FISHKILL – The Bannerman Castle Trust officially kicked off its tourist season on Tuesday with a sneak peek at its upcoming events and an update on the island’s ongoing restoration efforts.
In what has become an annual tradition, the Estuary Steward docked at the Metro-North Beacon Train Station to bring members of the media and local tourist organizations on the 25-minute scenic ride to Pollepel Island, commonly known as Bannerman Island.
Bannerman Trust staff gave the season’s first visitors an update on the latest preservation efforts, which have been in the works for over 30 years.
The Trust collaborates with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Neil Caplain is the executive director and founder of the Trust.
“We’re working on all the ‘Wee Bay’ trails so that we can connect them to the red trail. That way you’ll be able to do a complete circle around the island in just a few weeks,” said Caplan, who is referring to the small shallow bay and beach on the island’s south side– a common access point for tours and kayakers.
“We’re also in the process of restoring the ‘grand staircase’ and the grotto, a small cave which Bannerman used as a place for prayer. We can use all the donations we can get because it costs so much money!”
Caplan officially announced that the trust has completed a stabilization planning study with an architectural firm to figure out how to stabilize the island structures going forward, which includes the main castle.
Nearly 60 years ago, fire destroyed the interior of the castle arsenal and gutted the buildings, leaving behind the stone ruins that are visible today.
In 2014, temporary supports were put in place to hold up the structure.
BCT staff announced another full slate of programs and performances that will be held on the island between May and November, including a Titanic Dinner and Movie Nights.
Visitors were offered a live preview of July’s Epic Broadway on Bannerman Island as well as a special performance of Dracula coming up in September.
Duane Boutte, the actor who will perform Dracula as a one man show for the second year, says there is no place like Bannerman Island.
“It’s the perfect location. Not only is your audience literally captive but the atmosphere is just perfect for storytelling,” said Boutte. “I couldn’t be happier performing anywhere else.”
Although the Trust hopes that these and other scheduled events and tours will help offset the ongoing cost of restoration, they know it will not be enough and expect to launch a capital campaign to raise more dollars in late summer.
The other need for Bannerman Island is more volunteers.
Caplan says the Trust utilizes about 130 gardeners—25 of whom show up each week to help restore and maintain the island’s colorful gardens, but they need more.
“This is the most eclectic set of ruins in the world,” said Bannerman Historian Thom Johnson. “It’s architecture is such a blending of different styles. There are parts that are Galli Esque, Moorish and Scottish Baronial. As an architectural ruin, it’s also an example of America because it’s a melting pot.”
Caplan says long after he is gone, he hopes the work continues on the island and that it becomes home to an amphitheater, a place where people can learn about history and experience culture.
“One of the best views you’re going to get is right here on Bannerman Island,” said Caplan. “There is nothing else like it in the Hudson Valley or in this country. It’s amazing to have it here, and to be able to keep it up is a real joy.”
About 16-thousand people visit Bannerman Island each year.
Comments