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The 240th Commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn
August 28, 2016, 10:30am–4:00pm
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 240th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, Green-Wood hosts a day of free commemoration ceremonies and 18th-century living. See parades, cannon fire, horses, 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. $15 for members of Green-Wood and BHS/$20 for non-members. This event is sold out. Make sure you never miss out on tickets again! Green-Wood members get access to tickets weeks before the general public. Join today.
The below events are free, but please register so that we can gauge response. We encourage you to consider making an optional donation with your reservation to ensure our ability to continue to offer these events free of charge.
12:00 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 colonial snacks and drinks. 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 Revolutionary regiment 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.
Green-Wood trolley tours are fully accessible and ADA compliant. In order to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device on the trolley, advance arrangements must be made. Please call (718) 210-3080, ext. 1. Please note that portions of the tour take place outside the trolley and may require exiting the vehicle on multiple occasions. Please contact the Historic Fund for more information.
All events will take place rain or shine. Click here for our inclement weather policy.