Battle Week

Gird your loins, Park Slopers! Battle Week is upon us and while you won’t be called to action, you may be fighting your way to some of the awesome events celebrating the 235th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn.

“Most Brooklynites aren’t aware that the largest battle of the Revolutionary War took place right here in what’s now Park Slope, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge Flatbush, Bushwick, Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy,” said Kim Maier, Executive Direcotr of The Old Stone House historic site. 

Despite the significant loss the Americans suffered during this battle, the Americans denied the British the opportunity to end the rebellion in 1776, and helped General George Washington begin to coalesce his army, which eventually won the Revolutionary War by 1783.    

 “We have some great events planned this year,” added Maier. She explained that Linda Russell’s concert of Revolutionary War-era music is on August 20 at 2 p.m., the Marblehead regiments interpretive program with the Village Boathouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park is on August 27, the Battle of Brooklyn Neighborhood walk is at 6 p.m. on August 27, and the reenactment programs at Green-Wood Cemetery are on August 28. "I particularly enjoy the spirit and knowledge that the reenactors bring to their programming – it’s a wonderful prism into 18th century life," Maier said. 

Reenactors are organized by Mike Callahan, a National Park Service ranger at Federal Hall, Grant’s Tomb and St. Paul's historic site. Look for him at the events for a point of knowledge and information.

The neighborhood walk on August 27, led by Old Stone House board member and Hunter College Archaeology Professor William J. Parry, is very popular and it's wise to purchase admission in advance. Tickets cost $12, include light refreshments, and can be reserved at (718) 768-3195/ info@theoldstonehouse.org.

For a complete list of events and activities, click here.