Fort Jay

The solar eclipse is tomorrow! Come to Governors Island and watch it with us. The peak of the eclipse happens between 1:23pm and 2:44pm EST. In New York City, there will be about 71% sun coverage, so you MUST wear approved eclipse glasses or make a viewer yourself at home to be able to see it without harming your eyes. It only takes a few seconds for permanent damage.

Not only do we have plenty of glasses, but we also have special eclipse Junior Ranger books and badges! If you can't make it here, check your local National Park sites, libraries, and museums for viewing events.

Soldiers doing drills, Fort Jay, 1902.

This did prompt us to think about David Bowie's song, "Let's Dance." Put on your russet-colored shoes and dance the blues...
Their uniforms were blue...

https://youtu.be/N4d7Wp9kKjA

Happy 80th birthday, Tommy Smothers! He and his younger brother, Dick Smothers, were born at the post hospital here on Governors Island. Their father, a West Point graduate and Army major, was stationed here and served in the 45th Infantry Regiment. Unfortunately, he died as a POW in 1945. His story can be found here: http://americanpowsofjapan.blogspot.com/2015/04/in-memory-major-thomas-smothers-jr-pow.html

Fortress sprucifiers...

Student Conservation Association - Student Conservation Association NYC

Over 300 volunteers from NYC came to Governors Island on 9.10.2016 for a day of service and remembrance in honor of 9.11.

At Governors Island Reunion, Childhood Bonds Stand the Test of Time Men and women who grew up as Coast Guard brats on the New York island have mixed feelings about the changing landscape of their former home base.