National Park Service to extend hours at Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island this fall

Date: August 27, 2014
Contact: Mindi Rambo, 212-668-2208

New York, NY – The National Park Service announced today the expansion of extended hours Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. The park will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sept. 2 through Columbus Day, Oct. 13.

"This summer we have seen a surge of interest of people wanting to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island," said John Piltzecker, Superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. "We are excited to improve the visitor experience by providing increased visitor access to the sights and sounds of both islands through the autumn."

Ferry departures will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4p.m. through Columbus Day. Visitors to the park will have an additional hour between Labor Day and Columbus Day to explore both islands with the last boat departing Liberty and Ellis Island at 6 p.m.

"Visitors have experienced much faster and more comfortable security processing with increased vessel departures at Battery Park and Liberty State Park this summer." said Michael Burke, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Statue Cruises. "The National Park Service is continuing to provide increased access for locals and tourists this autumn from both sides of the Hudson to the Statue of Liberty."

Visitors can reserve Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tickets from Battery Park and Liberty State Park now through Spring 2015. Audio Tours for both islands come in many different languages and are also included with every ticket purchased. Online reservations are recommended. For more information and to purchase tickets, please www.StatueCruises.com, www.facebook.com/statuecruises or www.twitter.com/statuecruises.

About Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island
Located on a 14-acre island in New York Harbor, the Statue, Liberty Enlightening the World, was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986. Visit us online at www.nps.gov/stli, www.facebook.com/statuelibrtynps and www.twitter.com/statuelibrtynps .