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Commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn
August 30, 2015–August 31, 2015
The Battle of Brooklyn, fought in 1776 on land that is now a part of Green-Wood, was the first battle of the American Revolution to be waged after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On the 238th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, Green-Wood hosts a day of free commemoration ceremonies, trolley tours, and 18th-century living. See parades, cannon fire, horse rides, re-enactments and historic cooking. Living history events and activities will offer kids a real feel for life during the American Revolution. This is a great event for kids and families!
10:00 AM — TROLLEY TOUR (SOLD OUT): Join author and historian Barnet Schecter and Green-Wood historian Jeff Richman for a tour of Green-Wood and Revolutionary War-related sites. This tour is sold out.
12:30 PM – LIFE IN REVOLUTIONARY NEW YORK: Meet soldiers, their horses, and famous colonial Americans. Historic re-enactors will demonstrate everything from revolutionary weapons to colonial. Just inside Green-Wood’s gothic arches, food historian Sarah Loman will be on hand serving Jefferson’s Vanilla Custard Ice Cream, Maple Syrup Ice Cream, Lemonade, Raspberry Shrub, Cherry Bounce Shrub and Orange Flower Water Meringues. At the edge of the “battlefield,” Carolina M. Capehart will be cooking up soldiers’ fare over an open fire. Chat with Carolina about what she’s preparing and the food that Patriot troops received, cooked, and ate on a daily basis during the Revolutionary War. Free.
1:30 PM – BATTLE OF BROOKLYN PARADE: Grab a flag, wave it high and march to Battle Hill with The Regimental Band of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Begins at the main gate. Free.
2:00 PM – COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY: Honor the spirit and heroes of the Battle of Brooklyn at this commemoration on Battle Hill, overlooking New York Harbor. Free.
If you plan to attend any of the free events, please register once below and consider an optional donation.
Green-Wood trolley tours are fully accessible and ADA compliant.