political and economic tapestry that is New York City. From 1776-1996, Governors Island stood as a silent sentinel in New York Harbor, and provided protection of the ideals represented by the Statue of Liberty across the Bay. We invite you to explore the Island's history as it evolved from colonial outpost to regional administrative center for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard.

National Park Rangers and volunteers provide programs about Governors Island and its history.

Governors Island Opened for the 2009 Season on Saturday, May 30

A variety of National Park Ranger led programs, self-guided activities and lecture series are offered throughout the open season. Joining a park ranger or National Park volunteer is an excellent way to learn more about the history of Governors Island. For more information about ranger programs and other summer activities, call 212.825.3045 or visit www.nps.gov/gois for the latest updates.

Click here for Accessibility information.

Programming for the 2009 Season:

Guided Programs (Through Aug. 27 Wednesday - Thursday: 10 AM or 1 PM, Friday - Sunday: 10:25,11:25, 12:25, 1:25, 2:25, 3:25)

National Park Service Lectures and Special Programs

Nature Program for Kids ages 8-12 - Get to Know the Birds in Your Backyard (Saturday Mornings).

2009 Season's Program Schedule

During the open season, your visit to Governors Island will begin with an eight minute ferry ride on The Coursen.

For Other Programming Opportunities on Governors Island, Please Visit These Websites

Our partners also plan exciting and family-friendly activities during the open season. Click on the links below for more information.

The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC)

The Governors Island Alliance

General Management Plan

The Final General Management Plan (GMP) for Governors Island National Monument was released April 9, 2009.

For more information, click here.

A National Park Ranger presents a special program about Governors Island.

Rangers' Choice Programs, August 21-22

Meet with a National Park Ranger for a 45 minute special program that will examine an aspect of the Governors Island story in depth.

When:
Saturday, August 21 at 11:25 AM
Sunday, August 22 at 11:25 AM

Where:
Meet at the top of the hill at Soisson's Dock

Topics:

On Saturday, August 21 at 11:25, Park Ranger Fran Agnone presents:

Governors Island: Nature in the City
The city is seldom thought of as a natural place--filled with skyscrapers and the bustle of crowds it easy to forget that there is soil underneath the concrete. Using Governors Island as a backdrop we will highlight the natural processes that are actively shaping our lives as city dwellers.

On Sunday, August 22 at 11:25, Park Ranger Dan Barker presents:

The Lenape on Governors Island
For centuries prior to its European colonization, New York was residence to loosely connected groups of Native Americans known as the Lenape. The seasonal activity on Governors Island reflected the Lenape's transient nature, their deeply spiritual connection to the land, and the means by which they satisfied their travel and nutritional needs.

Write to

Governors Island National Monument
10 South Street - Slip 7
New York, NY 10004-1921

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(212) 825-3045

Media Relations
(212) 668-2251

Fax

(212) 825-3055

Climate

New York enjoys four distinct seasons and the weather is known to be highly variable. During our open Summer Season, you can experience days that can be pleasant or hot and humid with a chance of thunderstorms. Please check the daily forecast before your visit.
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