Visable from many points on the Hudson River, including the Bear Mountain Bridge, Iona Island is full of mystery and forgotten history.
Doc Bayne, renowned local historian, photographer and educator, presents the forgotten history of Iona Island, from the living of Native Americans on the island, through the colonial farms and settlements, when it was known as Salisbury Island, and later as Weygant's Island. In the late 1800s it attracted tourists with an amusement park, hotel, and picnic grounds.
From 1900 to 1946 Iona became a top secret naval arsenal
complete with explosions, saboteurs and of course, the famous WWII Mothball Fleet. In 1965 the Palisades Interstate Park Commission took possession, making most of the island and surrounding marshes a wildlife preserve, providing valuable habitat for many species, including winter nesting for Bald Eagles.
Learn the history and uncover the mystery of Iona Island, Sunday, May 19th. Museum opens at 2pm, program starts at 2:15pm.
The public is invited to attend, $5.00 admission. Membership gives free admission to most events and activities. For more information visit Peekskill Museum online, peekskillmuseum.org or call 914-736-0473. The
Peekskill Museum, in the historic Herrick House, 124 Union Avenue, Peekskill.
Contact John Curran at (914)736-0473
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