Brooklyn's Leading Cultural Institutions Unite for Brooklyn 250 Borough-Wide Commemoration

Brooklyn, N.Y. [August 6, 2026]—As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, six Brooklyn cultural and historical institutions are turning the sites of the Revolutionary War's largest battle into a borough-wide public classroom, inviting thousands of New Yorkers to a series of free programs, tours, and events across the borough.

Brooklyn 250, presented by The Green-Wood Cemetery, the Old Stone House, Brooklyn Public Library's Center for Brooklyn History, Prospect Park Alliance, Fort Greene Park Conservancy, and Friends Of Fort Defiance, brings together some of Brooklyn's most significant historic sites to tell a fuller story of 1776 and the borough's enduring role in the fight for independence. Supported by $350,000 in funding secured by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and New York State Assemblymembers Robert Carroll and Jo Anne Simon, the initiative invites visitors of all ages to look again at the borough beneath their feet: a place where the Revolution nearly failed, where independence survived, and where the meaning of freedom is still unfolding.

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From a Battle of Brooklyn reenactment at Prospect Park to a reimagined Revolutionary War music concert to the largest-ever commemoration at The Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn 250 offers something for everyone.

"Few places in New York can tell the story of the American Revolution as directly as Brooklyn. Visitors can stand on Battle Hill, look across the landscape where the Battle of Brooklyn unfolded, and see where the defining moment in our Nation's history took place," said Meera Joshi, President of The Green-Wood Cemetery. "We are proud to lead Brooklyn 250. Green-Wood, together with landmark Brooklyn institutions, will tell the story of America's birth as well as our future, exploring how we learn from and uphold steadfast loyalty to the ideals of liberty and freedom to shape our borough, our state, and our country."

"We are pleased to join with partners across the borough to mark the Battle of Brooklyn—a pivotal moment in the fight for independence that happened right here, on the streets we still walk today," said Lexy Mayers, Executive Director, Center for Brooklyn History, Brooklyn Public Library. "We extend our sincere thanks to New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and New York State Assemblymembers Robert Carroll and Jo Anne Simon for funding Brooklyn 250 and invite the public to learn more at the Center for Brooklyn History, the largest collection of Brooklyn history in the world. Our free exhibition The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered includes rare maps, artifacts and documents—and encourages visitors to consider the ongoing legacy of this turning point in American history."

"As part of Brooklyn 250, Prospect Park Alliance is presenting exhibits and events that help visitors better understand the history that happened in their own backyard at the Battle of Brooklyn and the various and important roles of Black people in that history," said Dylan Yeats, Ph.D., Prospect Park Alliance Director of Museum Programs at Lefferts Historic House. "Our walking tour and battle re-enactment enable visitors to move through the forest that served as a battlefield on August 27, 1776, and our outdoor exhibit and virtual tour allow them to explore how Black people seized the turmoil of the Revolutionary War to free themselves and others. This is a critical extension of our Reimagine Lefferts initiative, which focuses on exploring the lives, resistance, and resilience of the Indigenous people of Lenapehoking, whose unceded ancestral lands the park and house rest upon, and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family."

"Fort Greene Park Conservancy is excited to share the many layers of its American Revolution history through a walking tour led by local historians Natasha Fearon and Alexandra Stevens," said Rosamond Fletcher, Executive Director of Fort Greene Park Conservancy. "From the Battle of Brooklyn and the founding of the park to the unheard stories of the individuals memorialized as the Prison Ship Martyrs, Fort Greene Park connects the American Revolution, monuments, and the park's living memory all in one space."

"For Brooklyn 250, Friends Of Fort Defiance presents FORT DEFIANCE SIDEWALK GALLERIES featuring new discoveries of historic artifacts that offer additional layers to Red Hook's histories. On August 22nd at 6pm at Valentino Park (Fort Defiance Place), join us and Red Hook Business Alliance for RED HOOK'S PROCLAMATION OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE, where a panel of historians and local talent will explore the Revolutionary-era redoubt named Fort Defiance, the Lenape trail later known as Red Hook Lane and other lost Red Hook histories, through maps, art, artifacts and music," said Matías Kalwill, Project Director of Friends Of Fort Defiance.

"The Old Stone House of Brooklyn is a daily memorial to the Battle of Brooklyn and the individual choices and actions that helped create the United States. OSH's permanent exhibit, OSH: Witness to War, and our contemporary art exhibition program continue the important discussion of why the American Revolution matters today. We're grateful for the significant funding from our local elected officials, the people of New York, the Maryland 250 Commission, and the support of our colleague organizations that enables us to commemorate Brooklyn's role in the founding of our country," shared Kim Maier, Executive Director, Old Stone House & Washington Park.

"Two hundred fifty years ago, Brooklyn played a defining role in our nation's founding during the Battle of Brooklyn. As the Assemblymember representing the 44th Assembly District, where much of the battle unfolded, I am proud to help commemorate the courage, sacrifice, and struggle of those who fought for liberty," said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. "Through Brooklyn 250, outstanding organizations across our borough are bringing this history to life by telling both the iconic and too-often overlooked stories of the battle, from the heroism of the Maryland 400 to the contributions of Black New Yorkers, women, and others whose roles in our nation's founding have not always received the recognition they deserve. By supporting educational programs, exhibitions, and community events throughout Brooklyn, Brooklyn 250 will ensure that a new generation of Brooklynites understands the vital role our borough played in the creation of the United States."

The six partner organizations have created a website, where visitors can explore the diverse array of programs and events taking place across Brooklyn and online through the end of the year: theoldstonehouse.org/revolutionary_brooklyn/. There are nearly two dozen ways to commemorate and learn about the Battle of Brooklyn and the borough's enduring role in shaping the American story—throughout August and beyond:

Events

Handwriting the Constitution with The Old Stone House & Washington Park, August 3rd and September 7th at 6pm. Communal art-making exploring the U.S. Constitution and other human rights documents.

Frank London's Loisaida Fife and Drums Corps with The Old Stone House & Washington Park, August 10th at 8pm. Concert of reimagined Revolutionary and Civil War music.

An Unfinished Revolution: Dialogues on Freedom and Democracy with Center for Brooklyn History, August 12th at 6:30pm. Reading of James Baldwin's "A Letter to My Nephew," guided discussion on liberty, equality, and America's contested ideals.

Spilling Tea About the Revolution with The Old Stone House & Washington Park, August 16th at 11am. All-ages drop-in dialogue on Revolutionary-era New York, with historian Sydney Marenburg.

The New York Prison Ships in the Revolutionary War with Center for Brooklyn History, August 20th at 6:30pm. Discussion with historian Robert Watson about his book on the HMS Jersey.

Battle of Brooklyn 250th Anniversary Reenactment with Prospect Park Alliance and The Old Stone House & Washington Park, August 22nd at 10am. Reenactment starts at the Long Meadow in Prospect Park.

Battle of Brooklyn Community Day with Center for Brooklyn History, August 22nd at 11am. Family-friendly storytime, craft-making, curator-led exhibition tours, special access to archival materials, and 18th-century-style music and dancing.

Maryland 400 Remembrance Ceremony & Living History with The Old Stone House & Washington Park, August 22nd at 12pm. Honoring the service of the Maryland regiment members who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Brooklyn, so Washington's army could escape.

Red Hook's Proclamation Of Historical Significance with Friends of Fort Defiance at Valentino Park (Fort Defiance Place), August 22nd, 6pm. A lively review of recently discovered Red Hook historical artifacts and new original research on the Red Hook fort named Defiance. Panel of historians moderated by Greg Young (The Bowery Boys).

The Battle of Brooklyn 250: The Meaning of Freedom with The Green-Wood Cemetery, August 23rd at 10am. Costumed interpreters; a display of over 50 regimental flags and a scavenger hunt to decipher their symbols; performances of 18th century music; queer Revolutionary history; a tricorn hat-making workshop; "please touch" objects of the Lenape people; Dutch toys and games of the period; and an interactive "wish cannon."

Battle of Brooklyn: A Farce in Two Acts with The Old Stone House & Washington Park, August 26th at 7pm. Satirical play written by a Brooklyn loyalist in 1776, presented by local historian Dylan Yeats.

"The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People's Constitution" with Center for Brooklyn History, September 15th at 6:30pm. Author discussion about the overlooked founder and his vision of popular sovereignty.

Tours

Battle of Brooklyn's Battle Pass with Lefferts Historic House and Prospect Park Alliance, Wednesdays-Sundays through August 30th at 2pm. Perspectives of soldiers and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family.

The Revolution Continues: Brooklyn's Black Trailblazers with The Green-Wood Cemetery, August 8th and September 18th at 10am. Trolley tour honoring Black pioneers in art, activism, music, and medicine.

Battle of Brooklyn Walking Tour with The Old Stone House & Washington Park, August 9th at 11am Tracing the Continental Army's retreat, ending in a private gallery tour.

America's 250th Anniversary Tour of Fort Greene with Fort Greene Park Conservatory, August 23rd and November 14th at 9:30am. Walking tour tracing the Battle of Brooklyn, the park's founding, the prison ship martyrs, and the evolving struggles over freedom and remembrance.

Black Loyalist Virtual Tour with Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park Alliance, online through November 15th.

Brooklyn 250: The Battle of Brooklyn Virtual Tour with The Green-Wood Cemetery, online through December 31st.

Exhibitions

The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered at Center for Brooklyn History, through January 2, 2027.

Breaking the Law: Themes of Protest and Disobedience from the Declaration of Independence Onward at The Old Stone House & Washington Park, through September 7th.

Battle Pass in Prospect Park at Battle Pass, Prospect Park Alliance, through November 15th.

Black People and the Battle of Brooklyn at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park Alliance, through August 30th.

Fort Defiance Sidewalk Galleries at 160 & 169 Coffey St, through August 30th.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Land at The Old Stone House & Washington Park, through January 3, 2027.

About Brooklyn 250

Brooklyn 250 is a borough-wide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, supported by $350,000 in state funding. Led by The Green-Wood Cemetery, the Old Stone House, Brooklyn Public Library's Center for Brooklyn History, Prospect Park Alliance, Fort Greene Park Conservancy, and Friends of Fort Defiance, the initiative brings Brooklyn's Revolutionary history to life through free tours, exhibitions, performances, reenactments, family programs, and a collectible "then-and-now" pamphlet and map. Together, these programs invite New Yorkers to explore Brooklyn's pivotal role in the fight for independence and reflect on the history, people, and ideals that continue to shape the nation today.

About The Green-Wood Cemetery

Established in 1838, The Green-Wood Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, is recognized as one of the world's most beautiful cemeteries. As the permanent residence of over 570,000 individuals, Green-Wood's magnificent grounds, grand architecture, and world-class statuary have made it a destination for half a million visitors annually, including national and international tourists, New Yorkers, and Brooklynites. At the same time, Green-Wood is also an outdoor museum, an arboretum, and a repository of history. Throughout the year, it offers innovative programs in arts and culture, nature and the environment, education, workforce development, restoration, and research, as well as bold initiatives in climate resiliency and sustainability. For more information, please visit green-wood.com/brooklyn250.

About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation's largest library systems and among New York City's most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library's online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life's greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.

About Friends Of Fort Defiance

Friends Of Fort Defiance (FFD) is an organization dedicated to exploring Red Hook histories in dialogue with the future. Currently developing a street museum, our work includes concepts for Red Hook's waterfront based on its natural, revolutionary, and industrial histories. We are part of the Open Space Institute. For more information on our 250 activities, please visit fortdefiance.org/250.

About Fort Greene Park Conservancy

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy is an independent non-profit organization that partners with local communities and NYC Parks to program, maintain, and advocate for the park as a vital space today and for generations to come. We enrich and nurture Fort Greene Park as a public space that puts community first—protecting everyone's right to belong, organize, and connect with nature. Learn more at fortgreenepark.org.

About Brooklyn Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation's largest library systems and among New York City's most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library's online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life's greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.

About Old Stone House

The Old Stone House & Washington Park is dedicated to preserving and teaching local and national history as it has impacted our historically significant Brooklyn neighborhood. We are also the conservancy organization for JJ Byrne Playground and Washington Park – caring for our neighborhood park, playground, and gardens to create a vibrant public space. We support and contribute to the needs of the present-day community through family programs, arts and cultural events, and neighborhood advocacy. To learn more, visit theoldstonehouse.org.