I just read in todays NY Times that the Statue Of Liberty, closed since 9/11 will reopen in late July with hightened security.

Bob

NYPDRET (Bob)-Was so glad to hear about the "Lady" re-opening. Hope to get there this year-was in NYC 11/2001 and was proud to be there. Was born in Brooklyn & have always felt that my heart was left in NYC.

Connie

That's interesting - I wasn't aware that it had been closed. Did they close the entire island to visitors, or was it just the statue itself?

I'm not sure I understand why it was closed. I went up it in May 2001, and they did rigorous bag checks, etc, at that time. It certainly seemed like pretty tight security!

Regards,

Chris

Chris, you were there in May. 9/11 was in September 2001. Everything has changed since 9/11 as far as security goes.

I pulled this off our local paper here in NJ:
The Statue of Liberty, closed since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, will open its doors to visitors by midsummer.

As expected, however, visitors will not be allowed past the top of the 89-foot-high pedestal to make the popular - though often grueling - interior trek up to the crown observatory.

Safety and security improvements are supposed to take about four months, putting the opening at the end of July. Visitors will then have access to the museum exhibits in the 65-foot-high base and to observation decks at different heights in the pedestal, including the uppermost one, near the top of the stone structure.

"That deck is 150 feet or about 16 stories above the water line," and offers 360-degree views of New York Harbor, Norton said.

Back inside, a glass ceiling just below the statue's hollow feet will give visitors a view of its unusual interior structure. Seeing the statue's armature, designed by famed French architect Gustav Eiffel, has always been one of the attractions of the climb to the crown.

A reservation system, designed to avoid crowding within the pedestal, will also be implemented when the statue reopens, Norton said.

The National Park Service has already spent nearly $20 million on enhanced security at Liberty Island, including airport-type security checkpoints at the ferry docks in Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, constant boat and land surveillance of the island, and sweeps by U.S. Park Police using dogs trained to sniff explosives. Fire and safety system improvements - alarms, firewalls, and emergency lighting - have been made and will continue over the next four months.

When it reopens, there will continue to be security checks at the two embarkation points, as well as at the statue itself. Visitors to the museum will see new walls and enclosed stairways within the pedestal.

The monument has three parts: Its 65-foot-high base is a star-shaped fort dating to the War of 1812. On top of that stands the 89-foot stone pedestal, and atop that, the 151-foot copper-skinned Lady Liberty.

The National Park Service hasn't given up on opening the crown observatory. We're still moving in that direction, but the security people say that the technology to make it safe doesn't exist yet.

The double-helix stairway that takes people up to the crown and back violates just about every fire and safety regulation, officials point out. There are no emergency exits. It takes too long to evacuate people. The stairs are not enclosed, nor is the space within the statue compartmentalized to prevent the spread of fire. The individual steps are too narrow, too high, and too shallow.

Thank you Judy. Your answer was very helpful and informative.

Regards,

Chris

I didn't know it was closed either. Glad to hear it's reopening. I haven't been to NY in many years. I think it's about time for a visit.

The Statue is a vantage point due to its height, and of course, a national symbol/icon, and therefore was thought to be a potential attraction for terrorists. It was also under renovation, and thanks to contributions-- including $100,000 from the mayor of New York--, is re-opening early. If you've never been to Ellis Island it is truly a fascinating experience.

The Statue of Liberty is certainly a sight to see! You haven't been to New York if you haven't gone to see the Statue of Liberty!

Given the dislike of all things French which we are told exists in the US, I'm surprised the Statue of Liberty is still regarded as a good thing; after all, it came from those nasty French people .

Regards,

Chris

Not only was the Statue of Liberty a gift from the French, I believe it was given to the U.S. following the French supporting the U.S in its War of Independence. French blood was shed in that war,coming to the aid of the U.S.

There's a very good history of the Statue of Liberty at:

http://tinyurl.com/ytfhj

well worth a read!

Regards,

Chris

Chris-re: "dislike of all things French in USA"-
not true for lots of us-and I must tell you that one of the most treasured things in our country is the Statue of Liberty-regardless of what anyone's current political views may be. Actually what I hear most with regard to the French is the other way around, that they dislike Americans & have for many years. So go figure I guess.
Actually my Mom & I are going to London next month & I had to plead w/her to go to Paris w/me-she's traveled a lot & her feeling was not a welcoming one by the French-. I won-we are going!

Connie

Chris,

Shame on you. I expected better from you. I so enjoy and appreciate your travel advice.

It is just as ConnieJ said, the word is that the French hate Americans (which we are told exist in France) and that they are rude people. I for one, didn't find that to be true.

When discussing my trip to France, I am always asked about how I was treated by the French people. I tell them I was treated very well in France and look forward to returning. I think Paris is the most beautiful city I have ever been in.