Statue of Liberty crown to re-open
July 4th celebrations[May 14th, 2009]
Visitors to New York's iconic harbour will once again be able to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty.
Public access to Lady Liberty's crown was removed following the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001.
The United States Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar has announced that from Independence Day this year, the crown will be re-opened to the public. Access will be limited to 10 people at a time, guided by a National Park Service ranger.
“On July 4th, we are giving America a special gift,” Salazar said. “We are once again inviting the public to celebrate our great nation and the hope and opportunity it symbolizes by climbing to Lady Liberty’s crown for a unique view of New York Harbor, where the forbearers of millions of American families first saw the new world.”
The Crown is reached via a 168-step double-helix spiral staircase and has undergone health and safety improvements including raising the handrails and positioning rangers to aid visitors in their climb.
It will be open for the next two years and then undergo long-term safety and security improvements.
The US government has also announced a $25 million renovation of the Baggage and Dormitory Building at Ellis Island, the gateway to the new world for centuries of immigrants. Forty per cent of American citizens can trace a family connection to the island.
If you want to be one of the first to visit Lady Liberty's crown, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly regularly to the Big Apple.
Written by: Maxine Clarke
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