Harbor Sides July-August 2010 Harbor Sides is a bi-monthly compilation of park happenings and story ideas from the National Parks of New York Harbor.
Celebrate Independence Day with the National Parks of New York Harbor Castle Clinton National Monument, St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, Federal Hall National Monument
July 4 and 9
New York City played an important role during the American Revolution and several of the national parks in New York are celebrating this pivotal American holiday to which they have direct ties.
Castle Clinton National Monument, located in Battery Park, will be the site of the Fourth of July Veterans Corps of Artillery-State of New York flag raising ceremony at noon, July 4, which includes a cannon firing demonstration at Battery Park.
Families can enjoy a traditional Independence Day Celebration at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day’s events include music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the tolling of the church’s 250-year-old bell 13 times, speeches, and light refreshments.
And while the founding fathers might have declared independence on July 4 in Philadelphia, it took 5 days for the news to reach New York. Federal Hall National Memorial at 26 Wall Street will celebrate the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in New York City in 1776 with talks and interactive programs on July 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Underway with the Coast Guard: Observations in Art Federal Hall National Memorial, 26 Wall Street July 6-August 12 Forty-one paintings by 28 artists of the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program will be on view at Federal Hall National Memorial from June 30 to August 12, 2010. These works bring to life the various types of missions performed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Subjects include search and rescue, scientific study of the Arctic, piracy and national security. Federal Hall is an apt venue
as it shares history with the Coast Guard in the person of Alexander Hamilton. When he was Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton had an office at 26 Wall Street, the site of the first Capitol of the United States. While secretary, Hamilton established the Revenue Cutter Service, an armed
maritime law enforcement service considered the forerunner of today’s Coast Guard.
The Life & Legacy of Alexander Hamilton
Federal Hall National Memorial, 26 Wall Street
July 12, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Alexander Hamilton was one of the most influential founding fathers, and a strong presence in both the American Revolution and the creation of the early republic. The National Park Service will celebrate Hamilton’s life and legacy at Federal Hall with a series of talks and a special wreath
laying ceremony.
A Great Day in Harlem
General Grant NM, 122nd Street and Riverside Drive
July 25
Each year, Harlem Week offers an all-day public event on the plaza of General Grant National Memorial to celebrate family unity. This year A Great Day in Harlem will take place on July 25 from noon to approximately 8 p.m. and will feature international exhibitors and vendors, cultural and gospel performances, an outdoor fashion show, a concert and more!
Civil War Weekend at Governors Island
Governors Island National Monument
August 7-8
The National Park Service, 119th New York Volunteers, The GawdAwful Mess and Battery G of the First Pennsylvania Light Artillery will provide family friendly activities, living history demonstrations, music and other programs designed to introduce you to the men and women of the Governors Island Garrison during the summer of 1863.
Fourth annual Shorebird Festival
Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Unit
August 14, 15 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day
The National Park Service, American Littoral Society and NYC Audubon present the fourth annual Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Over two days, naturalist will lead walks and give presentations on the sometimes difficult to identify, but always entertain to observe, shorebirds. Participants are advised to wear waterproof footwear and bring binoculars, drinking water, lunch, insect/sun protection. Reservations are required.
http://www.nps.gov/npnh/
