Lenape: Ellis Island’s First Inhabitants closes Jan. 10 - Don’t miss it
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Through Jan. 10
Hours are seasonal. Please visit www.nps.gov/elis or call 212-363-3200 for the most recent schedule. Admission to all activities and exhibitions on Ellis Island is free. However, there is a fee for the ferry to reach the island. Visit www.statuecruises.com or call 877-LADY TIX (877-523-9849) to learn more about ferry service to Ellis Island.
The special exhibition “Lenape: Ellis Island’s First Inhabitants" tells the story of the Lenape Indians from prehistory through the 21st century. The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 10, 2010, explores the life ways of the Lenape: their languages, their cultures, and their religious traditions. The exhibit integrates a variety of materials, including prehistoric artifacts, antique books, maps, archival photographs, native Lenape clothing and crafts, ceremonial objects, illustrations, paintings and dioramas, bronze sculptures, and documentary films. The materials create a historical narrative and are combined with eloquent and poignant quotations on a wide variety of subjects by some of the last traditional Lenape.
Suitable for ages 6 and older.
Shakespeare in the Church
St. Paul’s Church, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon
Jan. 9
Enjoy a performance by the Red Monkey Theatre Group of the climatic "trial" scene of William Shakespeare's classic, The "Merchant of Venice," performed at 1:30 p.m., January 9 at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site. The historic church was used as a courthouse in the 18th century. Also view the site’s feature exhibition, "Chief Executives on the Village Green: St. Paul’s and the Presidents." The site will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
Happy Birthday Alexander Hamilton!
Morris-Jumel Mansion
Jan. 10
Come celebrate Alexander Hamilton’s 254th birthday with the National Park Service and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation at Morris-Jumel Mansion from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on January 10. The day will include a re-enactor portraying Alexander Hamilton, a presentation by a National Park Service Ranger on Hamilton Grange National Memorial and period music.
Alexander Hamilton is an example of the American success story. Born in the West Indies, he immigrated to the United States, joined the Patriots and became one of the nation’s Founding Fathers. As the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, he created the foundation for the economic development of the new country.
Join the Winter Night Prowl at Sandy Hook
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
Jan. 16
Bring a flashlight and join the National Park Service on this after-dark walk along Sandy Hook's beaches or trails from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, beginning at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Goes for ‘Baroque’
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace, 28 East 20th, Manhattan
Jan. 30
American Landmark Festivals’ classical music concert series continues at Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site. Cantatas by Alessandro Scarlatti will be performed with authentic Baroque instruments on Saturday, January 30 at 2 p.m. In February, plan to attend at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 27 to hear English and American art songs and duets for soprano and mezzo soprano.
Experience the Year’s Lowest Tide
Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Unit
Jan. 31
On Sunday, January 31 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in position to create the lowest tides of 2010. Walk the sea floor with American Littoral Society naturalist, Mickey Maxwell Cohen. Start at Fort Tilden, Building 1, part of the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Be sure to wear waterproof footwear and bring binoculars. Reservations are required. Please call (718) 318 - 4340.
Discover a People “Hidden in Plain Sight" at Ellis Island starting Feb. 6
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Feb. 6 - May 9
From February 6 through May 9, 2010, the interactive exhibit “Hidden in Plain Sight: The Basques" will present object-based learning opportunities about the unique origins, language, and history of the Basque people; the factors that pulled them away from their homes; the legendary tales of thesecolorful immigrants; Basque contributions in the United States and the world; and the unprecedented cultural connection that pushes them to keep expanding, rather than diminishing, the transcontinental exchange.
Basques have rarely been recognized for their historic contributions or cultural distinctiveness, similarly, as they passed through Ellis Island, their nationality, names, and heritage were often disregarded by well-meaning officials. Today, even though Basque politicians, scientists, sports figures, business executives, artists, and movie stars may be prominent throughout the U.S. and in many nations around the work, they are still not often recognized as being Basque, perpetuating them being “Hidden in Plain Sight."
This exhibit is organized by The Basque Museum & Cultural Center (BMCC), the Basque Autonomous government, and the Boise State University Basque Studies Center. Suitable for ages 9 and older.
Discover the Story of the Buffalo Soldiers Bicycle Corps
Gateway National Recreation Area, Staten Island Unit
Feb. 6
Join a National Park Service ranger for a talk about the African - American infantry soldiers who rode bicycles from Montana west to Yellowstone National Park and east to St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1880s. This Black History Month program will take place in the visitor center at Ft. Wadsworth, Staten Island Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 6.
Presidents & African American History
St. Paul’s Church, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon
Feb. 13
Please join the National Park Service from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 13 at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site for talks and re-enactments commemorating President’s Day and February as African American History Month, including appearances by Presidents Washington, Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as talks about Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In addition, there will be special activities for children.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
