Statue of Liberty National Monument

The flag at the Statue of Liberty National Monument is flown at half staff today for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. You may watch this year's ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/PearlHarborNPS/videos/673163613349224 The ceremony featured a multisite wreath presentation video and a Veterans tribute video narrated by USS Arizona Survivor Lou Conter produced in partnership with Defense Media Activity.

Today in History December 6, 1881 Richard Morris Hunt is commissioned by the American Committee to design a pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. His vision resulted in the granite tower 87 feet (27.4 meters). For his work, Hunt received a sum of 1,000 dollars which he donated to the American Committee to help fund the Statue. Hunt was the first American to attend the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Learn more here: https://www.nps.gov//historyculture/richard-morris-hunt.htm [Image Description: The northern and western exposures of the granite pedestal of the statue of liberty are in view. A balcony in located near the top. Beneath the balcony is a colonnade. Ten large raised discs on each side are located toward the bottom portion of the structure.]

Reflections from Ellis Island During December, just prior to closing time there are magical opportunities to capture unique photographs. We encourage you to SHARE your spectacular images with us on Twitter and Instagram @StatueEllisNPS [Image Description: The lower Manhattan skyline featuring the One World Trade Center is seen in the distance through the semi circular window located in the Great Hall at Ellis Island. The skies are streaked in shades of purple, pink and blue.]

This Week in History October 28, 1886 Excitement was building in the days leading up the inauguration by the President of the United States of the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World. This is the invitation sent to guests who would be on Bedloe's Island for the festivities 134 years ago. For an up close and personal experience, today, we invite you to our explore the island and the Statue using our interactive Virtual Tour https://www.nps.gov//le/photosmultimedia/vir...tual-tours.htm [Image Description: The invitation from President Grover Cleveland features a rendering of the Statue of Liberty and the names of six senior members from the American Committee who were instrumental in raising funds to erect the statue in New York.]

Won't You Meet Our Neighbor Built to keep people out; now Castle Clinton welcomes millions to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. Located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, Castle Clinton stands where New York City began, and represents not only the city’s growth, but the growth of a nation. Initially intended to prevent a British invasion in 1812, the fortification has transformed over the years to welcome theatergoers, immigrants, sightseers, and now, millions of visitors to New York Harbor. Learn more about the history: www.nps.gov/cacl [Image Description: The red sandstone walls of Castle Clinton are behind snow covered bushes and a tree in Battery Park.]

Emma Lazarus was asked to compose a sonnet for the "Art Loan Fund Exhibition in Aid of the Bartholdi Pedestal Fund for the Statue of Liberty". This was for an art and literary auction to raise funds for the Statue's pedestal run by the American Committee for the Statue of Liberty. The New Colossus Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,... With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Emma Lazarus November 2, 1883 Does the statue inspire you in 2020? Share a short poem with us today. [Image Description: a photomechanical print or line photoengraving of Emma Lazarus. She is in view from head-and-shoulders and is facing left.] #writeout #findyourpark #tellingstories

Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island are closing early today, Monday November 30th. Final clearing boat will depart Liberty Island at 3:00pm and Ellis Island at 3:15pm. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Throughout October, we're #TellingStories, and we'd like to hear from you! What are some of your favorite memories about Lady Liberty or Ellis Island? Did you get engaged here? Did you share a laugh over some silly bird behavior? Have you researched your family history? Did you come here on a class trip? What do you remember about the stairways inside? Whether it's a life-changing event or a brief experience, we want to hear it! Post your stories below: Try to keep it to 100-words-or-less and add photos if you can! (For reference, this post is 100 words.) #findyourpark #WriteOut

A Campfire Chat with an Icon (An activity idea for Write Out participants) Imagine the Statue of Liberty strides forward, stepping off the stone pedestal. The torch in her right hand is used to help ignite a campfire. You have been chosen to sit on the island for the evening and have been invited to strike up a conversation with the iconic Lady Liberty. You may choose the topic. You ask the questions and you document the story as it unfolds. Have fun! Topic ideas: -Constru...ction and Building a statue -Liberty and personal freedoms -The Statue and immigration (past or present) -The Statue’s image in Pop Culture Write Out is a free two-week event running through October 25, 2020. It is organized as a series of online activities where educators, students, and the public are invited to explore national parks and other public spaces to connect and learn through place-based writing and sharing. Write Out is in its third year and is sponsored by the National Writing Project and the National Park Service. The theme of this year’s event is Stories Around the Campfire which connects to the National Park Service theme for October. To learn more about the program, visit: https://www.nps.gov We encourage you to share your writing and connect with others using the following hashtags: #writeout #findyourpark #encuentratuparque #tellingstories [Image Description: An extreme closeup of the Statue of Liberty's gold flame. It appears to be ablaze as bright lights are aimed at the flame which is against a majestic deep purple sky.]

Today in History October 15, 1886 As the Statue of Liberty neared completion, newspaper accounts of the day often featured updates. On this date, the last of the copper components of the right fingers were attached to the iron framework. Learn more about Liberty's chronology: https://www.nps.gov//histo/liberty-island-a-chronology.htm... [Image Description: A close-up of the right hand and fingers of the Statue of Liberty firmly clasping the shaft of the torch.]

There is room on our bench for you... 2021 Summer seasonal park ranger and park guide application periods open Nov 2-6. Visitor Service Assistants, Nov 30-Dec 4 and Ranger (Foreign Languages) open Dec 1 - June 1. Visit www.usajobs.gov and prepare your resume. We'll provide the web links when we get them. Selections take place in the spring and the jobs start in May-June for up to 6 months. ... [Image: Two park rangers in uniform sitting on a bench with a flower garden behind them. The skyline of Lower Manhattan is in the background with a deep blue sky.]

Write Out 2020 is running through October 25th. We will be sharing writing resources and activities during this time. Write Out is a free series of activities where the public is invited to explore national parks and other public spaces to connect and learn through writing. It is all virtual so you can participate from your home, your classroom, or anywhere! National Park Service Rangers from around the country have made some fun daily writing prompt videos. A collection of... storytellers have created story-filled videos to inspire your writing. Check out these resources and more, and sign up for updates at https://writeout.nwp.org/. Ellis Island Curriculum Materials and writing activities are found here: https://www.nps.gov//ed/classrooms/curriculummaterials.htm Bookending the October 20th National Day on Writing, Write Out invites you to write and share, join online meet-ups, discover stories, learn from a collection of resources, and more! The theme of this year's event is Stories Around the Campfire which connects to the National Park Service theme for October. Keep checking back for more writing inspiration, and happy writing to all participants! Remember to use #writeout when sharing your own stories, images, as your work generates excitement for Write Out 2020. Write Out is a collaboration of the National Writing Project and the National Park Service. #writeout #nationalwritingproject #findyourpark #encuentratuparque #nationalparkservice [Image Description: The silhouetted buildings on Ellis Island are seen from across the bay against a vibrant sunset of powerful gold and orange hues.]

Our museums have reopened and limited indoor dining too! Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, the National Park Service is using a phased approach to partially reopen the park while continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with the City of New York’s move into Phase Four of New York State’s reopening plan, the National Park Service has opened: -The grounds of Ellis a...nd Liberty Islands. -The Statue of Liberty Museum (limited to 25% capacity) -The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (limited to 25% capacity). -Limited food and gift shop services on both Liberty and Ellis Islands. Indoor (25% of capacity) and outdoor dining is available. Public restrooms on both Liberty and Ellis Islands are available What remains closed: -Theaters in the Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty museums. -No interactive touch screens are available within the exhibits -The Statue of Liberty interior, including the pedestal and crown, remain closed and will be part of a later reopening phase. Ferry service is provided about once an hour with the first sail at 9:30 AM and the last sail at 3:30 PM. Both islands begin closing at 4:30 PM. A typical visit both islands is about 3-4 hours. Please plan your visit earlier in the day if possible. Strongly recommend you purchase tickets in advance at www.statuecruises.com [Image Description: An early morning view looking west from the back of the Statue of Liberty casting a 500 foot / 160 meter shadow on to the long rectangular red brick plaza at Liberty Island. Along the edges of the plaza are 24 young trees planted in two rows on its left and right. At the far end of the plaza is the new Statue of Liberty Museum with its strong horizontal angles, earthen roof and a glass atrium, with the original Statue of Liberty torch, facing towards New York City.] See more

This Month in History October 18, 1910 President William Howard Taft visited Ellis Island and according to media outlets participated in the legal hearings of several immigrants. He asked one detained man, Do you know who is President of the United States? He said William H. Taft. Taft said Would it surprise you to know that I am the president. He said So you are, sir. ... Several years later, in 1913 President Taft signed an act establishing the Department of Labor, just hours before Woodrow Wilson took office. All business of immigration and naturalization, including the Ellis Island processing station is transferred to the Department of Labor. You may learn more about Ellis Island: www.nps.gov/elis Photograph: Library of Congress [Image Description: President Taft is outdoors with the the Ellis Island Commissioner of Immigration and 4 other gentlemen. The President dressed for crisp autumn weather is waving his right hand.]

AUTUMN is the season to prepare for Summer 2021. It is time to think about applying for those summer seasonal park ranger and park guide jobs. We'll be advertising them on www.usajobs.gov starting November 2 to November 6. For our visitor service assistants November 30 to December 4 and bilingual park rangers open December 1 to June 1. More to come later. All through October, the National Park Service will be advertising summer seasonal positions for law enforcement rangers... and fee collectors for a different part of the country every Monday. Visit www.usajobs.gov and start setting up your account and resume. [Image Description: In the foreground, fern like plants with golden tips rise to frame the back of a slightly blurred Statue of Liberty seen in the distance.]

Summer 2021 - Time to think about applying for those summer seasonal park ranger and park guide jobs. We'll be advertising them on www.usajobs.gov starting November 2 to November 6. For our visitor service assistants November 30 to December 4 and bilingual park rangers open December 1 to June 1. More to come later. All through October, the National Park Service will be advertising summer seasonal positions for law enforcement rangers and fee collectors for a different part o...f the country every Monday. Visit www.usajobs.gov and start setting up your account and resume. [Image Description: A young woman, a national park ranger is smiling as she engages in conversation with two middle school-aged girls. NPS Photo/Matthew Teuten].

Today is History September 17, 1814 Colonel Eleazer Derby Wood was killed near Fort Erie. The star shaped fortification from which the Statue of Liberty rises is named in the honor of this soldier. You may learn more about Fort Wood here: https://www.nps.gov/places/fort-wood-fort-gibson.htm... [Image Description: An aerial view of Liberty Island features the Statue of Liberty and the pedestal. However, from this high level, the image showcases the massive eleven pointed gray granite fort at beneath the iconic statue.]

Today in History September 16, 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt visits Ellis Island for four hours in an effort to learn about its operations. You plan a visit to Ellis Island today: www.nps.gov/elis [Image Description: President Theodore Roosevelt and a delegation of men have just disembarked from a a ferry on to a rain-soaked dock at Ellis Island. The President has his right hand extended at is about to greet an official at the immigration station.] ... Photo: NYPL Digital Collections