Sen. Gounardes, AM Carroll, AM Simon Announce Funding for “Brooklyn250” Programming from Battle Hill, Historic Site of the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn
The $350,000 in state funding will support local historical institutions in celebrating America250 and Brooklyn’s pivotal role in shaping American History
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 17, 2026
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Brooklyn, NY – New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Member Robert Carroll, and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon joined leaders of local historical institutions today to announce $350,000 in state funding for “Brooklyn250,” a borough-wide commemoration of the historic Battle of Brooklyn during the Semiquincentennial of the United States. Standing atop Battle Hill at The Green-Wood Cemetery, the pivotal site where the largest Battle of the Revolutionary War unfolded 250 years ago, the announcement spoke to Brooklyn’s enduring role in shaping the American story.
The funding will support a series of free educational and community-focused events across Brooklyn, bringing locals, students, and visitors together to explore the borough’s critical role in the fight for independence. Funding will also support the creation of a collectible “then-and-now” pamphlet and map highlighting Revolutionary-era sites and their continued relevance today.
As part of the United States’ 250th anniversary, this year's Battle of Brooklyn events will commemorate a defining moment in Brooklyn’s history while inviting new generations to engage with it. A coalition of local organizations, including The Green-Wood Cemetery, the Old Stone House, Brooklyn Public Library’s Center for Brooklyn History, Prospect Park Alliance, and Fort Greene Park Conservancy—have planned activities that include historical reenactments, public events, and educational programs connecting the events of 1776 to the broader themes of liberty, resilience, and democracy that continue to shape the nation today. Together, these commemorations tell our shared story, serving as a tribute to Brooklyn’s place in American history during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Planned programming includes:
Community events including The Battle of Brooklyn 250: The Meaning of Freedom, an immersive historical experience at The Green-Wood Cemetery; a tactical reenactment of the Battle of Brooklyn at Prospect Park’s Long Meadow; and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by a community toppling of a statue of King George at the Old Stone House.
Theatrical and musical performances like “A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams” and “The Battle of Brooklyn: A Farce in Two Acts” at the Old Stone House.
Walking and trolley tours at historic locations, including the Battle of Brooklyn Walking Tour at the Old Stone House, America’s 250th Anniversary Tour of Fort Greene at Fort Greene Park, and themed tours at The Green-Wood Cemetery, including “The Revolution Continues: Gay Green-Wood” and “Brooklyn’s Black Trailblazers.”
Historical exhibitions across the borough, including “Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered” at the BPL Center for Brooklyn History, “Breaking the Law: Themes of Protest and Disobedience from the Declaration of Independence Onward” at the Old Stone House, and “Black People and the Battle of Brooklyn” at Prospect Park’s Lefferts Historic House.
The full calendar of events in Brooklyn and across the state are still being updated, but can be found on the I Love NY “Commemorate America 250” Website.
“Here in Brooklyn, we stand on hallowed ground. The bravery and sacrifice of those American soldiers 250 years ago laid the foundations for the country we live in today,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “That history isn’t forgotten; it’s right under our feet and all around us, and it’s a reminder of our obligation to continue the fight for true liberty and justice for all. I’m proud to commemorate Brooklyn’s unique role in our nation’s founding, and grateful to our partners for their work to keep history alive.”
“Brooklyn is one of the birthplaces of the American story. Two hundred and fifty years ago, the largest battle of the Revolutionary War was fought here, and the sacrifices made on Brooklyn soil helped preserve the cause of independence,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. “As we commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity not only to celebrate this history, but to tell it more completely. This funding will help bring to life both the iconic and underrepresented stories of the Battle of Brooklyn—from the Maryland 400 to the contributions of Black New Yorkers and others whose role in our founding has too often been overlooked. By supporting educational programs, exhibitions, and community events across the borough, Brooklyn250 will ensure that a new generation of Brooklynites understands the vital role our borough played in the creation of the United States.”
"History comes alive when people can experience it where it happened, and few places tell the story of our nation’s beginnings as powerfully as Brooklyn. The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn offers an opportunity to reflect on the people, struggles, and ideals that shaped our country while engaging a new generation. I was proud to secure funding for Brooklyn250 to support free, accessible programming that invites everyone to learn from our past and better understand Brooklyn’s enduring place in the American story,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.
“By funding Brooklyn’s 250th celebration at The Green-Wood Cemetery, Senator Gounardes, Assemblymember Carroll, and Assemblymember Simon have ensured that New Yorkers of all ages and interests can have fun learning about the site of the largest battle in the history of the American Revolution through walking, trolley, and digital tours and festive family programs,” said Meera Joshi, President of The Green-Wood Cemetery. “Moreover, this critical funding supports the importance of Green-Wood as a vital 478 acre public and free classroom for all. Learn more about Brooklyn250 programs at Green-Wood at green-wood.com/america250.”
"Prospect Park is not only Brooklyn's Backyard, but a cornerstone of Brooklyn history," said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, the nonprofit that operates the park in partnership with the City. "On this milestone commemoration of our country, we are excited to offer an array of events that celebrate the critical Battle of Brooklyn, with a recreation of Battle Pass and a battle reenactment. We are also exploring the important role Black people played in the War as part of ReImagine Lefferts, which is transforming our historic house museum to explore the lives, resistance and resilience of the Lenape, whose unceded ancestral lands the park and house rests upon, and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family. Learn more about all our commemorative events at prospectpark.org/america250."
“The Battle of Brooklyn was an extraordinary moment on the road to independence and continues to have lessons for today. Using artifacts, archival documents and rare maps, CBH’s free exhibition The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered tells the story of that pivotal event and how it has been remembered over 250 years,” said Lexy Mayers, Executive Director, Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library. “We extend our sincerest thanks to Senator Gounardes, Assemblymember Carroll, and Assemblymember Simon for supporting the programs and events that tell the story of the fight for freedom and help to inspire a new generation of activists and leaders.”
"Fort Greene Park is an important part of Brooklyn's Revolutionary War history and continues to serve as a place where people gather to reflect, organize, and connect,” said Rosamond Fletcher, Executive Director of the Fort Greene Park Conservancy. “As part of Brooklyn250, we're excited to offer free walking tours that explore the park's role in the Battle of Brooklyn, the history of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, and the lasting legacy of these events. We’re grateful for this support, which allows us to provide free, educational programming for all community members."
“The Old Stone House & Washington Park is a daily memorial to the Battle of Brooklyn and the choices made by Maryland and Delaware soldiers to defend their new country,” said Kim Maier, Maier, Executive Director of the Old Stone House & Washington Park. “Their sacrifice allowed a path toward a more equitable government which continues to rely on individual engagement today. Join us for historic and contemporary events at the House and in the gardens. Learn more at www.theoldstonehouse.org.”
The Battle of Brooklyn (also called the Battle of Long Island) took place in August 1776, about eight weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The fighting raged through areas including Gravesend Bay, and today’s Green-Wood Cemetery, Prospect Park, Fort Greene Park, and Fulton Ferry Landing.
On the morning of August 27th, 1776, British forces were advancing toward the main American camp on Brooklyn Heights. With American forces in a dire position, a regiment of 400 Maryland soldiers led by Major General William Alexander bravely faced off against 2,000 British troops outside the Old Stone House, while the rest of the colonial army retreated to safety.
The Battle of Brooklyn was ostensibly a victory for the British, who killed or captured 1,000 Americans during the fighting and went on to occupy Brooklyn and Manhattan for seven years. But the British failed to capture George Washington and his army, who withdrew across the East River to fight again and, eventually, win the war. In 1783, the British surrendered, leaving New York in defeat, and the US embarked on its journey as an independent nation. Historians would later note that “the Declaration of Independence was signed in ink at Philadelphia… and signed in blood at Brooklyn.”
Press Contact:
Billy Richling
Communications Director
State Senator Andrew Gounardes
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