National Park Service

U. S. Department of the Interior Gateway Visitor Programs and Events 2019

Staten Island, New York

ranger at night. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy walking shoes. Reservations required at 718-338-3799.

Fourth at the Fort Fort Wadsworth Thursday, July 4 1:00 PM Declaration of Independence 2:00 SI Philharmonic Concert Join us for tours of Fort Tompkins, games for kids. Staten Island OutLOUD presents a group reading of the Declaration of Inedpend-ence at 1 PM. At 2 PM we present an afternoon performance by the Staten Island Philharmonic celebrating Independence Day.

Evening Concert Fort Wadsworth Overlook Thursday, August 1 @ 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening concert presented as part of the Staten Island Borough President's annual concert series. The concert is free. Bring a lawn chair if you have one. For more infor-mation on this and other concerts in the series go to: www.statenislandusa.com.

Founder's Day with Staten Island Philharmonic Fort Wadsworth Overlook Saturday, August 24, @ 6:00 PM Join us for the annual concert presented by the SI Phil celebrating the 103rd birthday of the National Park Service. See these programs and many others in the listings below.

Have a wonderful time and be safe, as you visit the park.

If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive notifications of park events, send a message to Charles_Markis@nps.gov with with ‘program guide’ as the subject. Thanks.

The ♥ in a listing indicates moderate

exercise to get your heart going.

Join us for heart-healthy exercise.

Battery Weed and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, from the Fort Wadsworth Overlook, Staten Island.

Some program highlights:

Discover Fort Tompkins Meet at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Daily, Wednesday-Sunday, beginning May 25, 11AM and 2PM Explore the little known areas of this his-toric structure Wear sturdy footwear.

Fort Wadsworth: The Guardian of the Narrows Meet at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Saturdays, June 15 – September 28 11AM – 12:30PM Have you been on one of our famous tours of Fort Tompkins? Learn about the rest of Fort Wadsworth on this weekly walking tour.

Evening Lantern Tours of Fort Tompkins Meet at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Thursdays, June 27 - August 29 8PM – 9:30PM Explore historic Fort Wadsworth with a

Stargazing Amateur Astronomers Association of New York Great Kills Park –Parking Lot A Saturday, June 8; 8:30 -10 PM The Staten Island Chapter of the Amateur As-tronomer’s Association hosts public stargaz-ing in the main parking area, lot A. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Arts & Crafts Great Kills Park Beach Center Thursday, June 13 at 10 AM An afternoon activity on the beach building a sand castle and a lighthouse. All supplies will be provided and all ages are welcome.

Summer Basketball Camp Miller Field Basketball Courts Saturday, June 15 at 10 AM Join a National Park Service ranger to learn how to dribble, shoot, and pass. Youth ages 8-12 are welcome to participate. Wear tennis shoes and bring water.

Summer at Mont Sec House Traditions and Herbs Surrounding the Summer Solstice Fort Wadsworth Mont Sec House 112A Mont Sec Avenue Saturday, June 22 at 1PM Join Skye Suter for a summary of ideas sur-rounding the summer solstice celebration, plus a few practical summer herbs. Find out about summer solstice celebrations and why this change of seasons was an important time for agricultural communities. Discover some practical summer herbs that may be employed to deter or relieve sunburns, plant, and insect irritations. For information call 718-354-4500 or email Diane_Wulff@nps.gov

Beach Volleyball Great Kills Beach Center Saturday, June 29 at 10 AM Enjoy a morning of non-competitive volley-ball with the park rangers. Ages 10 & up are welcome to participate.

Campfire Great Kills Beach Center Saturday, June 29 at 7 PM The National Park Service will host a blazing campfire on the beach that will include an evening of music and stories. Bring a blanket or beach chair.

Arts & Crafts Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Sunday, June 30 at 10 AM Join a park ranger to build a wooden bird house that you can take home for your yard. All supplies will be provided and all ages are welcome. Reservations are needed. Please call 718-351-6970.

Fourth at the Fort Fort Wadsworth Thursday, July 4 1:00 PM Declaration of Independence

2:00 SI Philharmonic Concert Join us for tours of Fort Tompkins, games for kids, and a great view of the harbor and NYC skyline. Staten Island OutLOUD presents a group reading of the Declaration of Inedpend-ence at 1 PM. At 2 PM we present an afternoon performance by the Staten Island Philharmonic celebrating Inde-pendence Day. The selections will in-clude all time American favorites, includ-ing tributes to our armed services and a patriotic sing-along. The program is pre-sented at the Overlook. Bring a lawn chair, a hat and some sunscreen. Some seating is provided.

Fitness Walk Miller Field Ranger Station Saturday, July 6 at 10 AM Thursday, July 11 at 10 AM Bring the whole family as we take a moderate walk and discover some of the natural resources and history of the park. Wear comfortable clothes & shoes and bring a bottle of water. All ages are wel-come. ♥ 2 miles.

Victorian Shell Art Fort Wadsworth Mont Sec House 112A Mont Sec Avenue Sunday, July 14 at 1PM The Victorians enjoyed leisure time ac-tivities such as spending time at the beach. Time at the shore also helped them to indulge their passion for collect-ing. Join Skye Suter at Fort Wadsworth for a workshop working with shells. Learn about summer pastimes of the Vic-torian era and create a piece of Victorian shell art. Materials provided. For reser-vations and information call 718-354-4500 or email Diane Wulff@nps.gov

Fitness Walk Great Kills Park Ranger Station Wednesday, July 17 at 10 AM Bring the whole family as we take a moderate walk and discover some of the natural resources and history of the park. Wear comfortable clothes & shoes and bring a bottle of water. All ages are wel-come. ♥ 2 miles

Fishing Clinic Great Kills Park- Lot E (park at end of Lot E next to the Boat Ramp) Thursday, July 18, 11AM-1PM Learn the sport of angling through a vari-ety of different approaches with experts from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Reserva-tion required: call 718-354-4655.

Team Basketball Tournament Miller Field Basketball Courts Saturday, July 20 at 9 AM Coaches, players, teams come Hoop It Up with the National Park Service rang-ers for a 5-on-5 double elimination bas-

Recurring Programs

Discover Fort Tompkins Meet at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Daily, Wednesday-Sunday, 11AM and 2PM Explore the little known areas of this his-toric structure with a park ranger and learn about coastal fortifications and life in the 1800’s. Wear sturdy footwear.

Fort Wadsworth: The Guardian of the Narrows Meet at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Saturdays, June 15 – September 28 11AM – 12:30PM Have you been on one of our famous tours of Fort Tompkins? Learn about the rest of Fort Wadsworth on this weekly walking tour.

Evening Lantern Tours of Fort Tompkins Meet at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Thursdays, July 11 - August 29 8PM – 9:30PM Explore historic Fort Wadsworth with a ranger at night. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy walking shoes. Reservations required at 718-354-4500.

Alice and the Fort Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Sundays in June 1PM – 2PM In celebration of Pride Month and NYC’s LGBT history, join a ranger for a walk through Fort Tompkins, documented by queer photographer Alice Austen in the 1880s, as we explore her life in Staten Island, particularly her connections with the fort and the people that called the bor-ough home. Meets at the Visitor Center. For information call 718-354-4500.

The Harbor: Where Nature Meets the City Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Sundays in July 1PM – 2PM Ever wondered what makes New York such a great town? The harbor plays a crucial role! Join Ranger Jose for a presentation at the Fort Wadsworth Over-look on the fascinating stories that have shaped this prominent estuary. For infor-mation call 718-354-4500.

Programs and events

Summer Basketball Camp Miller Field Basketball Courts Saturday, June 8 at 10 AM Join a National Park Service park ranger to learn how to dribble, shoot, and pass. Youth ages 8-12 are welcome to partici-pate. Wear tennis shoes and bring water.

ketball tournament for boys and girls ages 8 to 16 years of age. Prizes will be awarded. Registration is required. The deadline to signup is July 6. This tourna-ment is FREE. You must have your own team with a maximum of 7 players per team. To sign-up or for more information contact Ranger Earnestine Robinson at (718) 351-6970.

Campfire Saturday, July 20 at 7 PM Great Kills Beach Center The National Park Service will host a blazing campfire on the beach that will include an evening of music and stories. Bring a blanket or beach chair.

Stargazing Amateur Astronomers Association of New York Great Kills Park –Parking Lot A Saturday, July 20, 8:30 -10 PM The Staten Island Chapter of the Amateur Astronomer’s Association hosts public stargazing in the main parking area, lot A. Inclement weather will cancel the pro-gram.

Fishing Clinic Great Kills Park- Lot E (park at end of Lot E, next to Boat Ramp) Wednesday, July 24, 11- 1PM Learn the sport of angling through a vari-ety of different approaches with experts from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Reservation required: call 718-354-4655.

Fitness Walks Great Kills Park Ranger Station Saturday, July 27 at 10 AM Sunday, July 28 at 10 AM Bring the whole family as we take a mod-erate walk and discover some of the natu-ral resources and history of the park. Wear comfortable clothes & shoes and bring a bottle of water. All ages are wel-come. ♥ 2 miles.

Victorian Crazy Quilt Workshop Fort Wadsworth Mont Sec House 112A Mont Sec Avenue Saturday, July 27 at 1PM – 2:30PM Victorian Crazy Quilts are a reflection of the fashion and fads of their time. Learn about the history and art of crazy quilt-ing. No prior sewing experience needed. For information call 718-354-4500 or email Diane Wulff@nps.gov

Band Concert Evening Concert Fort Wadsworth Overlook Thursday, August 1 @ 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening concert presented as part of the Staten Island Borough Presi-dent's annual concert series. The concert is free. Bring a lawn chair if you have one. For more information on this and

other concerts in the series go to: www.statenislandusa.com.

Bike Tour Great Kills Park Ranger Station Saturday, August 310 AM Enjoy a leisurely ride through the park as we take in the beauty of the natural environment and discover some of the history of the park. Please wear a helmet and bring a bottle of water. All ages are welcome. ♥ 3 2 miles.

Stargazing Amateur Astronomers Association of New York Great Kills Park –Parking Lot A Saturday, August 3 at 8:30--10 PM The Staten Island Chapter of the Amateur As-tronomer’s Association hosts public stargaz-ing at the main parking area, lot A. Inclement weather will cancel this program.

Bike Tour Miller Field Ranger Station Saturday, August 10 at 10 AM Enjoy a leisurely ride through the park as we take in the beauty of the natural environment and discover some of the history of the park. Please wear a helmet and bring a bottle of water. All ages are welcome. ♥ 3 miles

Crafting Cloth Dolls Workshop Fort Wadsworth Mont Sec House 112A Mont Sec Avenue Saturday, August 10 at 1PM – 2:30PM Participants will make a traditional rag doll--choose and match fabrics and trims, make it simple or add a few beads and decorate to your own style. No prior sewing experience needed. For information call 718-354-4500 or email Diane_Wulff@nps.gov

Bike Tour Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Saturday, August 17 at 10 AM Enjoy a leisurely ride through the park as we take in the beauty of the natural environment and discover some of the history of the park. Please wear a helmet and bring a bottle of water. All ages are welcome.

Shopping: Nineteenth Century Style Fort Wadsworth Mont Sec House 112 A Mont Sec Avenue Saturday, August 17 at 1PM Did you watch “Victoria” and see the Great Exposition designed by Prince Albert? More followed all around the world, including The World Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chi-cago. The Industrial Revolution was a time of rapid change, producing inventions and con-sumer goods that were previously unknown. Join us for a powerpoint presentation and dis-cussion about the changes that occurred in the nineteenth century, bringing us into the twen-tieth century and beyond. For more infor-mation call 718-354-4530 or email Di-ane_Wulff@nps.gov

Be a History Detective Fort Wadsworth Mont Sec House 112 A Mont Sec Avenue Saturday, August 24 at 1 PM Be a history detective and learn about life in the past. Have fun exploring historic Mont Sec House and discovering objects from long ago. Some you will recognize and some will be a mystery. Object les-sons were an important teaching tool during the nineteenth century, through pictures and object boxes. Be sure to check out our object box to have fun and learn more about the past. For more in-formation call 718-354-4530 or email Diane_Wulff@nps.gov

A History of The National Parks Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Saturday, Aug. 24 & Sunday Aug. 25 11AM – 12PM This year, the National Park Service cele-brates its 103rd birthday. Explore the history of the parks with a ranger-led workshop this weekend and see what makes YOUR public lands great! Meet at the Visitor Center. For information call 718-354-4500.

Founder's Day with Staten Island Philharmonic

Fo r t W ad sw or th O v er loo k Satu r d a y , Au g u s t 2 4 at 6 :0 0 PM J o in u s f o r t h e an n u a l c o n ce r t p r esen ted by the SI Phil celebrating the 103rd birth-day of the National Park Service. The selections will include all time American favorites, including Grofe’s Grand Can-yon Suite, and a medley of movie hits by the great John Williams. The program is presented at the Overlook. Bring a lawn chair, if you have one. Some seating is provided.

Overnight Campout Celebrate the National Park Ser-vice Birthday Fort Wadsworth Camp Hudson Sunday, August 25, 2:30 PM – Monday, August 26 at 10 AM Learn to pitch a tent, build a fire, cook and make s’mores over a fire pit. Explore

m ar in e a n i m als, p la n ts a n d b ir d s . T h is p r o g r am i s f r ee . A ll e q u ip m e n t w il l b e provided – Bring your own food, insect repellent, and ice. Space is limited. Call (718) 354-4655 for more information and reservations.

Seine and Search Fort Wadsworth Campground Monday, August 26, 11AM– 12 PM Experience the Native American fishing technique known as seining while discov-ering the animals that live along the shore. All equipment will be provided.

—end of Staten Island listings—

Updated July 1, 2019