Don't miss this full day of events. Green-wood's Battle of Brooklyn program includes a trolley tour, a parade honoring the Irish generals in Washington's army, colonial music, re-enactments, a march up to Battle Hill with its gorgeous view of NY Harbor, a memorial ceremony, and expert speakers.
Note: There's nothing Disney-esque about these events. Non-profit Green-wood Cemetery is the final resting place of Revolutionary War soldiers, as well as a battle site. Similarly, the other institutions that hold Battle of Brooklyn events are also non-profit; most are also the site of Battle of Brooklyn skirmishes.
All Events are on August 28, 2011
1. From 10a.m.–Noon: Take a Trolley Tour with 2 Fabulous Historians (Aug. 28,2011)
Photo by Ellen Freudenheim
Reservations are necessary! But don't miss this. Greenwood historian Jeff Richman and author Barnet Schecter, author of the book The Battle for New York: The City at the Heart of the American Revolution conduct a trolley tour of the cemetery. You won't find two more passionate, articulate, and informed guides to tell fascinating historical tales as you ride a comfy trolley tour through the leafy, lovely Green-wood cemetery.
2. From 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m: Watch a Brooklyn Irish American Parade(Aug.28,2011)
Even back in Revolutionary War days, the Irish made a huge contribution to Brooklyn. Join in a march from the Main Gate to memorialize Washington’s Irish Generals. You can re-live a bit of 1776 history as you witness drills, weapon firing, games, and meet historic personalities. No wonder the programmers for the day's events call this "Living History Programming." Wonderful for kids of all ages.
3. From 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m: Hear Early American Music (Aug.28,2011)
Dance a jig. During the Brooklyn Irish American Parade, colonial era music will be played by a group called Sampawams Creek, the brainchild of two brothers, Tim and Mike Fitall, experts in early American music. According to the Southhold Historical Society, the word Sampawams comes from the name of a local Indian who lived near a waterway by the same name, near the childhood home of the Fitalls, and dates to dates to at least 1689.
4. From 12:30 – 1:15 p.m: Watch a Battle of Brooklyn Re-enactment (Aug.28,2011)
Photo courtesy of Old Stone House in Brooklyn
5. At 1:30 p.m: Parade Up to Battle Hill in Green-Wood Cemetery (Aug.28,2011)
Wear comfortable shoes and take the half mile or so walk up to the spectacularly situated Battle Hill. If you were fighting against a strong navy (the British were nothing if not accomplished sailors), you'd want a commanding view of New York Harbor, too. From atop Battle Hill, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the harbor, and, fittingly, of the Statue of Liberty. Along the way, you can enjoy the park-like beauty of Green-wood Cemetery, which feels more like a natural refuge than a grim graveyard.6. At 2 p.m: Attend a Memorial Ceremony on Battle Hill, Guest Speaker (Aug.28,2011)
Photo by Ellen Freudenheim
The men who fought, and many who died, on behalf of their desire for national independence and religious freedom back in 1776 set the stage for the ongoing political experiment known as the United States of America. There'll be a memorial ceremony honoring the vision and bravery of these 18th century patriots, followed by == guest speaker Rear Admiral Phillip H. Greene, Jr.
ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER: He is a 1994 graduate of the National War College (M.S. National Security Strategy) and a 1985 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School. According to his Navy bio, "Greene was commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa where he led operations to build regional security capacity and counter extremism in the Horn/East Africa. Prior to this assignment Greene served in Naples, Italy, as director for Policy, Resources & Strategy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa." (See his bio here)
