New York, NY - On Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of weekend visitors to Governors Island National Monument will step back in time when they disembark the ferry from lower Manhattan. They won't just see a beckoning expanse of green grass and waterfront, they'll also see living historians, dressed in Civil War uniforms and acting out scenes from a typical day in the life for soldiers of the garrison stationed on the island in August of 1863.
This is the sixth year that the National Park Service has invited Civil War living historians to come to Governors Island and help tell the stories of the island's rich history. It is also a perfect time for visitors to come to the island and see some of its history unfold as the National Park Service is in the midst of observing the Civil War's Sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary. This weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to experience firearm demonstrations, drills, and demonstrations of civilian life during the Civil War, such as a laundress station, a medical station and a recruitment rally. Visitors who arrive on the first ferry Saturday morning will also get to see a Union Army guard detail march past the landing, with a group of men dressed as confederate prisoners.
For a complete description of the weekend's events, visit https://www.nps.gov/gois.
What: Civil War Weekend
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13 and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Who: People of all ages
Why: Family-friendly fun and hands-on history
Web: www.nps.gov/gois
About Governors Island National Monument
Governors Island National Monument was established to preserve the island's historically significant military fortifications, Castle Williams and Fort Jay. Governors Island is a 172-acre island, of which the National Park Service administers the 22-acre Governors Island National Monument. The remaining 150 acres are administered by the Trust for Governors Island whose goal is to redevelop the island as one of New York City's great destinations. The island is open to the public during the summer and early fall, providing opportunities to experience the visual and performing arts as well as to learn about the island's role in national and international events and its place as part of New York Harbor's rich history and ecology. To learn more about Governors Island National Monument, visit www.nps.gov/gois.
How to Get There: Governors Island is a 10-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. The Governors Island Ferry is located in the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
