On the anniversary of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Brooklyn, history enthusiasts participated in Green-Wood Cemetery’s event, The Battle of Brooklyn 250: The Meaning of Freedom, honoring Brooklyn’s role in America’s founding during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The largest battle of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Brooklyn was the first major engagement after the Declaration of Independence and took place partly on the land that became Green-Wood Cemetery. Two hundred fifty years later, costumed interpreters and Brooklyn’s cultural institutions educated attendees during the largest annual Battle Week to date.
“We need to pull out all the stops and celebrate all the different kinds of voices at that time,” said Rachel Walman, the director of education at Green-Wood Cemetery. “We’re trying to share that in fun ways with the public today, and on a more somber note, honor the folks who fought and gave their lives here.”
Volunteer staff members portrayed colonial-era figures in period dress, from soldiers in encampments to Margaret Whetten, whose house was used as a safehouse for American spies. Battle Week also worked with the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops Reenactors, including an actor portraying a soldier from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, America’s first military unit made up primarily of African Americans, highlighting Black contributions to American military history.
Green-Wood Cemetery also hosted panels by Brooklyn cultural institutions, such as Lefferts Historic House’s table on West African hand-spinning art.
Parents Becky and Mark Gebel of Crown Heights brought their children to enjoy activities such as the battle map scavenger hunt and the tricorn hat-making workshop from the Center for Brooklyn History. “It’s cool to be reminded that we live right here in this place that has seen so much of our country’s history, and I don’t really think about that every day,” Becky said.
Although attendees acknowledged the political divisions rife among Americans today, Sunset Park resident Antonio Calderon believes there should be no division when it comes to the American Revolution.
“I don’t think that politicians should be able to appropriate patriotism,” said Calderon. “A history belongs to all of us.”
Walman also emphasized the event’s educational purpose and its effort to present American history without bias.
“We’re not trying to craft a narrative that makes one group look better or worse than another. We’re trying to tell the truth,” said Walman. “I’m just proud of everyone who helps put this event together every year and appreciate that folks are willing to come out and share the vast array of American experiences that existed.”
