PRESERVING NEW YORK CITY’S SMALLEST ISLANDS: HART ISLAND
It’s more than a cemetery; it’s the final resting place of many who are hidden from view by history and procedure.
Learn the fascinating history of Hart Island, a 101-acre site off the shores of The Bronx, in a presentation by author and filmmaker Melinda Hunt. As an advocate for the preservation of this long-overlooked public cemetery — the largest tax-funded cemetery in the world — she has worked tirelessly to make the records of its lost souls accessible to their family members. More than 800,000 individuals are buried on Hart Island.
“New York is the only major American city to maintain a separate public burial ground for its strangers, for those who die alone and unclaimed or for whom nobody is willing or able to afford a private funeral,” said Ms. Hunt.
The presentation, sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society, will be held on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 pm at the Roosevelt Island Branch of the New York Public Library, 524 Main Street. The event is FREE.
The presentation is the first in a series of four events, “Preserving New York’s Smallest Islands,” which focuses on Hart, Ellis, Randall’s and Roosevelt Islands.
DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Walk 10 minutes north on Main Street or take the red bus (25 cents).
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society promotes awareness of our Island’s unique story and pursues preservation of its landmarks and artifacts. For more information, please visit www.rihs.us.
For more information about Hart Island, please visit www.hartisland.net.