How To Celebrate Battle Of Brooklyn: Concert, Reenactors And More

BROOKLYN, NY — Whether by walking, biking or sparking up a conversation with war reenactors, New Yorkers this week will commemorate the historic battle that kicked off the American Revolution right here in Brooklyn.

A line-up of events across the borough have been scheduled to celebrate the anniversary of the 1776 event known as the Battle of Brooklyn, or the first military engagement following the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

From rebellion-style concerts, to lessons about colonists on land where the battle was fought, there is a way for everyone to take part in the celebration.

Here's a look at the list of events:

Wednesday, Aug. 25: "Battle Jam" with the Gowanus Dredgers

"...In partnership with the Old Stone House, the Gowanus Dredgers invite Loyalists, revolutionaries and common folk to join us for a fun evening to commemorate the event.

Our Boathouse Jam, which occurs on Wednesdays outside the Gowanus Dredgers boathouse, will feature rebellion songs and songs of freedom at our shoreline. Our Boathouse Jam is open to everyone with an acoustic instrument and a propensity for sitting in a circle while playing. Come on down, lead us in a song and play along. The Gowanus Dredgers boathouse is a family friendly event venue with a mission of connecting us with our waterways."

Friday, Aug. 27: Battle of Brooklyn Neighborhood Walking Tour

Join local historian Dylan Yeats for a walking tour about the historic battle. The tour will start and end at the Old Stone House and last from 6 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 28

• Battle of Brooklyn Bike Tour
  • Join local guide Rich Garr for a bike tour commemorating the occasion from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cyclists should meet at Grand Army Plaza at the start of the event.

Sunday, Aug. 29

• Green-Wood Cemetery Celebration: Green-Wood will present a family-friendly afternoon in an event co-presented with The Old Stone House. Visitors need to select one of four time slots due to reduced capacity and COVID-19 protocols. Find out more here and check out a line-up of activities below:
• Chat with Continental soldiers from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
• Learn how the colonists used herbs to treat wounds and illnesses
• Sing along with brigands and learn a sea shanty (sung on the sailing ships of the era)
• Learn about James Hemings, a chef enslaved by Thomas Jefferson, who helped define American cuisine, preparing meals for prominent politicians, diplomats, and many more.
• See muskets, cannons, horses, and British Cavalry
• Learn about the military maps used during the battle
• Take a walk up to Battle Hill to learn from Green-Wood educators about the importance of the statue of Minerva, which salutes the Statue of Liberty and was placed in commemoration of the battle.
• See replicas of battle flags placed atop Battle Hill, each self-styled by the individual bands of colonial fighters
• Take home the Battle of Brooklyn Day 2021 Activity Guide

Note: The Green-Wood cemetery event was originally scheduled for Saturday, but will now take place on Sunday.