"The True Story of Bannerman’s Island" :: Bannerman Castle Trust’s 30th Anniversary Exhibition in Beacon, NY
The Bannerman Castle Trust, (BCT) and Bannerman Island Gallery located at 150 Main Street in Beacon, NY proudly present a special 30th Anniversary Exhibition and Celebration featuring artwork, photographs, antiques & artifacts from historic Bannerman Island and Castle, that begins with a public opening reception on Saturday September 14th from 4:00-6:00pm. All are welcome.
Photo Credit: Bannerman Castle Sunset - by L.A. Clark
What Is The Bannerman Castle Trust?
Photo Credit: Bannerman Island Museum Interior - by L.A. Clark
The Bannerman Castle Trust organization has existed and operated as a not-for-profit “Friends” group comprised of dedicated volunteers and staff for over 30 years. Working with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, the BCT has made incredible advances on Bannerman Island, taking it from an abandoned and over-grown island of historic ruins (dating back to 1900) to the incredible public destination it is today.
Photo Credit: 1. Gordon Colby (Francis Bannerman's great-great grandson) donates original Bannerman Desk, - standing with BCT Executive Director Neil Caplan and BCT Development Director, Kelly Ellenwood (Photo by Lili Colby)
Since 1994, the BCT has been working to find resources and funding to stabilize the island’s historic structures and has made it their mission to educate the public on the value and history of Bannerman Island (originally known as Pollepel Island), to make it a safe and welcoming place for the public to enjoy as an educational, cultural, historical and recreational facility, promoting heritage tourism in the Hudson Valley.
Who Is Francis Bannerman?
Military Antiques dealer and amateur architect Francis Bannerman worked and resided on his island from 1900 until his death in 1918 and had built several structures including the iconic “folly” castle (arsenal) to store surplus militaria, and a summer residence that resembled a small castle where he and his wife Helen Boyce Bannerman would stay during weekends and summer months away from their city residence at the Hotel Margaret in Brooklyn Heights. Bannerman’s restored roll-top desk that that was gifted by Gordon Bannerman Colby and his wife Lili will be featured in the show. 19th century paintings by artist Francis William Loring (found in the Bannerman residence) were donated by Jane Bannerman and will also be on exhibit.
The Bannerman Exhibition
Photo Credit: From Bannerman Island Tour Boat - by Neil Caplan
The exhibition will be on display through January 2025. Gallery hours are Saturday’s & Sunday’s from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm and most weekday afternoons by chance or appointment by calling 845-831-1001.
The exhibition is FREE and open to the public, and group tours are also available. Additional 30th Anniversary programs include a special Community Accessibility Excursion to the island in October, and a High Tea & Talk with Executive Director Neil Caplan at Beacon's Swann Inn on Sunday, September 29th. The historic Gothic Revival era Swann Inn houses a number of extraordinary Bannerman Island paintings and drawings.
Bannerman's Island is accessible by the Estuary Steward Tour Boat, leaving the Beacon, NY Dock by reservation only from May – October each year. If you are interested in taking a tour of the island or in attending one of the BCT’s fabulous events, please visit www.bannermancastle.org for tickets.