Digital Technology To Bring History Alive At The Green-Wood Cemetery

The Green-Wood Cemetery, through its 501c3 arm the Green-Wood Historic Fund, has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation of Long Island to create a virtual experience that brings visitors into the peril and intensity of the Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776. The funds will be used to develop a mobile app, called 1776AR, that allows users to visualize British and American forces and the true complexity of this pivotal battle in American history. As America prepares for the national celebration of its 250th birthday in 2026, Green-Wood is thrilled to launch this new app that will help spark a new interest in this crucial historic event.

The Battle of Brooklyn, which was the largest battle of the entire American Revolution and the first to be fought after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, took place on the grounds of today’s Green-Wood Cemetery. The former battlefield is the highest natural point in Brooklyn and is now known as Battle Hill.

Through the app, visitors will hear from and see key figures in the battle, including General George Washington, his enslaved valet William Lee, Colonel Samuel Atlee, and the British General William Howe, and include the woman’s perspective of this time, in the person of Margaret Corbin, the first woman believed to have fought in battle for the United States. At the same time, visitors will see, virtually, over 400 British ships in New York Harbor and the impending defeat of the American forces. Only through the daring nighttime retreat of his troops and the failure of the British to prevent the action did Washington and his soldiers go on to fight another day and ultimately win the war.

“We’re thrilled to be able to engage new generations of New Yorkers in the importance of this critical moment in American history,” said Richard Moylan, president of The Green-Wood Cemetery. “For younger audiences who may not know that a revolutionary war battle was fought right here in Brooklyn, and even for the historians and experts on this battle, this app will bring a whole new perspective to the events of August 1776.”

Kathryn Curran, executive director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, noted that, “We are pleased to partner with The Green-Wood Cemetery on this initiative. The inclusion of Green-Wood expands our American Revolution historic tour, 1776AR, to sites going from Brooklyn to others in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. This offering is unique in that it offers a thematic history experience. We are currently creating another that links little-known Theodore Roosevelt sites across Long Island. These historic tours extend the commitment and passion of our founder, Robert David Lion Gardiner, to illuminate local history here on Long Island and its import role in America's foundation.”

Nearly half a million visitors visit Green-Wood annually, and Battle Hill is among the most popular and famous features of the cemetery. Since the site was officially commemorated in 1920 with the unveiling of the statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of battle, millions have trekked to this spot. Using technology, the app will enhance the experience for all.

A team from the software company, 360XR, is working now with Green-Wood’s historian, Jeff Richman, director of education, Rachel Walman, and director of communications, Stacy Locke, to create the augmented reality experience for the Battle of Brooklyn. It will be launched and available to all, at no cost, for Green-Wood’s annual commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27th, 2023, and from then on.

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About Green-Wood: 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. For more information, please visit www.green-wood.com.