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, re-enactments, a march up to Battle Hill with its gorgeous view of NY Harbor, a memorial ceremony, and more. All events are free, except for the Trolley tour. To find out more information, visit www.green-wood.com/toursevents or call 718-210-3080. Reservations for the trolley tour are recommended; it usually sells out.
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 26, 2012
1. 10 A.M.–Noon: Take a Trolley Tour with 2 Fabulous Historians (Aug 26, 2012)
Photo by Ellen Freudenheim
Don'tt 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.
Cost is 15 for Green-Wood Historic Fund members; $20 for non-members. To make online reservations or to find out more information, visit www.green-wood.com/toursevents or call 718-210-3080.
2. 12:30 P.M. – 1:15 P.M.: Battle of Brooklyn Re-enactment (Aug 26, 2012)
Photo courtesy of Old Stone House in Brooklyn
3. 1:30 P.M: Parade Up to Battle Hill in Green-Wood Cemetery (Aug 26, 2012)
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.4. 2 P.M.: Attend a Memorial Ceremony on Battle Hill, Guest Speaker (Aug.26,2012)
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.
