Workers assessing the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park.
There are a couple of unique — and free — Veterans Day events in the neighborhood on Friday.
The Riverside Park Conservancy and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Association are opening the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monument in the park on 89th Street to visitors for a brief period.
To celebrate, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at 89th Street will open to the public from 10:00am-1:00pm on Friday, November 11th. This is a rare peak inside the aging monument that is otherwise not available to the public!
This magnificent 1902 Monument was last restored in the early 1960s – more than 50 years ago – and it needs major repair and restoration work. The exterior stonework is damaged and the mortar crumbling. Inside the beautiful Rotunda, the delicate marble has begun to crack and water damage is visible throughout.
Through the Conservancy’s advocacy work, City funding was secured for an assessment study that is underway. Specialized consultants are working with a team of architects and engineers to conduct a comprehensive conditions survey and restoration treatment study of the 114 year-old Memorial.
Following this assessment, restoration work can begin, however, funds need to be raised. Please support this important work to ensure the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument honors our service members for another century.
And the New-York Historical Society on 77th and Central Park West will offer free admission Friday (courtesy of AT&T) and has several events planned.
Living History with the 1st Rhode Island Regiment of Foot
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm
All Ages
Join us to honor America’s veterans by welcoming soldiers from America’s revolutionary past. Meet the 1st Rhode Island Regiment of Foot, historical reenactors portraying the Continental Army’s historic “Black Regiment” that was formed in part by African or First Nation slaves. Learn how their lives were affected by military service when they joined and reinforced the regiment after a disastrous campaign in New York. Take a close look at their uniforms and equipment or join them for an infantry drill!Battle of Brooklyn Family Guide
All day, every day
Recommended for ages 6 and up
Before or after you meet the soldiers, immerse yourself in the beginning of the American Revolution with the aid of the Family Activity Guide to our exhibition, The Battle of Brooklyn.Craft: Make the First Military Merit Badge!
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm
All Ages
Honor heroes of the Battle of Brooklyn and other battles of the American Revolution by recreating the first American badge of military merit, devised by George Washington himself. Decorate your 1782-inspired “purple heart” merit badge and then pin it on an image of the revolutionary figure of your choice. In the process, you will learn about how our country paved the way in honoring the service of common soldiers.Reading into History Family Book Club Special Event: Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
Sunday, 2 – 4 pm
Recommended for Ages 9–14
Visit the Museum on Sunday for our Reading into History Family Book Club Special Event: Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson, where families can fully explore the price and meaning of freedom in the revolutionary era. Participants will have the chance to discuss Ashes, the highly-anticipated conclusion to Anderson’s “Seeds of America” trilogy (Chains, Forge) about individuals of African descent in the American War for Independence, with other families and the author of the acclaimed series. Free with Museum Admission, but purchasing advance tickets online or through our Call Center is strongly recommended. This event may sell out.
The 11th is also the anniversary of when Washington State was admitted to the union. Anything to celebrate a bit….