The Friends of Governors Island

About Governors Island

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor located between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront. A former military base closed to the public for nearly two centuries, today the Island is a popular seasonal destination welcoming nearly 1 million people a year. An award-winning new park is complemented by dozens of unique historic buildings, environmental educational facilities, a rich arts and culture program and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Unlike anywhere else in New York, Governors Island offers peaceful settings with sweeping views of the Harbor, Lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. Looking ahead, the Island will be activated year-round as a sustainable campus for learning and innovation, with plans for expanded commercial and non-profit uses in its future.

About The Friends of Governors Island

The Friends of Governors Islnad is an independent nonprofit that works to ensure the Island’s continued growth and accessibility as a vibrant public resource. As the designated fundraising partner of the Trust for Governors Island and the National Park Service, the Friends stewards the Island’s green spaces, enhances the visitor experience and builds a community dedicated to the Island’s future.

Our core activities include running Governors Island’s visitor services and volunteer programs; raising funds to care for the park’s landscapes, expand public access, and create more free programming; and advocating to ensure Governors Island remains a shared space for all.

We welcome dreamers, innovators and nimble thinkers who want to help us shape this great public space for the next generation of New Yorkers.