Harpers Ferry Center National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan October 2010 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan

October 2010

Prepared by Department of the Interior National Park Service Governors Island National Monument Northeast Region Harpers Ferry Center Interpretive Planning Table of Contents

Table of Contents 2 Plan Highlights 3 Message from the Superintendent of Governors Island National Monument 4 The Planning Process 6 Foundation for Interpretive Planning 8 Site Background 8 Enabling Legislation 10 Mission, Purpose, Significance 11 Interpretive Themes 13 Management Goals 15 Desired Visitor Experiences 18 Park Visitors 20 Issues and Challenges Affecting Interpretation 22 Existing Conditions 24 Information, Orientation, and Marketing 24 Facilities 26 Interpretive Media 29 Interpretive Media Assets 34 Personal Services 36 Partnerships 40 Recommendations 43 Goals for Interpretive Programming 45 Research and Evaluation Needs 59 Staffing and Training Needs 60 Implementation Plan 61 Appendices 62 Appendix A: The Planning Team 62 Appendix B: Accessibility Guidelines 64 Appendix C: Interpretive Themes and Stories 65 Appendix D: New Interpretive Services Recommended by Theme 72

National Park Service 1 Governors Island National Monument is one of the parks of the National Parks of New York Harbor. Map: NPS

2 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Plan Highlights

During the next five years Governors Island National Monument interpretive services will provide visitors with opportunities to increase their understanding and appreciation for the park and its resources; to better understand the role and mission of the National Park Service; to engage in local educational opportunities; and to participate in nationally significant events.

To provide an active, engaging interpretive program, park staff and partners will work together focused on the following goals:

• Improve the Arrival and Orientation Experience

• Develop and Implement a Marketing Program

• Improve the Park Website

• Establish an Interpretive Presence at Castle Williams

• Create a Discovery Experience at Fort Jay

• Determine the Dock 102 Experience

• Determine the Best Use for Building 140

• Develop and Provide Education Programs

• Plan and Host Special Events

• Emphasize the Harbor Defense Theme

• Expand Interpretive Service outside of the Park Boundary

• Develop Opportunities That Address the Ecological Importance of the Harbor

• Facilitate the Development and Growth of Existing and Future Partnerships

• Increase the Volunteer Program

• Contact a Variety of Visitors

National Park Service 3 Messagefrom the Superintendent of Governors Island National Monument

Interpretation is vital to helping the American people make relevant connections to their national parks. Never has there been a more exciting and challenging time as we approach the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. The recommendations of the Second Century Commission underscore the “limitless potential” national parks have to “strengthen our democracy and enhance the environment.” The Commission also recognized the important role national parks have to play in education and life-long learning noting that “this type of learning deepens our understanding of the rich cultural and natural history of our nation, enhances educational achievement, promotes civic engagement and fosters stewardship.” Nowhere is the potential greater than at Governors Island National Monument and the National Parks of New York Harbor. Our location in the most diverse and heavily populated city in the nation, presents enormous opportunities to engage people, especially the next generation in a journey to discover and find meaning in these extraordinary places. Governors Island National Monument serves as a rich destination experience and as an entrée to a national system of special places that convey our identity as a nation and our shared heritage.

Established by Presidential proclamation in 2001, Governors Island National Monument preserves two fortifications, Fort Jay and Castle Williams which played an important role in the defense and development of New York City in the early years of the 19th century. A surrounding national historic landmark district also encompasses and preserves the army post that evolved around the forts as a tangible reminder of the ever changing mission of an institution charged with the protection of our liberties in a democratic society. The location makes it an ideal setting to interpret the ecological significance of the harbor.

During the past few years, development of the park has been of primary importance. Park staff has been involved in the development of many different plans and planning efforts including the park’s 2009 General Management Plan and 2010 Cultural Landscape Report. The park is also embarking on resource preservation and rehabilitation projects. In 2009, Castle Williams was closed to accomplish structural stabilization and hazardous materials removal to provide greater public access. This American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project also included interpretive media and exhibits to be designed, fabricated, and installed as it reopens in 2011.

The Long-Range Interpretive Plan is a document that sharpens our focus and draws together all of the education and interpretation efforts related to the national monument. The Foundation for Planning section of this document defines the park themes, identifies the desired visitor experience, lists issues and challenges, and describes the existing condition of the interpretive services within the park. The Recommendations section identifies the specific actions that we and our partners will take to meet our vision for the future of interpretation over the next three to

4 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan five years. The steps identified in the this plan and subsequent annual plans must support a flexible approach, one that allows the park to experiment and evaluate the effectiveness in light of park goals, the respective management plans for The Trust for Governors Island and NPS, and operational realities.

Governors Island National Monument is supported through partnerships with many local, regional, and national organizations. The park staff engaged partners, local community members, and many others throughout the planning process. This collaborative effort produced a more comprehensive and inclusive look at how we will interpret the island to visitors in the future. Identifying possible island-wide interpretive services that could be offered in cooperation with New York Harbor Parks and park partners, including The Trust for Governors Island, Governors Island Alliance and the newly established Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, will be an important aspect of this plan. By providing a broad spectrum of services, including a variety of media using the most current technologies, visitors will be encouraged to keep returning to Governors Island.

On behalf of the park staff and our partners, I hope you will take time to review this important plan and join us as we continue to move forward in our efforts to advance the mission of the National Park Service and to preserve and protect the values and resources of Governors Island National Monument.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Governors Island National Monument

National Park Service 5 The Planning Process

This Long-Range Interpretive Plan outlines recommendations for future interpretive services, facilities, and media. Park staff, historians, partners, and stake- holders worked together to develop a comprehensive tool that will outline educational and recreational opportunities for visitors to develop intellectual and emotional connections to the natural and cultural re- sources found within Governors Island National Monument (GOIS). Our goal is to promote Governors Island National Monument’s resource values and connections to national Twenty-four participants attended the Foundation Workshop held in Pershing Hall. parks through specially planned Photo: NPS visitor experiences and excel- lence in interpretation. high quality park interpretive Barring legislative changes or program that achieves manage- major new revelations, the foun- This Long-Range Interpretive ment goals, provides appropriate dational elements expressed Plan (LRIP) recommends visitor opportunities, and facili- in this LRIP – purpose, sig- actions that should occur over tates desired visitor experiences. nificance, themes, and visitor the next three to five years. It experience goals – will remain identifies park themes, describes A scoping trip was conducted constant over the life of the visitor experience goals, and on July 29-August 1, 2009. plan. Specific recommendations recommends a wide variety The Project Agreement was about media and programs may of personal and non-personal signed in September 2009. A need to be updated as staffing, interpretive services and out- Foundation workshop was held funding, technology, or resource reach activities that will best November 12-13, 2009 with conditions change. Further communicate the park purpose, 24 participants representing design documents must be pro- significance and themes. park staff, partners, local com- duced to implement some of the Developed in concert with the munity members, school and goals and recommendations in park Annual Implementation university teachers, and other this plan. Plan and Interpretive Database, regional NPS staff in attendance. it completes the Comprehensive A Recommendations workshop Interpretive Plan for the park, as was held February 17-18, 2010 established in Director’s Order with 22 participants represent- 6. In addition, this planning ing park staff, local community process has been customized to members, school and university meet the needs for Governors teachers, and other regional NPS Island National Monument, staff in attendance. On February as well as the conditions and 19, 2010 an implementation special circumstances that exist strategy session was held with there. The ultimate product is a park staff. cost-effective, tightly focused,

6 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Governors Island, 2010. Governors Island is 172 acres. A 122-acre Governors Island National Historic Landmark District is located on the northern half of the island. The National Park Service administers the 22-acre national monument at the center of the landmark district. The Trust for Governors Island administers the remaining 150 acres of the island. Map: The Trust for Governors Island, Michael B. Shaver/NPS

National Park Service 7 Foundation for Interpretive Planning

“There’s no better route to

civic understanding than

visiting our national parks.

They’re who we are and

where we’ve been.”

NPS Second Century Commissioner Sandra Day O’Connor

8 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Site Background

Established by Presidential The Native Americans referred the New York colony. The island proclamation in 2001, the to the island as Pagganck (“Nut over time came to be called national monument contains Island”) because of the plentiful Governors Island. two of the fortifications on hickory, oak and chestnut trees Governors Island that played an found there. Its location, as The period of significance important role in the defense those on neighboring Liberty for the NHL district is 1794- and development of New York and Ellis Islands, made it a 1966. The district’s resources City. The island’s strategic perfect seasonal fishing camp represent a system of American location resulted in its use as a for local tribes. The Dutch harbor defenses, and its long military facility by English and purchased the island and history as a major U.S. Army American forces for over 200 named it Nutten Island. In administrative center. Fort years. Fort Jay, Castle Williams, 1664, the British acquired Jay and Castle Williams were and South Battery were erected Nutten Island and all the other erected between 1796 and 1811 before the War of 1812 to serve holdings of the Dutch West as part of the First and Second as part of the New York Harbor India Company when they American systems of coastal coastal defense system. The captured New Amsterdam. The fortification. During the War national monument consists island was controlled by the of 1812, artillery and infantry of approximately 22 acres colonial governments of the troops were concentrated on located on the northern end of British and the Dutch over the Governors Island. During the Governors Island. The other next 10 years until the British American Civil War, it was 150 acres are managed by The regained control of New York. used for recruitment and as a Trust for Governors Island In 1689, the colonial assembly prison for captured Confederate according to terms set forth in set aside the island for the soldiers. Throughout World the Quitclaim Deed of 2003. “benefit and accommodation Wars I and II, the island was The NPS acreage is part of a of His Majesty’s Governors” the U.S. Army’s center for its larger 90-acre National Historic essentially a perk of power for protection of vital elements of Landmark District that is subject the series of royal governors sent New York City’s war industries to the Historic Preservation from Great Britain to rule and and infrastructure. It also Covenants outlined in the Deed. represent the Crown’s interest in was an important support

Governors Island National Monument, 1976 Photo: Commander Frank Bennett, U.S. Public Health Service

National Park Service 9 and departure point for the Today the national monument service from lower Manhattan American Expeditionary Force encompasses Fort Jay and Castle daily and from both Manhattan to France in World War I and Williams; Building 107, a former and Brooklyn on weekends for the U.S. First Army during arsenal storehouse; several acres during the public season, June the Normandy Invasion of of the Fort Jay parade ground; through October. Amenities World War II. In 1966, the island Dock 102; and an easement, or offered by the Trust for became a U.S. Coast Guard base the right to use, 1000 square feet Governors Island have played and its largest installation for the in Building 140, another arsenal an important role in improving next 30 years. warehouse, for visitor services. the numbers of visitors and the quality of their experience each Over the years, Governors Island Though only a short distance year since the island’s opening has been the site of a number of across the harbor from the heart in 2003. Programming and the internationally historic events of the city, Governors Island wide range of programming such as a 1988 meeting between has been seen for hundreds of partners has increased each year President Ronald Reagan, years as a remote, green space. as the island has developed a President-elect George Bush Native American tribes, early positive, fun, eclectic reputation. and Soviet General Secretary European settlers, and the In 2009, the 2.2-mile promenade Mikhail Gorbachev. In 1993, the U.S. military have all benefited opened giving visitors’ island- island served as the venue for the from the island’s location in wide access for the first time. signing of the United Nations the harbor. Today visitors come Governors Island accord which to experience its natural and addressed the issue of restoring cultural resources. Access to the democratic rule in Haiti. island is provided via free ferry

A park ranger wearing a Civil War-era uniform of a North Carolina Confederate soldier reveals what life was like before and after becoming a prisoner of war at Castle Williams. Photo: NPS

10 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Enabling Legislation

Each unit of the National Park System is created by Congress and the President of the United States. Under the provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906, congress granted the president authority to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States to be national monuments. All park planning flows from the mission and purpose articulated in the presidential proclamation. Governors Island National Monument’s interpretive services and program must support this mission and help the public understand the Castle Williams occupies a prominent corner of Governors Island. Photo: Andrew significance of the park. Moore On January 19, 2001, President William J. Clinton established Governors Island was then Presidential Proclamation the Governors Island National conveyed to the National Trust 7647, which added additional Monument by Presidential for Historic Preservation; facilities within the monument Proclamation 7402. The boundaries, referenced the monument consisted of Castle The National Trust attached previous proclamation and Williams, Fort Jay and a portion covenants and development legal island transfers, and of the surrounding Parade guidelines to the deed for the described the basic purpose of Ground. The monument, island then conveyed Governors the monument and role of the however, remained subject to Island (150 acres) to the National Park Service. Public Law 105-33, section 9101, Governors Island Preservation 111 Stat. 670 (August 5, 1997), and Education Corporation, the which required the entire island, legal predecessor to The Trust including the monument lands, for Governors Island. to be sold with a right of first offer to the State and City of The National Trust relinquished New York. and conveyed the remaining 22-acre parcel to the United As a result, subsequent actions States of America to be accepted were taken on January 31, 2003: by the Secretary of the Interior The State and City of New York for eventual inclusion into the each executed a consent and National Park System. waiver of the right of first offer regarding Governors Island; On February 7, 2003, President George W. Bush issued

National Park Service 11 Mission, Purpose, and Significance

National Park Service Mission

A mission statement is a vision for the future and articulates, in broad terms, the ideas that the National Park Service strives to achieve.

The agency mission is to preserve unimpaired natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Park Purpose

Park purpose statements Colonel Jonathan Williams inspecting the plans for Castle Williams in a 1944 describe why an area was set mural by Anthony Ravielli, located in the South Battery Officer’s Club. aside and what specific purposes Photo: Andrew Moore exist for a park, and are derived from legislation, legislative history, public participation, and Park Significance finest examples of defensive public rule making. structures from the First and Statements of significance Second American Systems of The purpose of Governors describe a National Park System Coastal Fortifications. The Island National Monument, unit’s distinctive natural, surrounding National and New as described in the 2009 cultural, and recreational York City Historic Landmark General Management Plan, is resources and values that District, and the greater to preserve and protect Castle are the factual rationale for island provide the context for Williams and Fort Jay and to national recognition of the site. understanding the evolution— interpret them and their role According to the 2009 General over more than two centuries— in the defense of New York Management Plan, Governors of American defensive strategies Harbor and the nation. The Island National Monument is and the growth of the U.S. Army island provides an opportunity significant for the following as a professional federal force. to educate the public about the reasons: The forts’ historic defensive evolution of coastal defense and technologies and proximity to military communities as well Governors Island has long and views of Lower Manhattan as the harbor’s rich history and been a strategic location in present an opportunity to reflect ecology. one of the country’s most on the events of September 11, important harbors. The National 2001. Monument includes two of the

12 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Governors Island’s forts Williams is a nearly circular highlight the Second American red sandstone and granite System, a period of construction fortification commanding of harbor fortifications that took the island’s northwest point, place up and down the East merely 600 feet from the walls coast, with a dozen defensive of Fort Jay. The Castle is the first structures having been built American–designed fort with around New York City. As casemated gun emplacements, part of this harbor defense and its innovative design served system, Governors Island’s as a prototype for seacoast forts have been credited as fortification for decades. successfully deterring British th forces from attacking New Later in the 19 century, their York during the War of 1812. original defensive designs Fort Jay is an enclosed square obsolete, the forts served new fortification of French design purposes—primarily as barracks with four bastions and a ravelin, and prisons—as Governors surrounded by a dry moat Island grew to become one of and glacis. Constructed over the most important military remnants of earlier British and headquarters in the eastern Continental Army earthworks United States, continuing these on the island’s highest point, functions through the U.S. Fort Jay is one of the largest Army’s departure in 1966, and and best preserved examples of to the end of the U. S. Coast its kind in the country. Castle Guard’s tenure in 1996.

Governors Island, 2009.

National Park Service 13 Interpretive Themes

Interpretive themes capture the stories associated with each Park System or the National the essence of Governors theme identified by workshop Historic Landmark System. The Island National Monument participants. structures and landscapes on significance. They include the the island tell the story of the most important stories and Place in the National nation’s priorities including represent core messages that Experience neglect during peacetime, every visitor should have the austerity, and dire need during opportunity to experience. Castle Williams and Fort Jay on national emergencies and war. While interpretation of any Governors Island represent an site could touch upon many important early effort to protect Carrying Out a Changing stories, focused themes increase and defend the country through Mission effectiveness. When well a system of strategically placed conceived, themes explore the coastal fortifications, an effort The history of Governors Island meanings behind the facts. that continued beyond the life reflects the institutional heritage They open minds to new of the forts until the end of the and history of the U.S. Army, ideas and perhaps to multiple island’s military career. its organization and the ways points of view. When linked to in which it responded to ever- commonly held emotions or Changing National changing national priorities. universal human experiences, Priorities The U.S. Army filled many roles themes encourage visitors to see during its tenure on the island. themselves in Governors Island The built environment of the Initially the island was used to National Monument’s stories island, chiefly in the National protect New York and New and discover personal relevance. Historic Landmark District, York Harbor in the early days of this nation’s history. In later During the November 2009 exhibits almost every aspect of years, the island was used as Foundation workshop this nation’s military experience an urban garrison, a recruiting participants divided two of and of the U.S. Army from the station, and an important Army the three interpretive themes early days of the Republic to th headquarters. Commanders and listed in the 2009 General the end of the 20 century, and commands headquartered here Management Plan into separate can tell those stories like few for almost a century, directing sub-themes. Appendix C lists other places in the National Army activities regionally

While located within one of the largest cities in the world, Governors Island, shown here in 1938 as an isolated U.S. Army post, was a small town with its own unique culture and history. Photo: GOIS Museum Collection

14 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan over half the North American As an isolated U.S. Army post, it continent, and occasionally was a home and work place of around the world. As the soldiers and their dependents, nation’s priorities changed, so of civilian staff, men and women did the mission of the U.S. Army whose compelling personal and Governors Island. stories reflect the unique history of the island as a community. A Role in International Affairs Connection to New York New York City’s emergence as City a nationally and internationally As an important military important city elevated headquarters protecting one the stature, command, and of the most important cities in responsibilities of the U.S. Army, the world, the commanding and later the U.S. Coast Guard, and senior officers, and even on Governors Island. Governors Island’s enlisted men and women, were important From Colonial Outpost representatives to the city and its to Preeminent Command institutions. Headquarters

As New York City grew so did The Island as a Community the defense responsibilities of Those stationed on Governors the U.S. Army. Those stationed Island developed their own on Governors Island defended culture and history separate the city, region, and country. It from the city they protected. It was not unusual for Governors was a community with its own Island command personnel to compelling personal stories continue their careers as military of soldiers, civilian staff, and leaders in the execution of this dependents of the men and nation’s international policies women who lived here. during war and peace. Place in the Environment Missions beyond our shores Governors Island – as part of The island became a departure the natural environment of New point for military efforts York Harbor, with its rich and beyond the shores of the United intricate ecosystem of bays, States. During the last half estuaries, rivers, islands, and of the 20th century the island other geographical features – is became a venue for meetings of an ideal place to observe and international significance. study the interplay between natural systems and human A Small Town within culture in the development and a City evolution of New York Harbor and surrounding metropolis. Governors Island is tied to the history, development, social, and political life of New York City.

National Park Service 15 Management Goals

General Management activities would use the harbor located in Manhattan; and Saint Plan – Preferred to describe the island’s history Paul’s National Historic Site in and significance, and the Mount Vernon, New York. Alternative: interplay over time between the Situated in the largest Alternative D was identified harbor and the city’s health and metropolitan area in the country, as the National Park Service economy. NPNH parks have an excellent (NPS) preferred alternative and Fort Jay will house harbor opportunity to introduce the the environmentally preferred research, offices and temporary national parks to a diverse alternative in the 2009 General lodging for NPS sponsored population and foster the Management Plan. Governors fellowship and residency identity of the national park Island National Monument will programs; and be the setting system to our visitors. To that be developed as the Harbor for harbor related seminars and end, the NPNH parks developed Center - a hub of activities and workshops. a strategic plan in 2009 with jumping off point for visitors emphasis on youth outreach, wanting to explore New York Castle Williams will be the new and social media, and Harbor. island’s main exhibit and education that encourages the interpretive center, showcasing Working with other harbor- discovery and interpretation of multimedia programs and related organizations—national thematic connections among interactive exhibits that explore parks and local, regional, this rich array of natural, local, national, and global topics national and international historic, and cultural sites. associated with Governors civic, educational and research Island and New York Harbor. organizations—the NPS will The Trust for Governors develop a range of activities in Island Planning Goals: Fort Jay and Castle Williams National Parks of that interpret the key themes of New York Harbor The Trust for Governors the island and greater harbor. Island is responsible for the This plan will also guide our The park will collaborate and planning, redevelopment and efforts in relation to the National coordinate on harbor–related ongoing operations for the Parks of New York Harbor programs on and off Governors 150 acres of Governors Island (NPNH), the neighboring Island that would help visitors surrounding the National national park sites in the New understand the forts’ military Monument. The Trust is working York and New Jersey metro significance, the island’s strategic with an array of government area. The National Parks of location, and the ongoing agencies, community and civic New York Harbor consists of ecological conservation efforts groups to foster new ideas for Gateway National Recreation for the harbor and the re- development of Governors Area in Queens, Staten Island, visioning and redevelopment of Island and to enhance the Brooklyn, and New Jersey; Ellis the waterfront. island’s role as a vital and Island and the Statue of Liberty integral part of New York City The Monument will become a National Monument; Castle and the surrounding region. primary stop on harbor ferry Clinton National Monument, Governors Island Park and tours. Programs would include Federal Hall National Memorial, Public Space Master Plan, a specialized boat tours of the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace comprehensive design for 87 harbor, educational programs National Historic Site, General acres of open green space, was that explore the harbor’s history Grant National Memorial, released April 2010. Schematic and ecology. Hamilton Grange National design and environmental Memorial, African Burial review will begin later this year A variety of programs, exhibits, Ground National Monument (2010) and continue through and special events will be and Lower East Side Tenement 2011. Following that, community available in both forts. These Museum (an affiliated site), all review will commence in 2012,

16 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan and pending review, the first collected and compiled for each indicated an understanding of phase of construction will begin NPS unit. The survey results the significance of the national in late 2012. reflect visitor opinion about monument. each park’s facilities, services The following is a list of 2010 and recreational opportunities, During the 2010 season 90% of The Trust’s planning goals: as well as measures visitor those responding to the survey indicated an understanding of To bring life to Governors understanding and appreciation of each NPS unit’s significance. the significance of the national Island making this island at the monument. center of New York Harbor a destination with great public Mission Goal IIa1: open space, as well as future Mission Goal IVb1A: education, not for profit and By September 30, 2012, 95% By September 30, 2012, commercial facilities. of visitors to Governors Island National Monument are satisfied Governors Island NM will To increase public access and with appropriate park facilities, maintain the two partnership establish early signature uses of services, and recreational currently in place, add an Governors Island. opportunities. additional partner and work toward solidifying 1 other To invest in Island infrastructure During the 2008 season 95% of community partnership and historic stabilization to those responding to the survey designed to enhance the park’s prepare the Island for first were satisfied with appropriate ability to manage recreation tenancies. park facilities, services, and activities seamlessly by 2012. recreational opportunities. To execute a multi-phase, mixed The park met the performance use development strategy. During the 2009 season 91% of goals it set for 2009 and 2010. those responding to the survey To create a world-class park and were satisfied with appropriate public spaces. Mission Goal IVb2: park facilities, services, and recreational opportunities. By September 30, 2012, 2008-2012 Strategic Plans: Governors Island NM’s During the 2010 season 94% of attendance at facilitated In accordance with the those responding to the survey programs will increase to Government Performance and were satisfied with appropriate 150,000 (50,000 in 2007). Results Act of 1993, Governors park facilities, services, and Island National Monument recreational opportunities. The park met the performance developed a strategic plan and goals it set for 2009 and 2010. management goals through 2012. The following goals address Mission Goal IIb1: recreation, interpretation, and By September 30, 2012, 88% visitor experiences. of Governors Island National The outcomes or how well the Monument visitors understand park is achieving its visitor- the significance of the park. related goals are measured During the 2008 season 91% of annually at every unit of the those responding to the survey National Park System through indicated an understanding of survey forms that are distributed the significance of the national to visitors at each NPS unit. monument. Visitors send their completed survey forms to the University During the 2009 season 90% of of Idaho where the data is those responding to the survey

National Park Service 17 Desired Visitor Experiences

Desired visitor experiences • Access to rangers at other • Enjoy an eclectic mix of describe what physical, national parks and stories arts and cultural programs intellectual, and emotional that relate to the themes of including taking part in a experiences should be available the Monument. cutting edge art project. for visitors to Governors Island National Monument. These • Climb to the top of Castle • Experience the quiet solitude. Williams to see the city experiences will be available to • See the lights of Manhattan the degree possible to visitors and harbor from a new perspective. and New Jersey from the of all abilities, including those island at night. with visual, auditory, mobility, or • Access the historic forts and cognitive impairments. see how they protected New • Volunteer, care for, and be York harbor. engaged with the island Visitors to Governors Island including introducing first National Monument will have • Interact with a time visitors to Govervnors opportunities to: knowledgeable park ranger Island and revealing its • Visit an on-island museum by taking a tour, attending treasures to them. to read exhibits and watch a a program, and more to discover the island’s history • Hear first person accounts film about the history of the of Governors Island history island. and its place in New York City’s story. by the people who lived and • Receive information on the worked on the island. National Park Service and • Experience the water, observe the local marine life, • Create and present System, with special focus on curriculum-based lesson the National Parks of New and explore the ecology of New York Harbor. plans and assessments for York Harbor students visiting Governors Island.

In 2010, the National Park Foundation and the Coca-Cola Foundation funded an Active Trails grant to establish ranger- led bike tours of Governors Island. The tours also allow visitors to make connections to other National Parks of New York Harbor sites such as the Statue of Liberty. Photo: NPS

18 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Listening to a park ranger in period dress talk about the British Army’s occupation of New York City during the American Revolution, visitors discover why fortifications were constructed on Governors Island. Photo: Daniel C. Krebs

• Interact with and join in • Research the history of living history demonstrations Governors Island in relation reflecting the military heri- to the history of New York tage of the island and espe- City. cially that of the U.S. Army. • Introduce classroom • Reconnect with my child- teachers and teacher hood and friends. candidates to place-based learning experiences • Ride a bicycle. based on data obtained at • Picnic with my family. Governors Island.

• View other landmarks such • Sit under a tree and read a as the New York skyline, book. harbor sights, Statue of • Meditate and then read the Liberty and Ellis Island from New York Times cover to a new vantage point. cover in a quiet/shady spot.

• Receive a brochure and map • Access multiple ways to that clearly illustrates the explore Governors Island. chronology of Governors Island history and how it has • Explore the mysteries of been protected. Governors Island and ex- perience places that are not • Receive orientation materi- immediately seen. als to know what Governors Island is like before arriving.

National Park Service 19 Park Visitors

This is a broad description of during calendar years 2005- tors are from the tri-state area park visitors and their needs – 2008. There was a 197% increase (New York, New Jersey and including current and potential in visitation from 2007 (69,014) CT). Seventy-six percent of visitors. “Visitor” describes to 2008 (205,010). The visitation island visitors are from New anyone who uses a park’s has increased dramatically since York City and represent all five interpretation and education 2007 as the result of extended boroughs. The visitors from services whether in person hours, after-hour events, art New York City are primarily or “virtually” through digital expositions, performances, and from Manhattan and Brooklyn. technologies. culinary festivals increase in Ferry terminals at both loca- turn leading to greater public tions provide easy access to the In the past two years over awareness about the island. island. Most Manhattan visitors 400,000 visitors come to come from the Lower East side, Governors Island annually. The Of those visitors from 2008 to and Brooklyn visitors are mostly park is open to most visitors 2010, about 40 to 50% engage in from Park Slope and Brooklyn during a 20-week period from programs or exhibits or facilities Heights. June through October. The in the national monument. average visitation over a four During the November 2009 year period is 82,000. This figure A 2008 zip code analysis of Foundation workshop the fol- is based on a four-year average visitors conducted by The Trust lowing groups were identified of monthly public use data taken indicates that 90% of the visi- as currently visiting Governors

Most visitors take the Governors Island Ferry from Manhattan and arrive at Soissons Dock. Photo: Michael B. Shaver/NPS

20 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Island National Monument different religions and socioeco- based on particular interests and nomic status. needs. Educational: College-level Educational and Special students and educators, adult Interests: Education groups of learners, and preservation all ages. Visitors interested in the enthusiasts. arts, the architectural and mili- tary history of the island, and Local office populations and harbor ecology. island tenants: Workers from Lower Manhattan who want to Recreational: Visitors engaged come out at lunch or after work in active and passive recreation Monday through Thursday, including repeat, local visitors; corporate athletic leagues, and visitors seeking community Governors Island tenants. service/civic engagement oppor- tunities; and families. Military: Servicemen and women who are active and Discovery: First-time visi- retired U.S. Army and U.S. tors; tour companies who host Coast Guard, West Point cadets walking tours and bus tours of and staff, U.S. Army Corps of the island. Engineers.

During the lifetime of this Long- Range Interpretive Plan, poten- tial future visitors to Governors Island National Monument may include:

Yo u t h : Teenagers, young adults, organized youth groups, and Scout groups.

Out of town visitors: Tourists who have already gone to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and the 42nd Street/Theater District as well as commercial tour boat patrons.

Locals who do not currently visit the park: Recent immigrants, residents from other boroughs including Staten Island, visitors from New Jersey, people in the area with ferry access and those who want ferry access, water taxi and other ferry commut- ers, underserved ethnic groups communities in the metropolitan area, and people representing

National Park Service 21 Issues and Challenges Affecting Interpretation

Governors Island National Statue of Liberty Additional most likely to begin to visit Monument has many assets Ferry Services Feasibility Governors Island. upon which to build an effective Study. A conclusion of the interpretive program, including study is that opportunities • Economics - The 2009 evocative and compelling exist to improve ferry economic downturn did stories, outstanding natural access to NPS sites in New prompt and compel more and cultural resources, ongoing York Harbor. Dock 102 stay-at-home vacation research, and dedicated staff will be available to receive experiences. Since most and supporters. It also faces a visitors beginning in 2011. of the island’s visitation is number of challenges in an era The feasibility of providing local, it provides the park of constant and rapid change. year-round transportation an opportunity to further Well-designed programs can as well as increasing the inform and promote other build on interpretive strengths to number of ferries during NPS areas as local “stay- help overcome these challenges. the season will need to cation” destinations. be considered during the • Changing visitor motivations • Strong and flexible LRIP life of this plan. On-island – Due to the partnership - In this metropolitan transportation is currently environment, visitor tastes, and collaborative nature of limited to bicycles and the the park and its setting, it is motivations and desires are The Trust-managed tram. constantly changing. It will imperative that this planning With increased visitation, document, as was the case be incumbent upon park other on-island options staff and partners to identify with the park General may need to be explored. Management Plan, provide those changes and be flexible Accessible transportation is in addressing them. broad guidelines, suggesting, also an issue of importance but not prescribing, • Funding/budget - The initial to be addressed through directions that the park and appropriation allowed room a universal design lens its interpretive program can for growth, expansion, and and as the “baby boomer” take and things it should seek experimentation in the first generation ages and begins to accomplish in a dynamic few years; however, funding to experience more mobility and rapidly changing will need to be increased, challenges. environment. and partners engaged • Language – Almost 200 • Construction projects – to become a year-round different languages are operation. Construction activities on spoken locally. Visitation and the island including the • Transportation – The Trust neighboring demographics stabilization and hazardous provides ferry service to the tend to dictate what media materials project at Castle island for visitors coming and materials become Williams had impact on the from Manhattan and translated. Likely focus visitor experience during Brooklyn. Statue Cruises, of efforts to meet current 2010 as will future projects the concessioner for ferry visitation needs would at Fort Jay. Keeping visitors service to the Statue of start with Chinese (likely apprised of the efforts to Liberty and Ellis Island, was Mandarin), Korean, Russian, preserve, stabilize, and asked to conduct a study to Yiddish, and Spanish paying modestly develop the determine if ferry service to particular attention to which island will help them better other NPS sites in New York nationality (since there is understand why they cannot Harbor, including Governors wide variations of dialect access certain areas that they Island National Monument, and vocabulary among have been able to go into in might be viable. This study Central and South American the past. has been designated the countries) is either visiting or

22 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan • Helicopter over flights – with the relative quiet comes An issue that has garnered greater expectations for greater attention due to quiet and greater awareness recent aviation accidents when that is impaired or in the area and the closure lost. Park planning and of the mid-town heliport programming should take in 2010. The sharp increase this into consideration. in the frequency and the change in flight paths are seriously impacting the general island experience and specifically NPS programs. It is a factor impacting guided tours and visitors seeking quiet on the island.

• Noise – Governors Island is typically quieter than the city that surrounds it, but

In 2010, major stabilization and hazardous material removal was accomplished at Castle Williams as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Photo: Daniel C. Krebs

National Park Service 23 Existing Conditions

“Informed citizens are the bedrock of a democracy.

Parks must help us unravel our nation’s ecological challenges, so we can make wise choices.”

NPS Second Century Commissioner Gary Nash

Photo: Ilyse Goldman/NPS

24 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan The following is a brief and generalized description of visitor experiences and interpretive services that existed in FY2009. The purpose of this section is to provide a baseline assessment that can help to justify some of the plan’s proposed actions. Thematic connections are indicated by the letter T and the relevant theme number(s) in parentheses.

Information, Orientation, and Marketing

Marketing letters, phone calls and e-mail Signs messages. Most requests are for The park informs the public of basic information about the park There is not a consistent, unified upcoming events and special and/or directions to the park. wayfinding system being used on programs through postings the island. on the park website, as well as There have been challenges with announcements sent to area marketing park and island events There are approximately 251 print and electronic media and activities. Visitors assume orientation signs, nearly all outlets. Since 2009, the most that all buildings on the island produced by The Trust, which effective means of informing and are open and that there is access includes wayfinding, orientation, promoting events and programs to all areas. A future concern to destination, interpretive (26), has been through “Twitter” feeds consider may be that Governors informational and orientation and program partner’s websites. Island is perceived as a novelty bulletin boards located around The park receives information and what happens when the the island featuring large scale requests on a daily basis via novelty wear s off. island maps. Some event infor- mation is also posted on these boards.

Large-scale island maps, produced by The Trust, are useful to provide orientation talks. Photo: Daniel Barker/NPS

National Park Service 25 Information boards about In January 2010 the park added Governors Island Coast Guard Governors Island, brochure two blogs maintained by sea- brats 1966-1996 racks and a map are located on sonal park guides and a Flickr the wall adjacent to the NPS photo site to the news section of www.angelfire.com/nys/gov- contact station and bookstore in the park website. The blogs offer ernorsisland - U.S.Army brats the Battery Maritime Building. insight about the life of park staff website member working on the island Directional arrows and dedicat- as well as history highlights. The ed bike lanes on the promenade Flickr site allows visitors to post surface direct bike traffic around photos as well as to see park the island. posted still photographs and short video clips. The park also Website now operates a Twitter account.

The park website is a very Other websites that have popular way to gain information Governors Island National about the park. Virtual visitors Monument content include the access the website to learn following: about park history, interpretive www.govisland.com – The Trust programs, operating hours and for Governors Island website to find directions to the park. A includes an NPS schedule of birding journal and oral history events and activities. They also samples – are found on the park maintain a Facebook website website. The park recognizes the and a Twitter website. importance of the website as a tool to reach “armchair” visitors, www.govislandblog.com – The long distance researchers, Trust blog features news, up- and as a pre-visit information coming event information, opportunity. Interpretive staff history highlights and provides members work continually to visitors with a forum to ask ques- upgrade this media. tion or post comments.

A concern was raised during www.governorsislandalliance.org the November 2009 Foundation The website for the Governors workshop regarding how easy or Island Alliance. The Alliance also difficult it can be for visitors to maintains a Facebook page. get information using websites. During the history of the site, the www.nyharborparks.org/visit/ staff has constantly been sur- gois.html - New York Harbor prised at the number of requests Parks Conservancy page spe- for information by the public cifically about Governors Island who do not have web access or National Monument has short have used the contact informa- narrative and links to NPS and tion to call to seek information The Trust websites. that is on the website. Except www.nps.gov/npnh - the NPS for individual map searches, website for the National Parks of the NPS website does not rate New York Harbor. as high on Google’s search list as The Trust or the Governors www.FortJay.com and www. Island Alliance. governorsislandbrats.com Password protected website for

26 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Facilities

The National Monument stamp locations, and Eastern the island, usually 1 ½ to 2 hours consists of approximately 22 National sales areas. These are before the island is closed. There acres located on the northern the Battery Maritime Building, is an information desk, passport end of Governors Island and where the Governors Island stamp station, and bookstore is located within the 121-acre ferry docks in Manhattan, and sales area just inside the doors National Historic Landmark Building 140, which is located of the Battery Maritime Building (NHL) District. All of the facili- to the east of Soissons Dock on waiting room. A series of floor ties located within the National Governors Island. to ceiling wall cabinets and Monument are managed by shelves are located in a nearby the National Park Service. The During the summer season, corner and used to display sales remaining 150 of the acres even though the island is items. Staff members at the are managed by The Trust for usually closed to the public on Battery Maritime Building also Governors Island. Wednesday and Thursday, the distribute tickets for the walking NPS staffs the Battery Maritime tours offered on Wednesday and Building (BMB) through mid- Thursday. Visitor Contact Stations afternoon on those days to provide visitors access to the Building 140 is primarily a sales The park does not have a island through escorted ranger area. An information desk and traditional visitor center that programs and tours. Friday sales desk is located at the rear features exhibits, an auditorium, through Sunday the island is of the sales area. There is ap- information desk, and sales area. open to the public, and the proximately 1,000 square feet of Instead there are two different BMB is staffed from the time space available for use. Currently buildings, maintained by The the waiting room is open to the about half of that space is used Trust, that are used as primary public until the final ferry goes to visitor contact points, passport for the bookstore.

During the summer season, park interpreters staff the Battery Maritime Building where they operate an Eastern National sales outlet and provide visitor information and orientation to the island. Photo: Michael B. Shaver/NPS

National Park Service 27 Governors Island National Monument

Castle Williams is a circular barracks buildings that are dock now has a landside shelter casemated fortification that now closed to the public. The which also includes space for sits at the northwest corner of magazine has a large open space information and orientation, and Governors Island, at the water’s and adjacent side rooms and will possibly serve as a gathering edge, with views of Manhattan, has been the venue for several area. the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, sculptures and video art installa- New Jersey, and Brooklyn. With tions. Visitors can leave Fort Jay Building 107 the completion of stabilization and walk up and over the moat (Park Headquarters) and hazardous material removal, and glacis to the parade ground and installation of interpre- right near Colonels’ Row and Staff offices and supplies cache tive media, Castle Williams Castle Williams. Walking tours, are located in this building. will reopen for the 2011 public children’s programs, roving, and season. From 2003 to 2009 visi- living history demonstrations are The Trust for Governors tors could only access the court- all conducted here. A volunteer yard. Walking tours, stationed program, “Flowerboxes in Fort Island interpretation, roving, and living Jay,” helps to maintain the his- history demonstrations have toric appearance of the barracks. National Historic Landmark been, and will continue to be District conducted here after the abate- Dock 102 is located on the ment work is completed in 2011. east edge of the island in the Primary buildings and fea- Buttermilk Channel. It is to the tures located within the district Fort Jay was constructed on the south of Dock 101 and directly include Colonel’s Row, Pershing highest point of the island. A east 300 yards from the entrance Hall, Nolan Park, Liggett Hall, star-shaped fort, Fort Jay was to Fort Jay. With improvements Commanding Officer’s Quarters, the initial coastal fortification on completed in 2010, the dock will and South Battery. the island. Most visitors access be available for use during the the fort through the sally port. 2011 season. Basic orientation Parade Ground is located adja- They walk around the court- and information waysides are cent to Fort Jay. The landscape yard and into the magazine. The planned at the dock to create has been restored after previ- courtyard is ringed by former an over-water experience. The ously having been a multi-use space during the military era. It has served as a venue for medium scale island events, but now is mostly used for active and passive recreation. The park uses its portion for historic weapons demonstrations, living history programs, and encampments.

Soissons Dock is the primary access point for visitors coming to the island from Manhattan. The Governors Island ferry makes a 7-minute trip from the Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan to the island. During each trip, the Governors Island ferry can transport nearly 1000 people. Supplemental con- tracted ferry services can double Fort Jay was the first fortification constructed on the island. Photo: Michael B. Shaver/NPS that number.

28 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Liggett Hall, a former barracks, is often the site of installations produced by arts organizations. Photo: Daniel C. Krebs

Dock 101, beginning in 2009, The Trust provides or manages • Children’s Museum of the became the island access point permits for the following Arts day camps and free for weekend summer season activities: arts program for weekend visitors from Brooklyn. It is also visitors. the landing point for commer- • Bike rentals by Bike and Roll, cial passenger and charter ferry a private vendor. • Concert venues at Water service to the island. Taxi Beach and the green at • Opening former residential Colonels’ Row. Picnic Point is located on buildings as exhibit spaces the south point of the island. for installations produced by • The Urban Assembly’s New Open, green space is one of the arts organizations. York Harbor School campus and its aquaculture program. primary features along with a • Water Taxi Beach, a commer- magnificent view of the Statue cial venture providing food, a • Harbor Map in the parking of Liberty. Picnic tables, ham- beach, and concert space for lot of South Battery. mocks, benches, and playground 3,500 people. equipment are available on a • Food vendors. first-come, first-served basis. • Kayak rentals in a protected cove next to the island spon- • Cultural events and The Promenade is a paved road sored by local boathouses performances. that follows the perimeter of the and kayaking organizations. island. Trams make continuous loops within the historic dis- • Three 14-seat trams are trict and along portions of the available for visitors needing promenade to Picnic Point and on-island transportation. visitors may bicycle or walk the roadway around the island. • Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Studios located in Building 110. National Park Service 29 Interpretive Media

Audiovisual Presentation concerts by the U.S. First development of the official Army Band while stationed at park map and guide. A map, The park does not have a formal Fort Jay. basic access information, and audiovisual presentation. program descriptions are on Visitors do have access through the card. other sources to audiovisual Publications interpretive presentations. — Official Park Map and Guide Site Bulletins (2009) – developed as part of Audio Boat Tours the Harpers Ferry Center new Site bulletins are illustrated park program, the publica- flyers and handouts that discuss These tours are presented tion is limited in scope and a single topic or a specific story through a partnership between size, but meets the need as an or event in Governors Island’s the NPS and the New York information piece to visitors history. Lacking a visitor center, Harbor Parks Conservancy. Two and non-visitors alike. media programs or exhibit different tours have information spaces, site bulletins have proved related to the history of — Castle Williams (2008) – an extremely effective means of Governors Island. Both full-color, park-produced, communicating “untold stories” programs are offered aboard a unigrid-styled site bulletin about the people or events that New York Waterway ferry. features a brief history of the have played a role in the island’s fort in words and pictures. heritage. — America’s Frontline: The The brochure was originally Military History of New York developed during the General The end result of the research Harbor Management Plan process and development of these The 90-minute tour brings and features possible future publications does not end as the history of America’s most uses of Castle Williams. a site bulletin but the content strategic harbor to life. The is repurposed and repackaged narration—complete with — A Do-It-Yourself Walking across several media platforms sound effects and music— Tour (2007) – self-guided in 2010 as traditional web pages features National Park tour of the National Historic and newer park produced media Service Rangers, veterans and Landmark District. Buildings such as audio, video podcasts historians telling stories of the and areas within the district and possible cell phone tours. 1776 British invasion in 1776, are identified by number on the defenses that protected a map and descriptive in- The publications are all the city, the flotilla that formation about each site is produced in-house and evacuated Lower Manhattan provided. published on an office color on 9/11, and much more. copier with a total run of 1500 — Governors Island – temporary to 4000 flyers per topic per — America: Who We Are unigrid-styled brochure with year. Two site bulletins, Castle The one-hour program map used when official park Williams and the Do It Yourself focuses on immigration’s past map and guide was out of Guided Walking Tour had print and present explores historic stock. More detailed histori- runs of about 10,000 copies harbor sites and the role that cal information is included and were printed through a immigrants have played—and along with information about Government Printing office still play—in shaping New the forts, the residential contract. York and the nation. areas, and a keyed building map of the National Historic — Music in the Army (2006) – Landmark district. tells the story of the island’s Sales Item music school. Needs a little — Governors Island rack card — First Army Band At Fort Jay more revision before sending (2006) – Produced during – Two CD recordings of 1964 to GPO for printing.

30 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan — Women’s Army Corps 1942- — Place in the Environment: history of the island. 1978 (2009) – A short dis- Governors Island: Nature in cussion of this aspect of the the City (2009) – developed — Governors Island by Andrew Army’s heritage in allowing as an extension of a ranger Moore and Lisa Kerenski women to serve their country. guided tour program. – a coffee table photo book published by the New York — Governors Island and the First — Do It Yourself Guided Walking City Public Arts Fund of still World War (2007) – The Army Tour (2005, rev 2009) – life images, locations, and post at Fort Jay played a small Developed to provide an in buildings taken between the but important role at the be- depth self guided experience closure and redevelopment of ginning of the war. to visitors during the the island. weekends when park staff can — The Key to the Continent: not conduct the 90 minute — Alonzo Bell Diary – An 1861 New York and the American national landmark district diary of a North Carolina Revolution (2007). tour. A Spanish version was Confederate officer held pris- oner at Fort Columbus. — The Politics of Coastal Defense developed in 2008 and a large (2006) – The national politics type version in 2009. — The Graving Dock by Gabriel in play and the forces behind — Foreign Affairs in the Federal Cohen and Killer Heat the construction of fortifica- Period 1790-1807 (2008) By Linda Fairstein – two tions on Governors Island. – another background murder mysteries staged on Governors Island. — Commanding Officer’s House piece describing the state Quarters #1 (2005) – a flyer of diplomatic relations and developed for Open House international affairs that Wayside Exhibits New York outlining the compelled the need for an “Signs on a Stick” were a series history and identifying some American coastal fortification of park produced 11” x 17” of the occupants of the com- program. laminated displays, essentially manding officers quarters. enlarged site bulletins, stapled Sales Items — Garrison Life on Governors to a 3’- 4’ tall wooden stake Island during the Civil War There are a number of items sold or taped to a lamp post near (2007) – Another in the Civil in the park bookstore that were point of interest as part of a War series on the island de- produced for the park or directly experimental effort in temporary scribing the Army post here relate to the park and its story. waysides from 2006 to 2009. during the war. The displays originally used to — Images of America: Governors enhance the self-guided walking —Fort Jay (2006) – outlines the Island – a collection of histor- tour experience by providing history of the fortification. ic and vintage photos of the more detailed information. island by Arcadia Press. Topics covered by the displays —Prisoners of War (2008) – include: Discusses the Castle Williams — Governors Island: Its Military and the use of the island to History Under Three Flags, • Liggett Hall hold Confederate prisoners 1637-1922 by Edmund Banks of war during the Civil War. Smith – a reprint of the 18th • Brick or Regimental Row and 19th century history of the — Oral Histories on Governors • Gresham Road island. Island (2009) – Tells about • Commanding Officer’s the park’s program and — Governors Island: Jewel House Quarters #1 sample summaries of several Of The Harbor by Ann interviews. Buttenweiser – a coffee table- • Enright Road styled book and illustrated • Hay Road

National Park Service 31 • Generals’ Row: Quarters • Elements of a Vauban style As part of that 2008 effort, park 14-20 fortification located in and staff produced and installed around Fort Jay including two locally produced wayside • Fort Jay Theater the glacis, moat, barracks, exhibits on aluminum and PVC • Pershing Hall Building 125 magazine, and ravelin. panels about Fort Jay and Castle Williams. These were intended • Quarters 403 In 2008 The Trust produced and to be temporary measures and installed about 26 wayside ex- they are not listed in the MIDS • The Arsenal District hibits around the island drawing (Media Inventory Database much of their information from System). • St. Cornelius Chapel the park-produced “signs on a • The 1847 Chapel stick” and additional staff as- The Urban Assembly New sistance covering topics such as York Harbor School developed • The American Chestnut Tree island expansion. three wayside panels in 2009 for

One of the 2008 wayside exhibit panels produced and installed by park staff. Photo: NPS

32 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan their Oyster Discovery Center was projected on two walls. Wodiczko focused on the ways at Building 134 and Dock 101 Festival participants covered in in which architecture reflects (located within the Trust- tomato paste and the alternating collective memory, history, and managed portion of the National speed of the video with a roaring the loss of life. Fort Jay’s silent Historic Landmark District) static audio track called for chambers were once again filled explaining oyster restoration, viewer engagement and contem- with the voices of soldiers, and a marine education, and the plation in what was being seen. monument to history’s conflicts history of oysters in New York became a place to contemplate Harbor. The Nocturnal Garden Pond contemporary accounts of war by Gregory Skolozdra – a 2010 and longing. FIGMENT-sponsored sculptur- Exhibits al light and illuminated installa- tion of a magical glowing flower Junior Ranger As an effort to animate unde- and lily pad lined pond shoreline veloped spaces and places and According to the FY2009 in one of the flanking howitzer develop public interest in the Servicewide Interpretive Report casemates. island, the park and The Trust there were 687 participants. A has served as a venue for the PlaneSpace by Christine booklet produced and printed performing and visual arts since Sciulli – a 2010 FIGMENT- through a GPO contract in 2005. Two video exhibitions sponsored light installation in 2008 is available at the Battery have been staged in the Fort Jay one of the flanking howitzer Maritime Building and the magazine inspired by the nature casemates used beams of light bookstore or can be down- of war, Veterans’ Flame (2009) to cut through a dense, organic loaded from the park website and Thousand Islands (2005). network of dried grass, vines, or obtained from interpreters and bramble forms. Points of and NPS volunteers roving the The courtyards of Fort Jay and light variously slink, careen, island. Castle Williams were the venues collide, and disperse along for a 2008 and 2009 audio ex- twisted pathways - the result of a hibition Are You the One? and projected line mapped onto the in 2010 Audiopolis. FIGMENT tangled network of PlaneSpace. artists also produced exhibits in the moat of Fort Jay, and on Veterans’ Flame by Krzysztof the glacis in Fort Jay. Is It Me? in Wodiczko - part of the 2009 which the exhibit curator in a CREATIVETIME Plot/09 This Wizard of Oz fashion manipu- World Nearer Ones exhibition, lated sounds in response to the A video installation of a movement and reactions of candle flame projected on the visitors moving through those magazine wall in the magazine spaces. center courtyard moved with the recorded voices of The Fort Jay magazine has veterans sharing accounts of drawn interest from several war and its aftermath in Iraq artists participating in island- and Afghanistan. Wodiczko wide art expositions since 2005. conducted the interviews Thousand Islands by Serge in April 2009, interested in Spitzer – part of the 2005 Lower having his subjects explore, Manhattan Cultural Council Set through the act of remembering and Drift island-wide exhibi- and retelling, the complex tion was a video installation in psychological space between the the magazine courtyard of the battlefield and their homes. By artist’s edited and stylized video appropriating public buildings of a “food fight” at an annual and monuments as surfaces European tomato festival that for projections in his work,

National Park Service 33 Interpretive Media Assets

Media assets include other in several locally produced documentary on Henry Hudson, park resources available to documentaries about Governors and a youth film project interpretation that support Island. The local city owned featuring a 4-minute segment the design of personal services television station NYC-TV has on and using Governors Island programs or interpretive media. produced three segments about scenes and stories as a backdrop. Governors Island. Blueprint was Museum Collection a program that discussed urban Park Library planning and covered the early The park’s museum collection days of the island’s development The park library consists of consists of about 500 objects, and opening for public access. nearly 400 books and about 20 largely printed ephemera, Secrets of New York aired an DVDs on topics related to the publications, vintage and episode on New York jails and park’s interpretive themes, early rare books, photographs and prisons and featured Castle acquisition accomplished using postcards and small three Williams. $9.99, another the 2006 cooperating association dimensional artifacts with NYC-TV program featured scope of sales thematic topics historic associations to Fort Jay, recreational opportunities on as a guide. Cataloging and Fort Columbus, Castle Williams, several islands in New York maintenance of the library is the New York Arsenal and Harbor. accomplished largely through military activities on Governors volunteer efforts. In 2006, WNBC - Channel 4, Island. the NBC affiliate-produced Jane’s New York did a 30-minute Archives documentary on Governors Island opening the program with The park has an oral history shots and interviews in Castle program. Seasonal staff Williams. members and park volunteers have recorded histories from The local PBS affiliate WNET – the U.S. Army era of early and Channel 13 has produced three mid-20th century. The digital programs, two about National recordings are kept on computer Park sites in New York, a files for immediate staff access and backed up on CD media. They are in the process of being transcribed and illustrated with photographs provided by the interview subjects and the park’s museum collection. In early 2010, some of them were posted on the park’s website.

Film and Video

The park does not have any film or video resources of its own, but there are resources possibly available for use and repurposing into media presentations. The island has been featured or appeared During the Friday morning programs, local youth participate in different activites such as a 19th century Union Army drill. Photo: Ilyse Goldman/NPS

34 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Personal Services

Almost all of the personal servic- es are available only during the summer season – June through October. Services may be pro- vided upon request during the rest of the year.

Education

The park does not have any formal curriculum-based edu- cation offerings at this time. During FY2009 one program was developed and piloted to meet fourth- and fifth-grade curriculum standards where The 319th Army Band performing in the Fort Jay courtyard. students used mapping and Photo: Sami Steigmann/NPS. critical thinking skills to examine the decisions that George into a premiere Civil War living the 319th Army Band. In 2010, Washington needed to make in history event in New York City the park added a USO-touring terms of troops and materials to and in the past several years has blues band to the event. It also fight to protect New York City attracted a surprising degree of is a standing date for Army brat during the Battle of Brooklyn. media attention from magazines reunions held every few years. This program was presented such as New Yorker, New York, TimeOut, and TimeOut for Kids twice to 37 students. Teachers Community Programming and students made suggestions as agreat weekend offering. for improvements which were Nearly 15,000 visitors witnessed Approximately 600 people at- noted and incorporated. The di- and encountered living histo- tended the Hudson Heritage vision hopes to continue to pilot rians from six living military series, held throughout the this program during the 2010- units presenting army camp summer 2009 to commemorate 2011 school years. and civilian life demonstrations, the 400th anniversary of the talks, music, children’s program- Dutch settlement of New York. The park staff maintains infor- ming, cannon firing, and historic These activities, presented in mal relationships with a number weapons demonstrations. partnership with the Queens of New York City school teach- County Wyckoff Farmhouse Army Heritage Day is a small ers. While not involved in Museum, included lectures and scale military history timeline extensive programming with children’s programming empha- event that attracted about 5000 local elementary and secondary sizing the early Dutch settlement visitors in FY 2009. The program schools, staff has been watch- of Brooklyn and the tri-centen- involves modern day Army units ing trends and gauging needs of nial celebration. local educators to provide pro- and assets from the area and the grams as requested. United States Military Academy at West Point. Additionally, the Personal Services Programs event involves living historians Special Events from the Revolutionary and Civil National Park Service Since 2006, the park has spon- War periods presenting camp During FY 2010, over 83,000 sored two special events, Civil life and civilian life demonstra- visitors attended the interpretive War Heritage Weekend and tions, talks, music and historic programs and demonstrations, Army Heritage Day. Civil War weapons demonstrations, chil- bike tours or were encoun- Heritage Weekend has evolved dren’s programming, concertsby tered during interpretive roves.

National Park Service 35 Programs are presented within aligned and serves school groups “Natives in New York” - The the National Historic Landmark towards the end of the school story of the island goes back far district, Fort Jay, Castle Williams, year and day camp groups. beyond European activity in and Picnic Point North America. Park staff offers Ranger’s Choice programming a special walking tour exploring The National Historic Landmark began in 2009 as park staff began the Native American experience District tour is a 90-minute to witness significant repeat on the islands of and surround- tour offered twice daily on visitation and a need for more ing New York Harbor. Wednesday and Thursday and than basic historical orientation has been an interpretive offer- tours. Programs were offered “A Little WAC-Y: The Women’s ing since the first summer of the during the weekends in place of Army Corps” - Created as a way park’s operation in 2003. Free one afternoon tour on a variety to free up men to fight overseas tickets must be obtained at the of topics: in World War II, the Women’s Battery Maritime Building to Army Corps pioneered the way go on the tour. This program is “The Battle for New York and for women in the military. Park offered while the island is of- Governors Island” - Program staff offers a special walking tour ficially closed to visitors during explored the role of Governors detailing the history of the WACs the summer season. Visitors Island during the largest battle and the places they called home must remain with the tour at all of the American Revolution. The and the jobs they performed at times while on the island. The program also featured a historic the Fort Jay army post. tour touches on all the major in- weapons demonstration at its terpretive themes with a greater conclusion. “Faugh a Ballagh - The Irish focus on National Experience in Union Blue 1840 - 1865.” “Prisoners of War” - Governors A walking tour focusing on and the Community in City Island was as a prisoner of war themes. the Irish experience in the facility during the Civil War. United States Army and at Fort “Orientation to the History of Confederate prisoners were held Columbus on Governors Island Governors Island” the Fort Jay/ in various buildings on the island from 1840-1865. The program Castle Williams tour is a 45- from 1862 to 1865. The program also featured a historic weapons minute tour offered three times also featured a historic weapons demonstration at its conclusion. daily on Friday, Saturday, and demonstration at its conclusion. “Become a Person from the Sunday. The walk begins at the “Women in the Civil War” – A top of the hill by Soisson’s dock, Past” - A 2010 pilot of Discovery talk and tour about the non-tra- Space programs in Fort Jay. continues to Fort Jay and ends at ditional roles of women during Castle Williams. The tour covers Children discover the contribu- the Civil War, discussing the tions of the men and women the National Experience and the contributions of these women Community in City themes. from the Revolutionary and Civil (from soldiers to spies), and War periods by exploring the Friday Morning Children’s brings to the forefront the brave material culture of those eras by Programs began in 2008 in re- lives of the “fairer” sex. dressing up in child-sized period sponse to the island opening “Nature in the City” - The city is clothing and using the appropri- on Fridays and the numbers seldom thought of as a natural ate accoutrements. of youth groups and summer place-- filled with skyscrapers Roving interpretation is offered camps seeking free venues for and the bustle of crowds it easy their youth clients. Held in the at Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and to forget that there is soil un- the National Historic Landmark quadrangle of Fort Jay, it in- derneath the concrete and trees volves an overview and partici- District during public access growing in the medians. Using days. At the ferry landings at patory exercise in the routine Governors Island as a backdrop, duties and drills of a 19th soldier, Soissons Dock, Brooklyn Dock park staff highlight the natural 101, staff provide basic way a Confederate prisoner of war, processes and the plants and or a wife of an enlisted soldier finding, program orientation trees that are actively shaping and interpretation to arriving and officer. This program is our lives as city dwellers. (T7) New York City curriculum- visitors.

36 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan The National Park Service pro- vided facilities, venues, staff as- sistance or special programming for partner programming orga- nizations on Governors Island during 2009.

Long Island Writers’ Guild An annual series hosted by the park since 2006 with open read- ings of original poetry and prose exploring Long Island and New York City themes and experi- ences. Park staff, The Trust staff, and members of the public have shared their family-friendly works. In 2009, the Guild honored the park with a com- munity partner award.

Children’s Museum of the Arts During the Civil War Weekend, Battery G of the Pennsylvania Light Artillery provides historic weapons demonstrations. Photo: Daniel C. Krebs Free Arts Island Outpost – Sat-Sun 11am – 3pm Summer Historic Weapons Program in period appropriate historic Art Colony – one and two-week uniforms are an important long camps for children 7-14 With two fortifications as the component of many formal park’s the primary resource tours and informal roves. On a CUNY/Queens College Institute and the period of significance larger scale with living history vfor Sustainable Cities 2009 spanning U.S. Army history groups they are also offered Summer Lecture Series from 1794 to 1966, historic during special events. These Saturday 1:30pm in Pershing weapons demonstrations such programs will increase in Hall – talks on different “green” as musket and cannon firing importance and popularity as topics demonstrations, drill and the Castle Williams and the War military living history programs of 1812 bicentennials and the Civil War Sesquicentennial begin in 2011. These demonstrations are conducted by park staff and volunteers under the supervision of NPS certified historic weapons certified personnel according to NPS policies and guidelines.

Staffing:

In 2010 the Interpretation Division staff included the GS- 025-11 Supervisory Park Ranger, two GS-025-9 Park Rangers (one was on extended leave), four GS- 025-5/7 seasonal Park Rangers, and nine GS-090-4/5 seasonal Park interpreters rove the park, the National Historic Landmark District, and the ferry landings providing assistance and opportunities for new insight to visitors. Park Guides. Photo: Dan Barker/NPS National Park Service 37 The GS-11 ranger manages the lead for the living history volun- Partnerships park’s interpretive, education teer program, the park’s summer and visitor services providing lecture series 20%, planning, In 2010, The Trust for Governors day to day direction and annual research, and program develop- Island (The Trust) became the planning for operations in those ment 25%; historic weapons legal successor to the Governors programs 30% and attending program 10%, summer seasonal Island Preservation and meetings and coordination with operations, 25%. Education Corporation (GIPEC) park partners 20%. The position and assumed responsibility for also supervises the library 5%, The second GS-9 ranger is the the planning, redevelopment, museum 10%, and history pro- park’s interpretive specialist, and ongoing operations for 150 grams 10% and is the regional interpretive trainer, and holds acres of Governors Island. Once point of contact for those pro- collateral duties with emergency a partnership of New York City grams and additionally for visitor medical services 5%, seasonal and New York State The Trust, protection and fees 5%. The recruiting and staffing, seasonal now a 501(c)(3) – not-for-profit position is also the park’s lead training, and visitor services corporation and an instrumen- cooperating association coordi- 30% and supervises the seasonal tality of the City of New York, nator 5% and alternate for the staff 30%. The position also seeks to bring Governors Island following programs: bookstore supervises the volunteer back to life, making this island at operations, historic weapons program and is the group lead the center of New York Harbor, 5%, web page maintenance and for maintaining the park’s a destination with great public uniforms. The position also website 10%. This position is the open space, as well as future serves as the park special use regional office point of contact education, not for profit and manager 5%. for accessibility, volunteers, commercial facilities. The Trust and education programs. The is the park’s primary partner and One GS-9 ranger in a recently position is the public point of neighbor on Governors Island. established position leads the contact for volunteers, living living history, historic weapons, historians, lecturers, and Governors Island Alliance is and ranger in classroom pro- elementary/secondary school a coalition of organizations grams. The position supervises educators and alternate for park and individuals working to bookstore operations and is the special uses 5% and conducts celebrate the island’s rich co-cooperating association co- research, planning, and program history, create memorable parks ordinator for the park 20%, the development, 20% and public spaces, and ensure appropriate reuse of the island and its historic structures. The Governors Island Alliance’s and its organizational host, the Regional Planning Association championed the concept of redeveloping the island as a great civic space is the basis for the 2003 transfer from the federal government to The Trust and the NPS.

The mission of the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, with the National Park Service is to preserve and protect the National Parks of New York Harbor for the people of the During the summer, seasonal park rangers and park guides provide interpretive region and for visitors, both services. Photo: Daniel C. Krebs

38 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan national and international. (the future Marine Science and portrays a volunteer Union The Harbor Conservancy has Technology Center). The new Civil War regiment from embarked on an ambitious facilities on Governors Island, Long Island. As part of the initiative focused on improving which opened in September of the National Regiment, an access, through a seamless 2010, place students in the umbrella group of other Civil waterborne transportation center of the maritime economy War living history organizations system and its interactive web and aquatic environment of New in the Northeast and Mid- portal; enlivening the park York. By immersing students in Atlantic states, they participate experience with an imaginative the maritime experience, the in numerous educational array of new programs; and school will teach young people programs, parades, 19th century restoring these national park the skills necessary to help living history presentations, treasures by supporting select utilize, study, and protect water military reenactments, capital projects. resources in New York and far television documentaries, and beyond. Hollywood movies. In addition The Urban Assembly New to the military impression, York Harbor School provides a Working partnerships have been the Association has an active college-preparatory education established with several living Soldiers Aid Society interpreting built upon New York City’s history organizations that share civilian life of the era. maritime experience. In the park’s goal of by providing November 2006, Harbor School visitors a tangible link to the Gawdawful Mess Civil War was selected to be the first tenant island’s U. S. Army heritage. Group is a similarly organized of the island. And in April 2008, living history group based in th the New York City Department 119 New York Volunteer New Jersey that interprets the of Education signed a 40-year Infantry Association is a Confederate military Civil War lease for Buildings 550 (main Bethpage, Long Island-based experience and provides the academic building) and 134 living history group that park an important means of

In spring 2010, the Governors Island Alliance, Carl Scorza, a former Artist in the Park, and a local high school class created a large-scale painting of a harbor map. Photo: Elizabeth Case/Governors Island Alliance National Park Service 39 interpreting the Confederate Eastern National the island. Through an Eastern prisoner of war experience on National agency development Governors Island. The park has two sales areas/ grant, a second location was visitor contact stations that were developed in the waiting room Battery G of the Pennsylvania operated in partnership with its of the Battery Maritime Building Light Artillery, a similarly orga- cooperating association, Eastern waiting room in 2008. nized living history group based National through June 2009. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, There currently is a new cooper- The top selling items included interprets the experiences of ating association agreement that the three history and photo- artillerists during the Civil War, includes both Eastern National graphic books about Governors and provides popular cannon and the National Parks of New Island; Civil War items in- firing demonstrations with their York Harbor Conservancy cluding bugles, cannons and M 1857 reproduction 12-pound (Harbor Conservancy) in a joint kepis; published diaries of two Napoleon cannon. venture to enhance visitor and Confederate prisoners held public understanding of the on the island; and books and Colonel Albert Pawlings Levies National Parks of New York videos about New York City and is a Westchester County-based Harbor (NPNH) through edu- Hudson River history. Revolutionary War living history cational and interpretive sales group with extensive experience in NPNH site museum shops as The Scope of Sales was drafted working with schools as part of well as product development for in 2006. At that time the park’s the state educational curriculum, the shops. The primary sales lo- themes had not been estab- and is also a programming cation is in Building 140 located lished, but a range of topics were partner with Saint Paul’s at the main ferry landing on included that covered most of National Historic Site. the themes:

The Battery Maritime Building bookstore. Photo: Michael B. Shaver/NPS

40 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan • The American Military The percentage donation for Two performance art groups, Experience bookstore sales averages about Dancing in the Streets and Zvi $1500 per year. So far those Dance, and three arts organi- • Military Architecture donations have funded acquisi- zations, “CreativeTime”, the 1776-1966 tions for the park library with Lower Manhattan Cultural • Architecture of coastal the remainder being held to Council, and FIGMENT, fortifications 1700-1900 support the living history and mounted video and static art • Army Ordinance historic weapons demonstration installations, a series of dance programs. performances, and a sculpture • Revolutionary War in exhibit in and around Fort Jay New York Volunteer Program and Castle Williams. The New • The War of 1812 York Studio School and the According to the FY09 National Academy of the Arts • The Role of Music in the Volunteer Report 5,358 hours brought four students to the U.S. Army 1800-1860 of service was provided for in- park as part of their instructional • The United States Army terpretation by twenty two core and the park’s “Artists in the in a period of evolution volunteers. Volunteers provided Park” programs. The exhibitors 1815-1860 bird walks and bike tours as well and artists spent 8,850 hours as participated in three service- creating and performing artistic • The Civil War wide programs for National works. • The 1880 Presidential Public Lands Day including Election bird migration, “Flowerboxes • Spanish-American War in Fort Jay,” and “Images of Our National Parks.” Sixty-two living • The United States Army history volunteers participated between the Wars in the Civil War Weekend. • Early Army Aviation • World War I • Between the Wars • World War II • The Cold War • U.S. Coast Guard at Governors Island 1966- 1996 • The Harbor and the City: The Object of Protection • Environment and ecology of the harbor and New York City

Sales for the two bookstores from FY2008 to FY2010 aver- aged about $20,000 each year for the 20 week season that the island is open to the public.

Park volunteer, Rhonda de Freitas, maintains the historic scene by planting flower boxes in front of the Fort Jay barracks. Photo: Ilyse Goldman/NPS

National Park Service 41 Recommendations

“Telling America’s

whole story, with all its

imperfections and beauty,

is a gift to ourselves and to

future generations.”

NPS Second Century Commissioner Carolyn Finney

42 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Interpretive planning supports The Goals for Interpretive of static dates but continues the park’s General Management Programming are designed to to change every day. Plan (GMP). It assesses current realize the vision, objectives, conditions and formulates themes, and visitor experiences Goals for Interpretive recommendations that will described in the Foundation for Programming provide direction and focus Planning section. The following to achieve the desired future principles will apply to all Workshop participants identified interpretive program as interpretation at Governors goals to enhance the effective- prescribed in the GMP. A long- Island National Monument: ness of the interpretive services range interpretive plan analyzes within Governors Island National • All interpretation will address all needs and recommends Monument. These goals and universal design. a wide array of interpretive associated actions are represen- services, facilities, programs, and • Where possible, interpreta- tative of many ideas generated opportunities for partnerships tion will use reproduction during the workshop. Action to communicate in the most objects and documented items are listed below each goal, efficient and effective way the personal stories to bring the and were used to create the park’s purpose, significance, and story alive for visitors. Implementation Plan located in values. the next section of this docu- • Where possible, the park will ment. Over the next three to five The preferred alternative of the partner with neighboring years Governors Island National 2009 GMP prescribes working institutions to develop Monument and its partners will with other national parks in programs, media, and share focus on the following goals: New York Harbor, partners research. and organizations, to develop activities in Castle Williams • The park will follow the stan- Improve Arrival and and Fort Jay and on the glacis dards of the National Park Orientation Experience that showcase and interpret the Service Graphic Identity island’s key themes. Programs, Program as signs and inter- An important goal for providing exhibits, and special events pretive media are upgraded interpretive services over the next would help visitors understand allowing for exploration with 3 to 5 years is to improve orienta- the island’s strategic location in partners to support a seam- tion and access to park and island the harbor, its historical military less visitor experience. information. No unified sign and defense role, and the forts’ system exists to clearly identify relationship to the country’s • Interpretation will include park historic sites, or provide larger coastal defense system. examples and perspectives information and clear directions The harbor story allows the from diverse points of view. to park sites. Before visitors can public to put the island’s history It will respond to diverse have a meaningful park experi- into a larger perspective. The audiences, varying levels of ence, they need to find their way Harbor Center would provide interest, and different lengths to the park, determine where opportunities to learn and of time for a visit. the experience begins, and take appreciate how the harbor made care of their basic needs. Visitor • Where possible, “virtual experience issues such as agency New York City what it is today, visitors” will have opportuni- how the growth of New York identity and orientation must be ties to view key park vistas addressed before interpretation has affected the harbor and its and access to new research, ecosystem, and how uses of can begin. Effective signs as well studies, management plans, as pedestrian orientation and the harbor and its waterfront and historical information. continue to evolve over time. information are the first steps Governors Island’s location in • Reinforce the island’s toward satisfying these basic New York Harbor and views dynamic nature and that visitor needs. from the island of the harbor and Governors Island is part of Due to multiple departure and city give it a special advantage in history’s continuum. History arrival points, Governors Island telling these stories. is not merely one or a series National Monument has very

National Park Service 43 Park interpreters will continue to provide a welcome and orientation talk to visitors upon arrival at Governors Island. Photo: Ilyse Goldman/NPS different challenges than many offering more free and tation and daily program talks other parks. It can be a challenge commercial multi-lingual maps to visitors waiting in the ferry to ensure that the information and publications, developing a line both inside and outside on how to safely enjoy the park park handbook, producing an of the building and park resources is easily orientation video, and designate a accessible to all visitors. Because park visitor center. Any solutions • On the Ferry (owned/oper- of the multiple entry points involving non-NPS property ated by The Trust) and the numbers of people would require agreement with • Provide schedule of events, travelling on each ferry boat, The Trust. guides, and maps visitors using park resources may not ever make contact with Specific recommendations • Offer a digital “orientation” park staff. There may also be include: program limitations on how park staff • At all departure points may provide interpretive services • Assign a ranger to rove the to Governors Island: ferry and orientation to visitors riding Battery Maritime Building, on the ferries. In the future as Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier • Upon arrival at Governors connections to other sites and 6 to Governors Island, and Island – Dock 101, Dock destinations (Ellis Island, Statue Battery Maritime Visitor 102, Soissons Dock, and of Liberty, and South Street Contact Station Building 140 Visitor Contact Seaport) are added, the challenge Station will increase. • Offer individual orientation and information service • Continue to offer individual Park staff should work with orientation and information island partners to identify • Provide a brief, targeted au- service potential solutions including diovisual presentation on updating and improving the The Trust or National Park • Provide a welcome and ori- public access map, posting Service monitors entation talk highlighting variable message signs, making program schedules recorded announcements, • Provide short, targeted orien-

44 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan • Provide a brief, targeted have a clear vision, measurable standards, and in social media audiovisual presentation on results, NPS branding strategies, have occurred. During the life The Trust or National Park opportunities for feedback, and of this plan, park staff will need Service monitors in Building specific procedures and policies. to continually increase and 140 improve their skills with the Other marketing options technology, monitor and update • Have a ranger always visible include: all web-based content to meet to visitors all over the the current standard, and remain monument • Develop relationships with partner groups who can help vigilant about what is posted via park staff with marketing and social media sites. Develop and Implement a public relations; provide staff An ever-increasing percentage of Marketing Program as needed for training park visitors are web users who Positive personal experiences on • Invite selected hotel con- visit Governors Island National the island shared with others has cierges, programming part- Monument (www.nps.gov/gois) increased repeat visitation and ners, Staten Island Ferry seeking information. Many of brought in new visitors. A shared staff, Heliport staff, Big Apple these “virtual visitors” never ac- challenge for the island and the Volunteers, Statue Cruises, tually come to the park, but have park is to market to new immi- and continue to invite their needs met solely though grants and other visitor commu- NPNH staff to the park and the website. The website should nities who have not traditionally island for pre-opening ori- highlight the opportunities and gone into the larger city or to entation and familiarization experiences that are available to destinations outside their local tours. both on-site visitors and virtual neighborhoods. Located within visitors. an international center and an • Write and submit a weekly • Develop and post virtual international destination, the series of articles for AM/ tours of Castle Williams, park has a phenomenal opportu- Metro, New York Times, Fort Jay, and the National nity to tell a uniquely American Daily News, and neigh- Historic Landmark District. story that can be intriguing and borhood papers like the Downtown Express compelling to international visi- . • Continue to improve inter- tors who often look for free or • Produce occasional features active web-based activity economical places to have such for local National Public for kids/students on harbor an experience. Once established Radio stations, WNET (PBS defense and ecology of the in international guide books, the affiliate), local cable access, harbor. park can easily become a desti- New York One, and Spanish nation for international visitors. • Continue to post historical and other foreign language research online. Establishing a Governors Island television stations and public National Monument marketing access channels. • Develop and post a digital version of self-guided tours. team will promote a stronger • Expand opportunities for connection between the park, and target small commercial the island community, and the tour groups in small towns • Create a Facebook page and National Parks of New York in Pennsylvania, on Long explore other appropriate Harbor. This effort should be Island, in Connecticut, and venues of social media as coordinated with NPNH and in upstate New York. NPS opens access to such the Conservancy to coordinate with other marketing/branding • Develop partnerships with projects. The team will develop a Improve Park Website universities and other groups marketing plan with a goal to in- Since the National Monument to support improvements crease visitation and stewardship was established in 2001, sig- and establish on-going cre- of Governors Island National nificant changes in digital ative process for tapping into Monument. The plan should technology, in DOI/NPS web the power of the internet.

National Park Service 45 • Provide information on the including defense, confinement, placement was a strategic ecological significance of and community, and a wall decision. The 2009 GMP the harbor and links to NPS scrim revealing Castle Williams’ provides a management vision ocean/ecology information historic uses. An electronic that Fort Jay become a center and others as appropriate. animated video “fly through” for “dynamic interpretive and of Castle Williams will also be educational programs, exhibits, created and made available to events, tours, and informal Establish an Interpretive visitors via video monitors and recreation.” Fort Jay will also be Presence at Castle Williams thorough the park’s website. used to provide visitors with a glimpse into the domestic life of The 2009 GMP states that Castle A variety of interpretive Williams would eventually be former military officers stationed programs will be offered at there. the island’s main exhibition Castle Williams. Staff members and interpretive center with will provide orientation and An interpretive discovery multimedia programs and stationed interpretation. Ranger- experience has been interactive exhibits. In order to guided tours will be the only proposed that would include make Castle Williams accessible way that visitors can access the “curriculum-aligned” activities to the public, the park is roof of the fortification with related to engineering, removing hazardous materials its view of the harbor and the journaling, archeology, and the and stabilizing the building. other existing forts that once environment. The activities This work is scheduled to be protected it. Park interpreters would be targeted to youth completed by early 2011. in period uniforms will present and families. These activities New freestanding interpretive programs. Harbor defense talks would be interactive and exhibits inside and outside will be offered from the top of feature a variety of interpretive Castle Williams will be Castle Williams. techniques. Visitors will installed by summer 2011. self-select the activities they The exhibits will include a Create a Discovery participate in based on their needs including time constraints welcome orientation panel, Experience at Fort Jay harbor wayside exhibit, tactile and children’s ages. Historic model of Castle Williams, three Fort Jay is located at the center weapons demonstrations and freestanding exhibit modules of Governors Island National living history interpretation will reflecting different historic eras Monument. Historically, that continue and be integrated into this experience and enhanced thorough youth programs exploring examples of the material culture of the soldiers and civilians that historically lived on the island. Two of the Fort Jay barracks apartments would be opened to allow park staff and volunteers to facilitate the discovery experience. Staff members would also be available to provide orientation and stationed interpretation within Fort Jay.

Future interpretive services inside Fort Jay may include:

• Produce a military uniform display and activity. By summer 2011, new freestanding interpretive exhibits will be installed in the Castle Williams courtyard. Photo: Andrew Moore

46 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan —Barracks life 1840, 1860 (Civil War prisoners), 1880, 1900-20

Determine Dock 102 Experience

By 2011, Dock 102 will be available for ferry passenger use and interpretive exhibits for the pier and shelter are in development for 2012 to address GMP goals of information and orientation. Minimal services will be offered until the visitor experience is more clearly defined. The 2009 GMP states that Dock 102 will provide visitors with information, Park staff will better emphasize and interpret the iconic Fort Jay gateway orientation, shelter, and other sculpture. Photo: Judy Jacob/NPS basic services. Initially visitors • Develop the magazine center • Better emphasize and inter- will have access to benches court into program space. pret the gateway sculpture. located on the pier and a shelter Give programs or write a site adjacent to the pier. The shelter • Establishing an EN/ bulletin about the sculpture. will not be staffed. There will Conservancy sales area in be seating for 75 people and the barracks based on an his- • Interpret the designed pro- bulletin board cases will display toric use such as a post sutler tective landscape. basic arrival and orientation similar to one at Fort Pulaski information. As a transportation and Fort Delaware. • Develop and implement historic furnishings plans hub, commercial and National Park Service usage has yet to be • Produce an historic photo for the bomb proof, maga- determined. display. zine arms room and powder room, guard house, and Dock 102 would be the primary • Provide office and exhibit barracks. location to emphasize the “Place space to program partners. in the Environment” theme Partners would include orga- • Develop “guided discovery” focusing on New York Harbor nizations that could address activities for children to and the harbor environment. the ecological significance of encourage visits to different Partnerships with the Urban the Harbor. sites in the park or on island Assembly New York Harbor School and others would • Produce a digital media tour • Consider establishing heri- allow the park to connect to in various languages. tage overnight experiences in the Ecodock and the FLUPSY historically restored barracks • Expand living history inter- oyster cultivation project. A pretation events by military • Produce short videos for 2010-2011 Challenge Cost Share era. example one subject for each project with Governors Island Alliance will identify potential • Organize a more complete Fort Jay apartment using real partnerships and ways to use Army history timeline event residents or actors talking the dock and other locations that features living history about various periods of to interpret the ecological interpreters from different time significance of the harbor. A eras, perhaps an era on each — Family life 1930, 1950, 1960, variety of interpretive services side around the perimeter of 1980 including wayside exhibits, Fort Jay. education programs, guided National Park Service 47 and self-guided programs, touch adjacent to Soissons Dock, one the Museum of City of tanks, digital media, and more to provide opportunities New York developed for could be developed. for visitors to learn more its Manahatta exhibition about the park. The Eastern in 2009, revealing how the Specific interpretive recommen- National/Conservancy island has changed over time. dations include: bookstore is located in the Visitors could sit and watch • Developing, fabricating and front half of the building, and these programs as well as installing a 3-dimensional, there is a large unused space purchase them through the hands-on orientation model in the back. Determining the bookstore. of the island. best use of the entire space will be a priority. The 2009 Two or three interactive kiosks • Use Dock 102 as a departure GMP states that Building 140 would allow visitors to press a point for recreational boating will be retained as a visitor point on an island map and dis- or small New York sloop contact station. Options to cover more about that particular sailboat tours that reveals the consider include converting location. maritime history surrounding the entire space to a staffed While many visitors do go into the island. or unstaffed orientation Building 140, many more could and information facility and be accommodated. Due to the • Encouraging visiting historic moving the bookstore to boats and ships that have lack of description in the his- Fort Jay; and creating a small torically accurate title, visitors appropriate thematic con- theater and exhibition area nections to dock and provide may not know the bookstore, or and keeping the bookstore. whatever future use may be de- visitors with access. Either of these options termined, is there. Renaming the would allow the park to offer building may be a solution. Determine best use for more interpretive services Building 140 including: The bookstore offers a good selection of quality, relevant, • A 1,000 square-foot easement • A video of the history and and scholarly publications. The in Building 140 provides the ecology of Governors Island park recognizes that 21st century park with a prime location, and/or a brief PowerPoint visitors learn in a variety of ways program, similar to the besides traditional publica- tions. Park staff will work with EN/Conservancy to expand its sales line to include appropriate theme-related items. Spanish and other language resources such as Chinese, Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, and Korean will also be reviewed. If not considered to be commercially viable, they could be produced by the park as part of its site bulletin program.

Develop and Provide Education Programs

An effective park education program requires adequate staff for planning, development, implementation, and assess- An unstaffed shelter and benches will be available at Dock 102 when it is open ment. The resources and themes to ferry passenger use. Photo: Michael B. Shaver/NPS of Governors Island National

48 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Monument offer great potential for the development of dynamic and popular education program in partnership with New York City area schools, neighboring parks, historic sites, and affiliated areas.

A well-designed and run park youth outreach and education program generally depends on establishing a Youth/ Education Coordinator position. This role has been a collateral duty assignment for one of the GS- 025-09 Park Rangers, but to be truly effective it needs to be a full-time position. The Building upon the successful wayside exhibit panel and display, the Urban primary role of the coordinator Assembly New York Harbor School’s Oyster Discovery Center will provide will be to secure resources to visitors with more opportunities to discover stories of the “Place in the facilitate the development and Environment” theme. Photo: Fran Agnone/NPS growth of a curriculum-aligned Specific education recommenda- • Develop measurable results program based on national and tions include: for National Park Service state education standards. The goals. position would additionally • Establish endowments for coordinate with various providing transportation for • Explore possible options organized youth groups and school groups. for dedicated indoor outreach programs. infrastructure and classroom • Collaborate with a variety of space including the Urban With a strong program and ties partners including The Trust, Assembly New York Harbor directly to local, state, and na- Governors Island Alliance, School Education Center tional curriculum standards, and the Urban Assembly (Building 134). more schools will see the value of New York Harbor School using the park to help meet their to research, design, and • Develop education pro- needs. This can be accomplished implement pre-K – college gramming for lifelong by involving educators from area curriculum-based programs. learners such as Exploritas schools singularly or as part of (Elderhostel). an organized educator advisory • Give in-service credit to group directly in the develop- teachers who participate in • Collaborate with partners to ment of both general and specific pre-service, in-service, and develop graduate and under- activities and curriculum guides. service learning workshops. graduate research projects. Explore the possibilities of NPNH is developing an providing a stipend. • Collaborate with partners to education strategy to improve provide educational content and expand services to schools • Design curriculum that online or through off-island and to be more strategic in the includes assessment partners (educator networks, allocation of fiscal and human (measurable results) for New National Parks of New York resources. This strategy will help York City, New York State, Harbor, New York Historical to establish a more systemic New Jersey, and Connecticut. Society). and sustainable approach to • Design programs for children education across the NPNH • Develop a formal partnership and families in the summer sites. with the Urban Assembly that are curriculum-aligned New York Harbor School. and/or recreational. Ecodock and the Oyster

National Park Service 49 Discovery Center may • Develop carefully erosion and weathering provide visitors with orchestrated e-mail on island land and flora opportunities to discover campaigns to teachers to including cartographic stories of the “Places in engage them throughout the and topographic evidence. the Environment” theme year and especially before Measurements would be including depletion and and after visits to the island. taken over a four-year repopulation of the oyster period to study change population in New York • Build a Governors Island over time. Data would harbor, Governors Island National Monument Youth be used to create a land as center of the harbor, Advocates team from and harbor restoration NYC 5 boroughs (towards timeline and historic efforts. Park staff and Urban building connections to all comparison, illustrate Assembly New York Harbor boroughs). Youth would conservation efforts, and School staff and students may be trained / taught to be develop a temporary collaborate to create a short Governors Island “youth exhibit. film series; audiocasts; panel ambassadors” or “youth — Create a visual time line discussions; and Ecodock representatives” to help analyzing historic records lecture series. share information in their schools and communities and that documents changes • Develop a traveling program to engage youth more with of flora and fauna over the that emphasizes Governors the island and to work with past 200 years. Island environmental and them to virally share history, — Collect data and analyze historical significance. The mission, and relevance with environmental factors program may include a short their peers and others in their that impact the island. film, worksheets, interactive communities. Data would be used to games. The activities would create curriculum guides be targeted for use in local • Develop curriculum that that could be publish schools and day camps. The focuses on the water-focused for teacher use in local program could become a pre- culture of the island and one and surrounding school visit activity or a marketing greatly influenced by boating/ tool to encourage children to ferry/tides etc. Develop districts. visit Governors Island. colorful map materials that show how the rivers and Plan and Host Special Events • Offer tours that connect estuaries of NYC were the the story of the island with “highways” of yesteryear All special events must relate to New York city and state and the means by which the purpose, significance, and educational curriculum people traveled and the city themes and provide interpretive and standards expanding was connected. Highlight opportunities. Upcoming events on existing programs for the importance of the fort will include: elementary school students. defending these roadways, keeping them open, and • 2011 – Castle Williams re- • Support teachers with turn- facilitating the transportation opening and Bicentennial key materials that they will of goods, business, people • 2012-2015 – War of 1812 recognize (immediately and commerce across the Bicentennial and at-a-glance) will help nation. them meet their curriculum • 2010-2015 – Civil War teaching requirements. • Develop citizen science Sesquicentennial projects to address ecological • Develop pre-visit and post- issues with a special emphasis • 2016 – NPS Centennial visit assessment materials to on climate change: gauge impact of visit to the Governors Island National Governors Island National — Participate in a study of Monument reflects more than Monument. the long-term effects of an isolated day in history. It

50 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan represents a continuum of events reveal how New York Harbor • Evaluate the 2010 coastal associated with the United States developed geologically and defense and harbor ecology military. Park staff will participate geographically into an ideal talks using the painted map of in the War of 1812 Bicentennial location for subsistence, trade, New York harbor. and Civil War Sesquicentennial commerce, and defense. commemorations and be Interpretive services may be used • Discuss theory and consistent with national/regional to compare New York Harbor technology of defense efforts to help visitors remember with other harbors throughout At Picnic Point the causes of these conflicts the nation and world to show along with the perils they posed the similarities and differences • Offer ranger talks about the to nation. The park will also in ecology as well as the working harbor, New York honor those who fought, as development and rise in power harbor fortifications, and well as the spouses, children, of New York City. make connections to the and the other soldiers and other National Parks of New civilians who supported them Within Governors Island York Harbor visible from the on the homefront, by developing National Monument point. appropriate interpretive exhibits, • Develop a harbor map programs, and events at the • Establish a roving ranger showing aerial view of presence park as well as working with Governors Island as center of partners to create interpretive harbor and the locations of • Develop, fabricate, and install opportunities beyond park other forts. wayside exhibits about the boundaries. working harbor and harbor • Develop a terrain table of fortifications Emphasize Harbor Defense New York Harbor for interac- tive interpretation On Battery Park Theme • Develop a digital media tour • Offer a harbor fortification Governors Island National about the harbor defenses talk Monument has three primary interpretive themes. During the planning process participants felt that the “Place in the National Experience” theme and the associated harbor defense stories should be emphasized. Working with island partners and the Parks of New York Harbor to provide visitors with opportunities to discover how Castle Williams and Fort Jay on Governors Island represent an important early effort to protect and defend the country through a system of strategically placed coastal fortifications is a priority. Interpretive services may be offered on Governors Island, at Battery Park, on harbor tour cruises, the Staten Island Ferry, and on helicopter tours.

In addition to telling the harbor defense stories, the participants Park interpretive programs and media will emphasize harbor defense. felt it was important to also Photo: Adam Paris/NPS National Park Service 51 • Partner with Castle Clinton, National Park Service bus Effectively managing existing the Battery Conservancy, tours partnerships will require suf- and Battery Park City to ficient staff and time. The role brainstorm appropriate inter­ • Offer a guided walking and of Partnership Coordinator has pretive services including bicycle tours that includes the been a collateral duty assignment wayside exhibits or other full-length of the promenade for the Superintendent and the services to interpret the • Provide stationed inter- Supervisory Park Ranger. To be harbor and the Governors pretation at site along the truly effective, though, it should Island forts. Promenade to explain that be a full-time position devoted to particular place during community outreach and facili- On a Harbor Tour Cruise Boat, tating park partnerships. Staten Island Ferry, or Helicopter special events To u r Historic District Specific recommendations include: • Tour of New York harbor • Offer a guided walking tour defenses extending from the and self-guided digital media • Strengthen existing Narrows to Throgs Neck tour describing Governors partnerships with The Bridge and part way into the Island in the context of New Trust and Governors Island Hudson River York Harbor geography Alliance. Continue periodic programming meetings • Could extend to Sandy • Produce an island-wide between the National Park Hook, if suitable vessels wayside exhibit plan. Service, Trust, Governors were available, as that was Fabricate and install wayside Island Alliance, and the the outermost defensive exhibits. Urban Assembly New York installation. Harbor School. Increase • Develop a self-guided digital training opportunities for • Photo displays in Staten walking tour Island Ferry terminal and at partners including NPS Heliport • Develop and evaluate a mission and interpretive guided and self guided skills. Provide reciprocal • Place site bulletins in a bro- bicycle tour in 2010 training for park staff to chure rack on the Staten include partners’ missions Island Ferry and resources. Build upon Facilitate the Development and expand interpretive Appendix D contains specific and Growth of Existing and programs and activities recommendations related to the Future Partnerships offered by partners. other interpretive themes. Governors Island National • Develop a formal partnership Expand Interpretive Monument was established with Urban Assembly New Services outside of the Park with the intent that the park’s York Harbor School. Boundary mission will be enacted in cooperation with partners. • Explore the possibilities of Park staff members have been Interpretive partnerships play establishing partnerships providing walking tours along a key role in the delivery of with the U.S. Military the northern section of the essential programs and can Academy at West Point, Promenade and through the also provide opportunities for the U.S. Army Corps of National Historic Landmark enhanced interpretive products Engineers and the U.S. Army District. Workshop participants and services. Partnerships are and U.S. Coast Guard “Brats” recommended that these pro- most effective when partners organizations. grams continue to be offer­ed. share a common goal, leverage • Establish formal partnerships Other recommendations include: their efforts to accomplish the with universities to support goal, and communicate with each Promenade education and preservation other. work. • Provide commercial or

52 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Increase Volunteer Program • Continue to develop and For example, youth groups implement a retention may be identified who have The Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) strategy that will include an interest and skill in devel- program could be enhanced with creating and maintaining oping web-based services. more dedicated NPS supervision, a database of volunteers; Amateur photographers and providing VIP accommodations, updating position regular local visitors may be and an increase in VIP funding. descriptions and determining available to contribute to Greater outreach to those how many volunteers or perhaps even manage a volunteers interested in the are needed for each task; section of the park website or variety of historic time periods communicating the length of Flickr website. represented by the park could assignment when recruiting produce benefits in research volunteers to minimize Contact a Variety of Visitors and the availability of costumed turnover; developing a interpretation. An effort to standard VIP uniform to Most interpretive services are enhance and expand the provide consistent visual developed for a general audience. participation of local volunteers cues; working with partners Most visitors to Governors Island would be beneficial as well. to reduce competition for are coming with specific needs or A well-designed and well-run volunteers; and working for specific reasons. To best meet park volunteer program generally with park staff to ensure that their needs and provide them depends on establishing a there is adequate oversight with opportunities to discover Volunteer Coordinator position. and support for volunteers. the significance of park resourc- This role has been a collateral Increase recognition of es, workshop participants identi- duty assignment for one of the volunteer achievements. fied visitor groups that interpre- tive services may be developed GS-025-9 Park Rangers, but to • Develop a needs assessment for during the life of this plan. be truly effective it should be a for volunteer contributions full-time position. The primary or work. Identifying what Recreation role of the coordinator will be tasks park staff need volun- to facilitate the retention of teer help with will provide • Continue to build on the suc- current volunteers as well as the the coordinator with the cesses ranger guided tours as development and growth of the necessary information to suc- part of the “Biking Through volunteer program. cessfully recruit. The assess- History” program initiated ment also would help identify in 2010 with a grant from the Specific recommendations potential individuals or group National Park and the Coca- include: skills that might be needed. Cola Foundations. • Offer and evaluate a bicycle tour that mixes recreation and interpretation.

• Start a game of “Capture the Flag” and reveal historic con- nection to the park.

• Develop a recreational component in programs. For example offer a history Frisbee tour, kite program, fishing derby, and sailing program.

• Produce a map that can fit on the front of a bicycle with Park volunteers provide invaluable support to Governors Island interpretive staff. Photo: Ilyse Goldman/NPS National Park Service 53 a flip card that identifies • Develop programs about the • Develop recreational oppor- historic sites on the island geology and geography of tunities including lunchtime and around the harbor, rest- Governors Island. or post-work walking and rooms, and water stations. bicycle tours. • For subway enthusiasts, ge- • Produce a walking tour map ologists, and urban planners • One of the challenges that identifies places to eat, develop programs related to in reaching local office picnic areas, viewshed infor- the use of landfill for urban populations is a psychological mation, rest areas, and photo expansion. one of “crossing the bay” by opportunities. ferry. Though the ride is only • Host a group recreational 7 minutes, “psychologically” Yo u t h walk or Volksmarch. many people may feel it’s • Develop digital media tours “too much, too far, too • Develop a ranger scouts distant” to cross a body of program. with subjects focused for a variety of special inter- water to get to the island. It • Revise the junior ranger book. est groups including archi- may be beneficial to actually tecture, forts, and military show office workers (give • Establish a three-day per history. them a minute-by-minute week living history day camp. scenario) including time • Connect with National Park within a one-hour lunch • Host “History Field Days” for tour groups. break for rest/relaxation) that schools and youth groups. will show them that this is not Local Office Populations only doable but enjoyable. Special Interest • Offer short, concise lunch- For example: • Connect with city museum time / picnic table ranger — 12:50 Walk to the ferry trips and academic seminar talks. programs to share Governors — 12:55 Take in that beautiful Island’s place in New York • Offer short teaser programs. view, Sip some iced tea, Feel City history. the breeze on your face

Topical, interactive programs will provide opportunities for families to connect to a variety of park stories. Photo: Ilyse Goldman/NPS

54 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan • Explore ways to introduce the National Park System.

Military

• Create an academic cross- training opportunity between the U.S. Military Academy and park staff.

• Provide indoor space for “brat” reunions and special programming.

• Promote our resources and the island’s Army heritage to U.S. Military Academy, the USMA Association of Graduates, U. S. Army War Park interpreters will work together with U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard “brat” College, and U.S. Army reunion committees to develop special, relevant programming. Heritage and Education Photo: Sami Steigmann/NPS Center.

— 1:00-1:07. Ride across the • Develop topical, interactive • Partner with the U.S. Army water programs that allow adults Corps of Engineers to and children to explore an develop interpretive tours — 1:08-1:10 Disembark aspect of the island’s story. and a digital media program that reveal the military engi- — 1:10-1:20 Listen to a brief • Re-create U.S. Army and neering history. lunchtime Ranger talk U.S. Coast Guard Field Day — 1:20-1:45 Take a nap, eat activities. • Re-create U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard Field Day some lunch or read a book • Expand the music of the activities. under a tree military program to include — 1:45-1:50 P.M. Take a lei- cadence demonstrations, • Create tours for Veterans surely stroll back to the hearing different bugle calls, Administration groups. ferry, pick up a brochure and military concerts for dif- ferent eras. — 2:00-2:07 Read more about Governors Island History • Print out or post recipes and plan to come back from different eras and listing again. of food served, vegetables grown on base, fishing, Families oysters, lobsters.

• Offer programs about family • Display clothing and uni- life on the island. forms from different historic eras. • Establish a “Day Camp” for children. • Install scenes with photo op locations that include pic- • Develop a family discovery tures with a hole for face. pack.

National Park Service 55 Research and Evaluation Needs

All interpretive programs and and women as well as their owned harbor defense sites services must be solidly ground- children. that defended the city from ed in research. In order to fully 1624 to 1995. Those sites accomplish the actions included • Research related New York would include the War of in this plan and support the in- Harbor sites including War of 1812 block house in Central terpretive themes, the park needs 1812 block houses in Central Park, Fort Wadsworth, Fort research on the following topics: Park, Fort Wadsworth, Fort Wood on Liberty Island, Wood on Liberty Island, Fort Gibson on Ellis Island, • Conduct a study of the mili- Fort Gibson on Ellis Island, Fort Tilden, Fort Hamilton, tary institutions on the island Fort Hancock at Sandy Fort Hancock at Sandy connected to the larger story Hook, Castle Clinton, Fort Hook, Castle Clinton, Fort of the history of the U.S. Hamilton, Fort Totten, Fort Hamilton, Fort Totten, Fort Army and the U.S. Coast Schyler, and Fort Slocum. Schyler, Fort Slocum, and Guard as institutions and to other fortifications in Long the American experience. • Conduct a comprehensive and holistic study of the Island Sound. • Continue to collect and history of New York harbor • Research the current produce oral histories that defense similar to Jerome ecological issues and NPS reveal the personal experi- Greene’s The Defense of ocean and climate change ences of those who lived and New Orleans, 1718-1900 strategies. worked on Governors Island (NPS: 1992), establishing including U.S. Army and U.S. the context and relationship Evaluation also is important Coast Guard servicemen of all public and privately in the development of specific media and programs and will be planned as part of all substantial media projects and special programming. Front-end evaluation will inform the project team about what visitors already know about the site before they come, what understandings they may have about the significance of the site, or how to fulfill the visitor’s interest in visiting the site. This type of evaluative study is targeted so that practical use can be made of the results. Formative evaluations allow the team to get feedback on project content before it is fabricated. Knowing how potential visitors react to stories and information or even how the message is displayed can inform and enhance the media product and the overall visitor experience. Summative evaluations are Park staff will continue to collect oral histories that reveal the personal valuable in helping to determine experiences of those who lived and worked on Governors Island. Jeffrey the effectiveness of final media, Brooks, a former U.S. Coast Guard dependent, returned in 2005 with his facilities, and programs – i.e. family to visit the Fort Jay apartment he lived in as a boy. Photo: Michael B. whether the intended themes are Shaver/NPS being communicated, if people 56 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan are actually making use of the staff. Positions that should be that all staff members who information, or if visitor behavior considered during the next five provide interpretive services is affected. Summative evaluation years include: are held to the appropriate may even be a necessary follow- NPS standards as defined in up for certain sources of funding • Volunteer Coordinator the Interpretive Development such as foundation grants. • Partnership Coordinator Program and be trained accordingly. • Castle Williams exhibits • Education Coordinator already completed front-end Because volunteers are an evaluation. Formative and important part of the workforce, summative evaluation will Training interpretive staff members be completed at appropriate require an appropriate level of A trained and motivated stages of development. volunteer supervisory training. workforce is necessary for any successful park operation. The park should make on- Staffing and Training going and recurring training Needs for staff, volunteers and partners a priority. A continued emphasis should be placed on Staffing accountability for interpretive The park has submitted an OFS standards to be applied or request for additional funding for adhered to when any park a cultural resource specialist. employees or volunteers present interpretive programs, design Additional OFS requests will publications, media, and exhibits, be submitted to enable the park or present curriculum-based to hire additional interpretive educational programs. Ensure

National Park Service 57 Implementation Plan

The measure of success of any each year to draft an Annual years, and many will require plan is the extent to which Implementation Plan for each independent planning and it is implemented. Initial new fiscal year based on funding design efforts. Most of the implementation of strategies opportunities and coordination recommended actions for needs to be both realistic and with other projects. Flexibility curriculum-based education flexible. Action items have been is extremely important to allow programs, interpretive media, prioritized based on need. park staff and partners the and marketing are dependent Because funding opportunities opportunity to try new and on the hiring of new staff. Other and priorities often change, park different interpretive ideas and action items can be implemented management may need to adjust make adjustments as necessary. immediately, within existing the implementation strategies to funding and staffing levels. adapt to changing conditions. Implementation of the The park interpretive staff and recommended actions will key park partners should meet be phased over the next five

GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5)

Improve Arrival and Orientation Experience Updating and improve the public access map. x Make recorded announcements. x Offer more free and commercial multi-lingual maps and publi- x cations. Develop a park handbook. x Produce an orientation video. x Designate a park visitor center. x

Departure Points: Offer individual orientation and information service. x Provide a brief, targeted audiovisual presentation on The Trust x or National Park Service monitors. Provide short, targeted orientation and daily program talks to x visitors waiting in the ferry line both inside and outside of the building.

The Trust for Governors Island Ferry: Provide schedule of events, guides, and maps. x Offer a digital “orientation” program. x Assign a ranger to rove the ferry. x

Arrival Points: Offer individual orientation and information service. x

58 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) Provide a welcome and orientation talk highlighting program x schedules. Have a ranger always visible to visitors all over the monument. x Provide a brief, targeted audiovisual presentation on The Trust or National Park Service monitors in Building 140. x

Develop and Implement a Marketing Program Establishing a Governors Island National Monument marketing team. x Develop a marketing plan. x Develop relationships with partner groups who can help park staff with marketing and public relations. x Invite selected hotel concierges, programming partners, Staten Island Ferry staff, Heliport staff, Big Apple Volunteers, Statue Cruises, and continue to invite NPNH staff to the park and x island for pre-opening orientation and familiarization tours. Write and submit a weekly series of articles for AM/Metro, New York Times, Daily News, and neighborhood papers like x the Downtown Express. Produce occasional features for local National Public Radio sta- tions, WNET (PBS affiliate), local cable access, New York One, and Spanish and other language television stations and public x access channels. Expand opportunities for and target small commercial tour groups in small towns in Pennsylvania, on Long Island, in Con- x necticut, and in upstate New York.

Improve Park Website Continue to post historical research online. x Develop and post a digital version of self-guided tours. x Create a Facebook page. x Develop and post virtual tours of Castle Williams, Fort Jay, and the National Historic Landmark District. x Continue to improve interactive web-based activity for kids/ students on harbor defense. x Develop partnerships with universities and other groups to support improvements and establish on-going creative process x for tapping into the power of the internet. Provide links to NPS ocean/ecology information and others as appropriate. x

Establish an Interpretive Presence at Castle Williams Staff members will provide orientation and stationed interpretation. x

National Park Service 59 GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) Ranger-guided tours will be the only way that visitors can access the roof. x Park interpreters in period uniforms will present programs. x Harbor defense talks will be offered from the top of Castle Williams. x Explore the possibility of providing a sheltered space with seating for 30-50 people. x

Create a Discovery Experience at Fort Jay Better emphasize the gateway sculpture. Give programs or write a site bulletin about the sculpture. x Interpret the designed protective landscape. x Develop guided discovery activities for children to encourage visits to different sites in the park or on island. x Produce a military uniform display and activity. x Establishing an EN/Conservancy sales area in the barracks based on an historic use such as a post sutler similar to one at x Fort Pulaski and Fort Delaware. Produce an historic photo display. x Produce a digital media tour in various languages. x Expand living history interpretation events by military era. x Organize a more complete Army history timeline event that features living history interpreters from different eras, perhaps x an era on each side around the perimeter of Fort Jay. Produce short videos for example one subject for each Fort Jay apartment using real residents or actors talking about various x periods of time. Develop the magazine center court into program space. x Provide office and exhibit space to program partners. x Develop and implement historic furnishings plans for the bomb proof, magazine arms room and powder room, guard x house, and barracks. Consider establishing heritage overnight experiences in historically restored barracks. x

Determine Dock 102 Experience Developing, fabricating and installing a 3-dimensional, hands- x on orientation model of the island. Use Dock 102 as a departure point for recreational boating or x small New York sloop sailboat tours that reveals the maritime history surrounding the island. Encourage visiting historic boats and ships that have x appropriate thematic connections to dock and provide visitors with access.

60 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) Determine Best Use for Building 140 Convert the entire space to a staffed or unstaffed orientation x and information facility and move the bookstore to Fort Jay. Create a small theater and exhibition area. x “Meet the Authors” programs featuring interviews and x lectures with the authors of books with thematic connections to the island’s story. A video of the history and ecology of Governors Island and/ x or a brief PowerPoint program, like the one at the Museum of City of New York, revealing how the island has changed over time. Rename Building 140. x Work with EN/Conservancy to expand its sales line to include x appropriate theme-related items. Spanish and other language resources such as Chinese, Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, and Korean will also be reviewed. If not considered to be commer- cially viable, they could be produced by the park as part of its site bulletin program. Two or three interactive kiosks would allow visitors to press a x point on an island map and discover more about that particu- lar location.

Develop and Provide Education Programs Collaborate with a variety of partners including The Trust for x Governors Island, Governors Island Alliance, and the Harbor School to research, design, and implement pre-K – college curriculum-based programs. Design curriculum that includes assessment (measurable x results) for New York City, New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Develop a formal partnership with the Urban Assembly New x York Harbor School.

Offer tours that connect the story of the island with New York city and state educational curriculum and standards expanding x on existing programs for elementary school students. Establish endowments for providing transportation for school groups. x Give in-service credit to teachers who participate in pre-ser- vice, in-service, and service learning workshops. Explore the x possibilities of providing a stipend to teachers. Design programs for children and families in the summer that are curriculum-aligned and/or recreational. x Develop measurable results for National Park Service goals. x Explore possible options for dedicated indoor infrastructure and classroom space including the Harbor School Education x Center (Building 134).

National Park Service 61 GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) Develop education programming for lifelong learners such as Exploritas (Elderhostel). x Collaborate with partners to develop graduate and undergraduate research projects. x Collaborate with partners to provide educational content online or through off-island partners (educator networks, National Parks of New York Harbor, New York Historical x Society). Develop a traveling program that emphasizes Governors Island environmental significance. x Participate in a study of the long-term effects of erosion and weathering on island land and flora including cartographic and topographic evidence. Measurements would be taken over a four-year period to study change over time. Data would x be used to create a land timeline and historic comparison, illustrate conservation efforts, and develop a temporary exhibit. Support teachers with turn-key materials that they will recog- nize (immediately and at-a-glance) will help them meet their x curriculum teaching requirements. Develop pre-visit and post-visit assessment materials to gauge impact of visit to the Governors Island National Monument. x Create a visual time line analyzing historic records that docu- ments changes of flora and fauna over the past 200 years. x Collect data and analyze environmental factors that impact the island. Data would be used to create curriculum guides that could be publish for teacher use in local and surrounding x school districts.

Plan and Host Special Events Castle Williams re-opening and Bicentennial. x War of 1812 Bicentennial. x Civil War Sesquicentennial. x NPS Centennial. x

Emphasize Harbor Defense Theme Within Governors Island National Monument: Develop a harbor map showing aerial view of Governors Island as center of harbor and the locations of other forts. x Evaluate the 2010 coastal defense and harbor ecology talks using the painted map of New York harbor. x Discuss theory and technology of defense. x Develop a terrain table of New York Harbor for interactive interpretation. x Develop a digital media tour about the harbor defenses. x

62 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) At Picnic Point: Offer ranger talks about the working harbor and New York harbor fortifications. x Establish a roving ranger presence. x Develop, fabricate, and install wayside exhibits about the working harbor and harbor fortifications. x

On Battery Park: Offer a harbor fortification talk. x Partner with Castle Clinton, the Battery Conservancy, and Bat- tery Park City to brainstorm appropriate interpretive services including wayside exhibits or other services to interpret the x harbor and the Governors Island forts.

On a Harbor Tour Cruise Boat, Staten Island Ferry, or Helicop- ter Tour: Place site bulletins in a brochure rack on the Staten Island Ferry. x Tour of New York harbor defenses extending from the Nar- rows to Throgs Neck Bridge and part way into the Hudson x River. Photo displays in Staten Island Ferry terminal and at Heliport. x Could extend to Sandy Hook, if suitable vessels were available, as that was the outermost defensive installation. x

Expand Interpretive Services outside of the Park Boundary Promenade Offer a guided walking and bicycle tours that includes the full- length of the promenade. x Provide stationed interpretation at site along the Promenade to explain that particular place during special events. x Provide commercial or National Park Service bus tours. x

Historic District Offer a guided walking tour and self-guided digital media tour describing Governors Island in the context of New York x Harbor geography. Develop a self-guided digital walking and bicycle tour. x x Produce an island-wide wayside exhibit plan. Fabricate and install wayside exhibits. x

National Park Service 63 GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) Facilitate the Development and Growth of Existing and Future Partnerships Strengthen existing partnerships with The Trust for Governors Island and Governors Island Alliance. Continue periodic programming meetings between the National Park Service, The Trust, Governors Island Alliance, and the Harbor School. Increase training opportunities for partners including NPS x mission and interpretive skills. Provide reciprocal training for park staff to include partners’ missions and resources. Build upon and expand interpretive programs and activities offered by partners. Develop a formal partnership with Harbor School. x Explore the possibilities of establishing partnerships with the US Military Academy at West Point, the US Army Corps of En- gineers and the US Army and US Coast Guard “Brats” organi- x zations. Establish formal partnerships with universities to support edu- cation and preservation work. x

Increase Volunteer Program Continue to develop and implement a retention strategy that will include creating and maintaining a database of volunteers; updating position descriptions and determining how many volunteers are needed for each task; communicating the length of assignment when recruiting volunteers to minimize turnover; developing a standard x VIP uniform to provide consistent visual cues; working with partners to reduce competition for volunteers; and working with park staff to ensure that there is adequate oversight and support for volunteers. Increase recognition of volunteer achievements. Develop a needs assessment for volunteers. Identifying what tasks park staff need volunteer help with will provide the coordinator with the necessary information to successfully recruit. The assessment also would help identify potential individuals or group skills that might be needed. For example, youth groups may be identified who have an interest and skill x in developing web-based services. Amateur photographers and regular local visitors may be available to contribute to or perhaps even manage a section of the park website or Flickr website.

Contact a Variety of Visitors Recreation Work with The Trust for Governors Island and the bicycle ven- dor during the 2010 season to evaluate the effects and results x of having two bicycle rental locations. Offer and evaluate a bicycle tour that mixes recreation and interpretation. x Start a game of “Capture the Flag” and reveal historic connec- tion to the park. x

64 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) Develop a recreational component in programs. For example offer a history Frisbee tour, kite program, Segway tours, fish- x ing derby, and sailing program. Produce a map that can fit on the front of a bicycle with a flip card that identifies historic sites on the island and around the x harbor, restrooms, and water stations. Produce a walking tour map that identifies places to eat, picnic areas, viewshed information, rest areas, and photo op- x portunities.

Youth Revise the junior ranger book. x Develop a ranger scouts program. x Host “History Field Days” for schools and youth groups. x Establish a three-day per week living history day camp. x

Special Interest Develop programs about the geology and geography of Gov- ernors Island. x Connect with city museum trips and academic seminar pro- grams to share Governors Island’s place in New York City his- x tory. For subway enthusiasts, geologists, and urban planners devel- op programs related to the use of landfill for urban expansion. x Host a Volksmarch. x Develop digital media tours with subjects focused for a variety of special interest groups including architecture, forts, and x military history.

Local Office Populations Offer short, concise lunchtime / picnic table ranger talks. x Offer short teaser programs. x Develop recreational opportunities including lunchtime or post-work walking and bicycle tours. x One of the challenges in reaching local office populations is a psychological one of “crossing the bay” by ferry. Though the ride is only 7 minutes, “psychologically” many people may feel it’s “too much, too far, too distant” to cross a body of water to get to the island. It may be beneficial to actually show office x workers (give them a minute-by-minute scenario) including time within a one-hour lunch break for rest/relaxation) that will show them that this is not only doable but enjoyable.

Families Offer programs about family life on the island. x

National Park Service 65 GOIS Priorities and Action Items Immediate Short-term Long-term (Year 1) (Years 2-3) (Years 4-5) Establish a “Day Camp” for children. x Develop a family discovery pack. x Develop topical, interactive programs that allow adults and x children to explore an aspect of the island’s story. Re-create US Army and US Coast Guard Field Day activities. x Expand the music of the military program to include cadence demonstrations, hearing different bugle calls, and military x concerts for different eras. Print out or post recipes from different eras and listing of food x served, vegetables grown on base, fishing, oysters, lobsters. Display clothing and uniforms from different historic eras. x Explore ways to introduce the National Park System. x Install scenes with photo op locations that include pictures x with a hole for face.

Military Create an academic cross-training opportunity between x the U.S. Military Academy and park staff. Provide indoor space for “brat” reunions and special x programming. Promote our resources and the island’s Army heritage to U.S. Military Academy, the USMA Association of x Graduates, U. S. Army War College, and U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. Partner with the US Army Corps of Engineers to develop interpretive tours and a digital media program that x reveal the military engineering history. Re-create US Army and US Coast Guard Field Day x activities. Create tours for Veterans Administration groups. x

66 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Ornamental medallions on the porch ironwork at Fort Jay represent the U.S. Army’s branches of service that that played various roles on Governors Island from the 1830s to the 1860s. The castle represents the Corps of Engineers, the crossed can- nons represent the Artillery, and the star represents the Infantry. Photo: Daniel C. Krebs

National Park Service 67 Appendices

“Parks must offer service opportunities that unleash the spirit and energy of committed

Americans.”

NPS Second Century Commissioner Sally Jewell

68 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan Appendix A: The Planning Team

National Park Service Jeanette Parker, Chief of New York Harbor School Interpretation, Gateway National Recreation Area Marie Montvilo, Classroom Governors Island National Teacher, New York City Monument Dave Taft, Site Coordinator, Department of Education Jamaica Bay Unit, Gateway Daniel Barker, Park Guide National Recreation Area Kathy Orzey, US Coast Guard dependent and former resident Brent Everitt, Park Guide Park Partners Robert Pirani, Executive Ilyse Goldman, Lead Park Director, Governors Island Ranger Renee Barnes, Business Alliance Development and Special Charles Kahlstrom, Park Ranger Programs Manager, National Michael B. Schoenfeld, Adjunct Betty Lerner, Volunteer Parks of New York Harbor Professor, Brooklyn College Conservancy Ed Lorenzini, Facility Manager Elizabeth Case, Program Noah Lumsden, Laborer Coordinator, Governors Island Alliance Lisa Martens, Park Guide Ellen Cavanagh, Project Patti Reilly, Superintendent Manager, The Trust for Dena Saslaw, Program Analyst Governors Island

Michael Shaver, Chief of Steve de Carteret, US Coast Interpretation Guard dependent, former resi- dent, and NPS Volunteer Shelley White, Volunteer Carter Craft, Program Manager, Erin Whittaker, Park Guide Urban Assembly New York Harbor School

Nathan Dudley, Principal, Urban Harpers Ferry Center Assembly New York Harbor Toni Dufficy, Interpretive School Planner (Team Captain) John Greenfield, Chairman, Gawdawfulmess Civil War Northeast Regional Office Group

Elizabeth Hoermann, Program Larry Lowenthal, Consultant Manager, Interpretive Development and Evaluation Leslie Koch, President, The Trust for Governors Island Judy Jacob, Senior Architectural Conservator David Koren, Executive Producer, FIGMENT

National Parks of New York Palmer McGrew, U.S. Army de- Harbor pendent and former resident

Steve Laise, Chief of Cultural Marybelle Marrero-Colón, ESL Resources, Manhattan Sites Coordinator, Urban Assembly

National Park Service 69 Appendix B: Accessibility Guidelines

Every attempt will be made to “ …To provide the highest level NPS Special Directive 83-3, provide full access to interpre- of accessibility possible and Accessibility for Disabled tive media and programs to feasible for persons with visual, Persons ensure people with physical and hearing, mobility, and mental mental disabilities have access to impairments, consistent with the All interpretation will follow the same information necessary obligation to conserve park re- general standards for accessibil- for safe and meaningful visits to sources and preserve the quali- ity as described in the Harpers national parks. This is in com- ties of the park experience for Ferry Center Programmatic pliance with the National Park everyone.” Accessibility Guidelines for Service policy: Interpretive Media http://www. nps.gov/hfc/pdf/accessibility/ access-guide-aug2009.pdf.

Appendix C: Interpretive Themes and Stories

During the November 2009 tell those stories like few other on Ellis Island and Castle Foundation workshop places in the National Park or Clinton) . participants divided two of National Historic Landmark the three interpretive themes Systems. The structures and • Built during a time when listed in the 2009 General landscapes on the island political and popular Management Plan into separate tell the story of the nation’s sentiment was against sub-themes. The stories priorities including neglect maintaining a large standing associated with each theme and during peacetime, austerity, army, the forts were never sub-theme are listed here. and dire need during national intended to be staffed by a emergencies and war. full garrison, but manned only in time of emergency. Place in the National Questions and topics of • Congress and the nation Experience discussion could include: were uncomfortable with a Castle Williams and Fort Jay on • Why did they (country/ standing army and would Governors Island represent an government) choose forts go through fits and starts important early effort to protect over other options, like of having one and reducing and defend the country through a large standing navy to it to nothing until the next a system of strategically placed protect the harbor and the conflict – the War of 1812, coastal fortifications, an effort nation? the Seminole Wars, the that continued beyond the life Mexican War. of the forts until the end of the • Strategic location or why island’s military career. here? New York was • As a new nation, there was a important as the financial lack of a professional officer capital of the nation and the corps, thus the need for Changing National role it played in the growth foreign military engineering Priorities of the country. talent and technology, thus The built environment of the Fort Jay is designed by a • The forts on the island, and French engineer and Castle island, chiefly in the National in the harbor, were placed Historic Landmark District, Williams is designed and strategically as part of a built by an American who exhibits almost every aspect of larger harbor defensive effort this nation’s military experience learned military engineering that included Fort Wood from the French. and of the U.S. Army from the now part of the Statue of early days of the Republic to the • Story of Jonathan Williams th Liberty, Fort Gibson, now end of the 20 century, and can an archeological resource – personal influence on

70 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan design, fortification – His important Army headquarters. Through most of its history, role as Chief Engineer Commanders and commands the Army had to be creative of the U.S. Army Corps headquartered here for almost a in existing with minimal of Engineers and his century, directed Army activities appropriations and almost view as a non-military regionally, over half the North every building on the island man in the development American continent, and on has had many different of a professional and occasions around the world. As uses over time. In a sense, scientifically trained officer the nation’s priorities changed, it leads to accidental and corps. so did the mission of the U.S. unintentional preservation. Army and Governors Island. • Citizen involvement – The • The historic fabric of initial fortification of New Questions and topics of the forts are remarkably York City was a local and discussion could include: intact but they also exhibit state effort accomplished in modifications made part by patriotic societies • The institutional story of the to address changes in and residents inspired to Army, missions (i.e. coastal technology and changes protect their communities defense), how it goes about in army needs, such as the by assisting in the carrying out its mission, its adaptive use of Fort Jay into construction of fortifications culture, traditions, material family living quarters with on Governors Island. culture. car garages. These people included • The story of the army’s • The inclusion of immigrants, skilled labors, crafts and readiness in war and construction guilds and women and minorities peacetime. Discussing to accomplish military students, such as those from the “hurry up and wait” Columbia University. objectives and national goals. (boredom) and discussion Immigrants were a significant • Since 1878 when of on-island recreational portion of the “American” Governors Island became activities – garden parties, army in the 19th Century. a headquarters it took on golf, YMCA, USO, polo African-Americans come an additional significance matches, etc. into the story during and beyond the harbor. Planning • A retrospective comparison after the Civil War and play and direction for national on how the military a significant role as a frontier defense took place here, protected the country from constabulary in the Indian th including the initial planning its inception through the War period. By the early 20 for the invasion of Europe. cold war. Century, their role regressed into labor battalions in Carrying Out a Changing • No place better that Nolan World War I. The role of Park does the island does women in the Womens Army Mission demonstrate a chronological Corps or WACs from World The history of Governors Island history starting clockwise War II to 1972. reflects the institutional heritage from the Governors House • The establishment of the and history of the U.S. Army, of 1815 to Quarters 20 of New York Arsenal on the and how it was organized and 1902 and its partition as a island when the forts were responded to ever changing two family quarters in the less important in defending national priorities. The U.S. 1930s. the city. The business and Army filled many roles during its • “Continued beyond life of logistics of arms. tenure on the island. Initially the forts.” Forts are weapons island was used to protect New systems with a shelf life so • The establishment of the York and New York Harbor in military obsolescence is part Army music school when the early days of this nation’s of the story. South Battery was no longer history. In later years, the island needed. was used as an urban garrison, a recruiting station, and an • Adaptive use over time. • Preservation story – Castle

National Park Service 71 Williams and Fort Jay were • World War II prisoners of according to Churchill as going to be demolished war, and especially the story the “architect of victory” in connected to NPS of Italian prisoners of war, World War II and later as the preservation stories held here until they and author of the Marshall Plan Italy joined the Allied cause. for post-war relief in Europe. A Role in International Many of them came back to • The commanders who were Affairs marry local girls and become American citizens. posted here in the years after New York City’s emergence as the world wars often played a nationally and internationally • The fortifications were a roles in international affairs important city elevated tool in protecting the city in both the preceding wars the stature, command, and from foreign invasion which and the immediate post-war responsibilities of the U.S. Army, was the case during the War activities in occupation. and later the U.S. Coast Guard, of 1812 and the security they provided allowed it to — One commanded the on Governors Island. become an international U.S. Constabulary in center of finance and Germany, a military police From Colonial Outpost commerce. organization that was the to Preeminent Command police force for Germany Headquarters after the war and Missions beyond our shores reestablished a civilian German police force that • As New York City grew The island became a departure exists today. so did the defense point for military efforts responsibilities of the U.S. beyond the shores of the United — One commanded Army Army. Those stationed on States. During the last half activities that oversaw Governors Island defended th of the 20 century the island the establishment of the the city, region, and country. became a venue for meetings of Korean educational and It was not unusual for international significance. electoral systems after the Governors Island command Korean War. personnel to continue their • The Mexican War of 1846 careers as military leaders in when the island played a role — One was the chief of staff the execution of this nation’s in staging military ventures for the Supreme Allied international policies during into Mexico, our first Commander in Europe in war and peace. significant venture beyond World War II, managing the boundaries and shores of the complex relationship • The Regan-Gorbechav the United States. of allied generals and meeting in 1988. political leaders in line • The Spanish-American War and in concert during the • The Governors Island of 1898 to a yet determined war. He also the signed Accords for Hati in 1993. degree the Spanish American the German surrender War. • The centennial rededication document ending the war of the Statue of Liberty in • World War I – John Pershing, in Europe. He was the 1984. the commander of American post-war ambassador to Russia before coming to • The Coast Guard role in troops in France and his staff the International Ice Patrol departed from the island to Fort Jay. based here. lead the largest American army to that time.. George C. • In the Cold War era, • The U.S. Coast Guard role Marshall, who was stationed commanders of the First and response based from at Governors Island, would Army on Governors Island here during Mariel/Cuban eventually go with them were also the U.S. military boat lift of 1980 gaining valuable experience representatives to the United that made him invaluable Nations.

72 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan A Small Town within firmly rooted in a idle and — African Americans moribund peacetime army? a City — Kids • Polo matches were widely Governors Island is tied to the — Prisoners history, development, social, and covered in the newspapers political life of New York City. and even were listed as an • What about the itinerant As an isolated U.S. Army post, it activity in the WPA Guide to nature of a military was a community within the city New York City. community? with its own history, social and • Garden parties were political life. • It was a separate community, fundraisers for the Army so how and to what degree Relief Society and were an did it fit or at times (such as Connection to New York open house for New York Mayor Lindsay’s New York City society during the early of the 1960s) not fit into the 1900’s. fabric of the larger New York As an important military City community? headquarters protecting one • City Wants it Back speaks to of the most important cities in the desire to have the island • The built environment is the world, the commanding back for park land at the turn a backdrop to rank and and senior officers, and even of the century and for an privilege that is the essence Governors Island’s enlisted men airport in the 1930s of military organizations. and women, were important • Senior officers posted here As a headquarters in a representatives to the city and its often enjoyed social and desirable location, there institutions. political access to the upper is an impressive array of fine officer quarters. There • There were important class in the city. is also examples of the connections between the austere existence of enlisted forts, the island and the city. The Island as a Community men and women and their As its protector and as the dependents. Army’s ambassador to the Those stationed on Governors city, its commanding officers Island developed their own • The Commanding Officers had a standing place and way of life and history separate of the island had a very played a role in the social life from the city they protected. It different experience from the of the city. was a community with its own enlisted troops, the families compelling personal stories and civilian employees. • Protecting Wall Street – of soldiers, civilian staff, and while a national concern, dependents of the men and • The Commanding Officers it was also a local concern. women who lived here. were given honorary The garrison here would seats at the socially elite be called on to deal with • What was it like to live or tables of New York City. disasters, riots and other work here and what was the These relationships were unsettling ailments of urban experience of? considered both socially and life that could threaten politically important. important public and private — Civilians financial institutions. — U.S. Army Place in the Environment • The garrison here was the — U.S. Coast Guard main participant in the U.S. Governors Island—as part of Army exhibit at the 1939 — Women’s Experiences, the natural environment of New World’s Fair. In the months such as wives, nurses, York Harbor, with its rich and before the beginning of WAC’s civilian employees, intricate ecosystem of bays, World War II, what was their estuaries, rivers, islands, and message? One of expectation — Servants and stewards – other geographical features—is of a future conflict or male and female an ideal place to observe and

National Park Service 73 study the important role that • The “runs” – shad, sturgeon, • Post-revolution natural systems and humans striped bass, eels play in the development and • Transportation • Oysters and the island evolution of New York Harbor • Pollution and surrounding metropolis. - mariculture • Development Geology of the island Climate change, the island and the New York Harbor - What’s • Population growth • Economic geology – build- left? ings, island fill, sand, humans Night sky in geology – cultural Island flora and fauna • Planetarium • Natural geology – glacier, • Past/present/future • Programs erosion, deposition, forces of • Historic agriculture change • Night animal “scene” • American chestnut – “ Nut Oceanography Island ” Soundscape

• Harbor school • Native/invasive/historic/or- • “Count the Sounds” namental specimens • Colleges • Relative quiet • Cultural landscape • Interpretation – public Viewshed programs • Bird migration • History of the viewshed • On island – past researchers, • Insect migration teachers, U.S. Coast Guard • Strategic value – historically Human Impact – People follow • U.S. Coast Guard research resources Archeo-Indians Coast – 525 miles of NYC coastline • Navigation (pre-history) • New York City is a coastal Marine ecology • Lenape – pre- and historic occupation. city • The island and the estuary Early navigation • Dutch/English/Colonial

Appendix D: New Interpretive Services Recommended by Theme

During the February 2010 Recommendation workshop participants recommended a variety of interpretive services based on the three primary themes and associated sub-themes. While the participants felt that the park should place more emphasis on the harbor defense theme during the life of this plan, there may be op- portunities for park staff, volunteers, and partners to experiment with the development of the programs and services identified here.

Place in the National • Create waysides, hand- — Army life in peacetime Experience: Carrying Out a books, site bulletins for the (boring) following: Changing Mission — The changing use and • Sound audio bugle calls to — USCG role in New York repurposing of the replicate an important aspect Harbor – Mariel boat buildings lift, Search and Rescue of life on an army post and — Role of women as create the post atmosphere. School, International Ice Patrol soldiers, wives, servants

74 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan — The changes to Fort Jay A Community within a City: • Develop U.S. Army and for family residences Connection to New York U.S. Coast Guard “brat” programs — The business of weapons City and supplying an army – • Lead discussions on how • Continue to host reunions of New York Arsenal senior army officers and former island residents and civilian employees — Army residential housing commanding officers over time interacted with the city elite • Offer a rank and privilege • Offer talks about Governors tour of historic district that • Place uniformed discusses the architecture, mannequins of various Island’s role in the Civil War draft and race riots innovation, and changes to historical periods around the the island park • Present programs reconnecting with the idea of • Write and publish site A Role in International garden parties and the social bulletin explaining how commanding officer’s Affairs: elite fund raising for an army From Colonial changed the community Outpost to Preeminent charity Command Headquarters • Write and print a site bulletin Place in the Environment on the demands of the city to • Reveal the role the island use Governors Island played in Dutch/English • Capitalize on the expertise at the Urban Assembly colonial governance of New • Partner with the New York New York Harbor School York with a celebration Transit Museum in Brooklyn including knowledge of the with Dutch and English to reveal where the landfill harbor and bilingual skills to consulates as colonial came from overseers, and the French serve as guides and docents • Develop programs related who built and inspired the • Identify specific organization to patriotism and civic design of the forts with capabilities to provide action such as the volunteer information and programs • Exhibit of pay records parties from the city worked about harbor topics and showing nationalities over on fortifications in 1790s. stories including Clearwater, time Thesee parties were a good New York Historical Society, example of how extremely • Offer a ranger talk about the NOAA, Governors Island polarized political and labor role of First Army in two Alliance, Waterfront Alliance organizations could come world wars. together for common cause. • Explore the historical • Show news reels from WWII connections regarding A Community within a City: environmental uses on the island in context with A Role in International The Island as a Community current issues Affairs:Missions beyond our • Conduct living history and shores • Develop media to show how auxiliary programs visitors can make a difference • Create a replica of a major • Continue to develop and to improve the environment army command center like post webcasts of oral and address threats such as First Army during World histories from residents climate change War II in Europe shows and create a historic photo maps, logistics, dates, • Present a special program display personnel, transportation, that links history with supply, and communications • Encourage former residents environment similar to and others to volunteer and American Museum of present programs Natural History

National Park Service 75 Harpers Ferry Center National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Governors Island National Monument

10 South Street - Slip 7 New York, NY 10004 212-825-3045

www.nps.gov/gois

76 Governors Island National Monument Long-Range Interpretive Plan