NPS Photo - from WebRangers
Play this game to figure out how harbor forts worked together to protect cities.
The 2011 public access season on Governors Island has now concluded. Governors Island has now closed for the winter to public access. We will re-open to the general public in late May or early June of 2012. Check back here for an exact date when it becomes available. Guided access to the Island may be available in the month of November. See below for more information. For general information, please call us at 212-825-3045 Monday - Friday.
A Special November Program - Airplanes and Archives
Join us for a 90 minute walking tour/museum activity that explores the history of aviation on Governors Island that allows you the rare chance to interact with a sampe from the Governors Island archives. You'll learn about the contributions of famous flyers such as Wilbur Wright and Ruth Law through newspaper clippings and photographs from the early 20th century. You'll also learn how to handle archival materials and even what to do to keep your own archive!
When: November 4, 11, 18
Time: 10 AM
Cost: Free
Reservations: Required please call us at 212-825-3045 Monday - Friday to make your reservation. Limited to 10 people.
Other opportunities may also be available. Please inquire when you call.
We are not offering school programs at this time. However, if you are looking for an off-island experience, play the game below, download the Junior Ranger books and earn one badge for a book that you complete, or become a Web Ranger. Scroll down to learn more.
Play this Game Before You Visit - read on to learn more...
In 1878, Governors Island was the home for U.S. Army headquarters on the east coast. This meant that plans that the army made for eastern operations took place here. Officers moved on to the island with their families and overtime, a large military community grew. This community was not much different from the one you may have grown up in. It had a public school, PS 26, a movie theatre, a YMCA and clubs such as the boy and girl scouts.
The community formed around the three historic forts on the island, Fort Jay, Castle Williams and South Battery. These forts, along with others in New York Harbor, helped to protect the city from attack during the War of 1812 and beyond.
To learn more about this early history, why these forts were vitally important to the young City of New York, and similar forts in other harbors around the country, play (part of the program). You will also find out where the other forts in New York Harbor were located...you may be surprised.
Have fun!
Junior Ranger Program
Though the island is currently closed for the season, children of all ages can still become an official Governors Island National Monument Junior Ranger by completing our Junior Ranger booklet.
Junior Ranger Activity Booklets
Want to learn more about the forts on the island and have fun at the same time? Consider becoming a Junior National Park Ranger and earn an official Junior Ranger badge from Governors Island National Monument. You have two books to choose from.
You Are the Engineer: Pretend you are a fort designer. Explore Fort Jay and the outside of Castle Williams, answer the questions in the booklet and design your own fortification.
Design Your Very Own Statue of Liberty: The President has just commissioned you to design a new statue for the harbor that will represent freedom just like Lady Liberty does now. Are you up to the task?! Answer these quick questions to learn about symbolism, and then create a new statue that represents liberty for you.
Download the Junior Ranger booklet of your choice and mail completed books for a ranger to review at:
Governors Island National Monument
10 South Street-Slip 7
New York, New York 10004-1900
Become a National Park WebRanger
Join in the fun by participating in the National Park Service's on-line Junior Ranger program for kids of all ages. If you love your National Parks, Monuments and Historic Sites, this site is for you. Play more than 50 games and learn about your National Parks.
Share park stories and pictures with other WebRangers around the world in the "My Community" section. Now there are over 49,000 registered WebRangers; and over 1,600 have earned WebRangers patches by completing all of the activities.
