Harbor Sides July-August 2011

Harbor Sides is a monthly compilation of park happenings from the National Parks of New York Harbor. http://www.nps.gov/npnh/ . 


Celebrate the Fourth of July with the National Park Service
  Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site
     July 4: Starting at 10:30 a.m.
     A traditional July 4th celebration at St. Paul’s Church National
     Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon, NY, will
     feature music, speeches, refreshments, a reading of the Declaration
     of Independence and tolling of the historic St. Paul's Church bell -
     13 times. This family-friendly event
  General Grant National Memorial
     July 4: 11:30 and 2 p.m.
     Renowned military historian and author Ed Bearss will present a talk
     on “Ulysses S. Grant and Leadership during the Vicksburg Campaign” in
     the visitor center at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 4. Space is
     limited, so reservations are a must if you want to sit in on this
     special presentation. Call 212-666-1640 to save your seat today.
     Additionally, Bearss will be signing copies of his book “Receding
     Tide: Vicksburg and Gettysburg” at 3 p.m. in the visitor center.
     Those without a copy will be able to purchase one in the bookstore
     prior to the signing. Proceeds will benefit General Grant National
     Memorial.
  Castle Clinton National Monument
     July 3:Noon
     The U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band will give a concert of
     “American Patriotic Music and Marches" at Castle Clinton National
     Memorial at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on July 3. This elite brass and
     percussion ensemble is responsible for more than 1,000 ceremonial
     performances each year, and its members are considered world-class,
     having represented the Air Force at the 50th anniversary of the V.E.
     Day celebration in Moscow, as well as in military tattoo ceremonies
     in The Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
     July 4: Noon
     Castle Clinton National Monument, located in Battery Park, will be
     the site of the Fourth of July Veterans Corps of Artillery-State of
     New York flag raising ceremony at noon, July 4, which includes a
     cannon firing demonstration at Battery Park. The ceremony is brief
     and it is recommended that those wishing to see the ceremony be at
     Castle Clinton by 11:45 a.m.
  Gateway National Recreation Area – Staten Island Unit
     Fort Wadsworth
     July 4: Noon
     Celebrate Independence Day with Staten Island OutLOUD for their
     annual reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of
     Rights. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as seating will
     not be provided. The event will take place rain or shine. For more
     information, please contact John Warren at (718) 354-4608 or
     john_warren@nps.gov

July Events
Federal Hall to host U.S. Coast Guard Art Exhibit
Federal Hall National Memorial, 26 Wall Street
July 20-August 6
Thirty-one paintings by 26 artists of the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program
(COGAP) will be on view at Federal Hall National Memorial from July 20
through August 6, 2011.  These works bring to life the many missions
performed by the U.S. Coast Guard, including search and rescue,
environmental protection and national security.   Several works also show
the Coast Guard's response to two unprecedented challenges:  the
devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010 and then three months
later, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill which began with the explosion of an
offshore oil platform. More: www.nps.gov/feha and www.uscg.mil/art

An Interactive Journey through Governors Island's History
Governors Island National Monument
Wednesdays & Thursdays through August 25: 10 a.m. & 1 pm.
Appropriate for adults and children, this exclusive midweek program invites
visitors to participate in an interactive living history program and
experience the island's history through the eyes of “guests” from the past.
Only on Wednesdays and Thursdays will a team of National Park Rangers
dressed in period clothing lead this 1.5 hour, 1.5 mile hiking and hands-on
experience that invites participants to discover how the role of Governors
Island evolved to meet the changing needs of a growing city and the nation.
Free Tickets are limited to 60, and are distributed on a first come, first
served basis. It is recommended those interested in participating come to
the Battery Maritime Building at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. tour and noon for
the 1 p.m. tour.  Groups of 10 or more and all school groups will need to
make a reservation by calling 212-825-3045.

Looking Ahead to August
Catch a Fish!
Gateway National Recreation Area
August 7 & 14: 1-3 p.m.
Join a National Park Service Ranger at Canarsie Pier in the Jamaica Bay
Unit of Gateway N.R.A. for a chance at catching fish. No experience is
necessary and all the equipment will be provided. Space is limited for this
chance to learn the art of angling, so reserve a spot today by calling
(718) 338-3799. For more information, please contact John Warren at (718)
354-4608 or john_warren@nps.gov

Jr. Ranger: Artillery Corps
Gateway National Recreation Area
August 10: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Learn about a World War II coast defense battery through hands-on
exploration of Battery Gunnison at Sandy Hook, N.J. Participants explore
the duties of a cannoneer, including how to load and operate a real 6-inch
coastal gun that protected New York Harbor during World War II. For more
information, please contact John Warren at (718) 354-4608 or
john_warren@nps.gov

Civil War Weekend
Governors Island National Monument
August 12 & 14
The National Park Service and Civil War living historians will provide
family friendly activities, living history demonstrations, music and other
programs. This annual event is designed to introduce visitors to the men
and women of the Governors Island garrison and Confederates imprisoned on
the island. This is a special year for Civil War Weekend, as the National
Park Service is honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.

Founders Day Campfire
Gateway National Recreation Area
August 25: 7-10 p.m.
Celebrate the National Park Service’s 95th birthday around a campfire with
music and marshmallows. Bring beach chairs or towels to the Great Kills
Park Beach Center, Parking Lot G on Aug. 25 to meet the Ranger and head to
the campfire. For more information, please contact John Warren at (718)
354-4608 or john_warren@nps.gov