Battle Week 2011 — The 235th Anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn
Boston has captured the flag as the site of the most important fights of the American Revolution, but the historic Battle of Brooklyn was a decisive moment, too, in the US War of Independence.Of course, July 4th is the holiday one associates with Independence Day.
But every August, a week of historic celebrations retraces the steps of patriots, including General George Washington, as they faced off against a far better equipped British army in the early stages of the Revolutionary War, in 1776. This is true Americana, Brooklyn-style.
2011 Battle of Brooklyn Calendar August 19-August 28
For children, students, visitors and Brooklyn residents, the saga of this tense, dramatic battle comes alive during a week of activities designed to honor that battle in 1776. Re-enactments, lectures, parades and more all bring to light the very real stories of the individuals who fought in a struggle whose outcome, while well known to us today, was then yet to be revealed.- August 19, 12:30 p.m. Declaration of Independence Reading. Although it's not in Brooklyn, the week-long Battle of Brooklyn festivities kick off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence
at Federal Hall, 26 Wall Street (front steps)in Manhattan. Info: (212) 825-6888.
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August 20, 10 a.m. – Noon. Ceremony and March to Remember the Maryland 400 Patriots
Meet and march! First, attend a reading of the names of the Revolutionary War patriots, the Marylanders, followed by a march to the Old Stone House.Where: Start at the American Legion Michael A. Rawley Post
at 193 9th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, and march to the Old Stone House at 8th Street @ 3rd Avenue. Info: (718) 768-3195. http:/www.theoldstonehouse.org.
- August 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Battle of Brooklyn Van Tour.
Urban Park Rangers
lead a van tour of key sites. Participants are chosen by lottery, so sign up today! Parks website.
- August 20, 2 p.m. Revolutionary Concert Sponsored by the NY State Council on The Humanities. Broadsides, ballads, love songs and humorous ditties by Linda Russell along with stories of everyday life in early America. You'll hear classics such as “Johnnie’s Gone for a Soldier,”
“Soldier, Soldier, Will You Marry Me” and even George Washington’s favorite dance tune.
Where:Old Stone House Info: (718) 768-3195. http:/www.theoldstonehouse.org.
- Sunday August 21, 11 a.m. – 1p.m.
Evergreens Cemetery Walking Tour.
Join a walking tour of the revolutionary war sites. Where:Meet at Evergreen Cemetery Main Gate, Bushwick Avenue and Conway Street
Info: (718) 455-5300. http:/www.theevergreens.org.
- Wednesday,
August 24, 6p.m.
Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Tour.
Paddle the Gowanus Canal and learn about the history of this infamous escape route for American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
Where:
2nd Street between Bond and the Gowanus Canal. Info: (718) 768-3195. http:/www.gowanuscanal.org.
- August 24, 7p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Magnificent Retreat – A Walking Tour in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Drama! Here's what the organizers say:
"On a moonlit August night in 1776, a regiment of fishermen from Marblehead, MA, rowed General George Washington and the Continental Army across the East River under the noses of the vastly superior British army. 12,000 men with horses and artillery escaped in silence over the river, saving the patriot cause." Guided by Paul Rush, you can re-live that dramatic night. Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park. Info and to reserve http:www.bbpc.net.
- Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. Prison Ships Martyrs Memorial Ceremony.
Coordinated by the Society of Old Brooklynites, American Merchant Marine Association, and Navy Armed Guard. Where: Prison Ships Martyrs Monument, Fort Greene Park. Info: (718) 499–7600.
- Saturday August 27, Noon – 3 p.m. Re-enactment at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Relive the so-called Great Escape, a historic depiction of the dramatic end of the Battle of Brooklyn. It's perfect for buffs of maritime history. Where: Main Street/Brooklyn Bridge Park. Info:
http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org.
- Saturday August 27, 6– 8 p.m.
Battle of Brooklyn Neighborhood Walk.
Led by Hunter College Archaeology Professor William J. Parry. Where: Meet at Grand Army Plaza, under the arch.
$12 per person/$10 members; includes light refreshments. Wear comfortable shoes. Reservations, Info: (718) 768-3195.info@theoldstonehouse.org.
- Sunday August 28. Full Day of Events including Battle of Brooklyn Re-Enactment, Irish American Parade, Speaker at Green-Wood Cemetery.
See the full schedule of events at Green-wood
Do not miss this full day of events. Some require reservations, so book ahead. The full day program includes a trolley tour, a parade memorializing the Irish generals in General Washington's army, colonial music, re-enactments, a parade to the top of Battle Hill with it's gorgeous view of NY Harbor, a memorial ceremony on Battle Hill, and expert speakers including authors, historians, and Rear Admiral Phillip H. Greene, Jr. USMS, Guest Speaker.
Where: 5th Avenue at 25th Street.Info and to reserve (718) 768-7300. http://www.green-wood.com.
Ongoing Exhibits
In addition, you can check out these ongoing exhibits.- It Happened in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Thursday-Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m. 128 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn Heights. Info: (718) 222-4111. http:/www.bhs.org.
- Battle of Brooklyn Exhibit at Harbor Defense Museum Saturday August 27th 1776 This permanent exhibit highlights arms and uniforms representing soldiers who fought in the Battle of Brooklyn. Outside tours overlooking the Narrows where a contingent of British forces landed are available daily. Valid Photo ID is required. Museum Hours: Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Fort Hamilton Army Base, Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street, Bay Ridge. Info: (718) 630-4349. http:/www.harbordefensemuseum.com.
- Battle of Brooklyn Exhibit at Old Stone House . See history where it happened. Open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m weekends, or by apt. year round. Where: Old Stone House, 336 Third Street in Park Slope Info: (718) 768-3195 http:/www.theoldstonehouse.org.
