Borough Readies to Commemorate Battle of Brooklyn Week

This Sunday marks the start of the Battle of Brooklyn Week, a seven-day celebration to pay tribute to the patriots who fought across the borough in the American Revolutionary War on Aug. 27, 1776. 

From Aug. 18-25, events to commemorate the 237th anniversary of the battle that allowed George Washington to safely escape the borough will be held in historic locations including Green-Wood Cemetery and the Old Stone House.  

-- From Sunday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug. 25, check out 85 Revolutionary War flags and their history at the Old Stone House, on display at Green-Wood Cemetery and organized by the Old Stone House. 

-- On Aug. 23 from 6-8:30 p.m., grab your comfortable shoes and join Old Stone House Board Member and Hunter College Archaeology Professor William J. Parry for the Battle of Brooklyn neighborhood walk. Meet at Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, NW corner. Tickets cost $12 per person, or $10 for Old Stone House members and includes light refreshments. Order tickets online in advance via Brown Paper Tickets. For reservations and information, call (718) 768 3195 or email info@theoldstonehouse.org.

-- On Aug. 24 at 1 p.m., kids of all ages are invited to participate in a free Battle of Brooklyn family scavenger hunt at the Brooklyn Navy Yard's BLDG 92. Children will follow clues throughout BLDG 92's exhibits in a "battle" of Brooklyn wits and a race against time. Kids will discover their Revolutionary War heritage as well as what is revolutionary on-site, winning prizes throughout the hunt. Enjoy lemonade and cookies for purchase in the café afterwards. 

-- On Aug. 25, 2013 starting at 10 a.m., Green-Wood Cemetery will host a day of free commemoration ceremonies, trolley tours and 18th-century living. Parades, cannon fire, horse rides, re-enactments, historic cooking and living history events and activities will offer kids a real feel for life during the American Revolution. 

At 10 a.m., join author and historian Barnet Schecter and Green-Wood historian Jeff Richman for a trolley tour of Green-Wood and Revolutionary War-related sites. $25 for members of Green-Wood/$30 for nonmembers. 

At 12:30 p.m., meet soldiers, their horses and famous colonial Americans for free. Then, at 1:30 p.m., grab a flag, wave it high and march in a parade to Battle Hill with the the Regimental Band of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The parade will begin at the main gate and is free. 

At 2 p.m., honor the spirit and heroes of the Battle of Brooklyn during a free commemorative ceremony on Battle Hill, overlooking New York Harbor. 

Buy tickets to the trolley tour and reserve tickets to the free events here.