Official Opening of RIHS Visitor Center - July 27, 2007

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On Friday, July 27, 2007, the Roosevelt Island Historical Society officially opened the Visitor’s Center. The 98 year old former Trolley Kiosk was welcomed by a host of officials. Despite the heat the crowd enjoyed the speechmaking which was quite fun.

Ms. Berdy began the ceremonies with a history of how the kiosk came to Roosevelt Island. Stephen Shane, the President of RIOC made it clear that Ms. Berdy is a model of persistence. This was a common theme among each of the speakers. Also in attendance and speaking were NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin (D-District 5), Angela Blocker on behalf of Kate Levin the Commissioner for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and David Burney, the Commisioner of the NYC Department of Design & Construction.

As Council Member Lappin stated visitors, prior to the installation of the kiosk, would simply take the Tram over, get off look around for a moment, and then get back on to return to Manhattan. Now they will stop into the Visitor’s Center, learn a little about the Island and then perhaps stay to shop or tour the Island.

According to the Opening Ceremony program:

The Visitor’s Center is open daily from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. through the Summer. Measuring only 210 square feet this charming structure with a cast iron exterior, decorated with terra cotta motifs on three sides also includes a Guastivino domed tile interior. The kiosk will get a fresh coat of paint this Autumn and will truly reflect her heritage when she has a forest green and beige exterior, along with restoring the original terra cotta tiles.

Invited guests that were not able to attend included State Senator Jose Serrano whose office is providing funds for future cultural events, Micah Kellner, our newly elected State Assemblyperson was in Albany and Scott Stringer the Manhattan Borough President who sent his regards and congratulations.

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On a personal note when I returned to work after the event I saw that WNBC-TV on their news website page listed under their “Latest from Local Blogs” a link to this blog for my story post regarding the Opening day festivities. Even though I realize it was an automatic feed from www.Outside.in it was still amusing and surprising.