Governors Island National Monument's Castle Williams to re-open Saturday May 26
Looking for something new to do with your family this summer? Starting Saturday, May 26, you can join the National Park Service (NPS) at Governors Island to explore the newly re-opened Castle Williams. For the first time after nearly three years of renovation, members of the public will be able to access the top of this unique fort by taking an NPS Ranger-led tour. Visitors can learn about the history of Governors Island in an intimate setting, as tours are limited to 15 people each. It’s a not-to-be-missed view of Lower Manhattan and the New York Harbor, including the Statue of Liberty, from the top of the fort.
Children and adults alike can check out the new exhibits inside Castle Williams, which outline its changing history from a fort built to defend New York City against the British during the War of 1812 to an Army prison to a Coast Guard base. This summer marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812- the war this fort was built for, which makes its re-opening even more timely.
“As we celebrate the opening of Castle Williams, we are reminded of the important role it played in protecting New York City and the nation during the War of 1812, as well as its varied military uses for 200 years,” said Patti Reilly, superintendent of Governors Island National Memorial. “May 26, 2012 is an important milestone as the ‘Castle’ begins a new chapter as a dynamic and educational experience for all Americans.”
The National Park Service works cooperatively with the Trust for Governors Island. This partnership has proven extremely successful in highlighting the tremendous range of arts, culture and recreational activities available to the public. “The re-opening of Castle Williams is a great milestone for Governors Island,” said Leslie Koch, Trust for Governors Island President. “It offers a wonderful vantage point on the history and future of the Island as the National Park Service and the Trust work together to welcome visitors for another great season.”
Castle Williams will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays during the public-access season. Visitors will need to pick up a free, timed ticket from the nearby ticketing gazebo to access the courtyard and new exhibits. Access to the roof of Castle Williams is by guided tour only, which requires a separate ticket. Tickets for the roof-tour may also be obtained from the gazebo near the Castle. Free guided tours of the Castle and Fort Jay are also offered on weekdays, Tuesday and Wednesday with a ferry departing from the Battery Maritime Building at 12:15 pm.
About Governors Island National Monument
The National Park Service administers Governors Island National Monument, which consists of twenty-two acres, including the historic fortifications Castle Williams and Fort Jay. The Monument is one of twenty-two sites operated by the National Park Service in the New York City area. Its purpose is to preserve and protect Castle Williams and Fort Jay, and to interpret them and the harbor’s rich history and ecology for the public. More information can be found at www.nps.gov/gois.
About The Trust for Governors Island
The Trust for Governors Island is the nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York that is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust is transforming Governors Island into a destination with great public open space, as well as educational, not-for-profit, and commercial facilities. The Trust is breaking ground on 30 acres of new park space scheduled to open in 2013 and proceeding with an ambitious infrastructure program to ready the Island for expanded tenancy and activity. For more information, visit www.govisland.com.
Getting There: The ferry departs from Manhattan at the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7. This is to the left of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, when facing the Ferry Terminal.
