BROOKLYN — Today the J.J. Byrne Playground is full of kids spraying each other with water cannons, but 239 years ago, bayonets clashed and real cannons boomed around the Old Stone House.
The historic structure on Fifth Avenue and Third Street played a pivotal role in the Battle of Brooklyn when a company of mostly doomed troops known as the Maryland 400 held their own against some 2,000 British soldiers so the rest of the Continental Army could retreat to Manhattan across a salt marsh that later became the Gowanus Canal.
"The Declaration of Independence was signed in ink at Philadelphia ... and signed in blood at Brooklyn," historians said, according to the Battle of Brooklyn walking guide to sites and monuments published by the Old Stone House.
The Aug. 27, 1776 battle, which started just six weeks after the Declaration of Independence was read in public for the first time, is memorialized every day at the Old Stone House, which hosts legions of school groups at its small museum.
And the nonprofit Old Stone House pulls out all the stops each August for a series of events that mark the battle's anniversary. The remembrances aren't just at the Old Stone House. Check the list below for events in neighborhoods including Bay Ridge, Bushwick, Fort Greene, and Greenwood Heights.
"It is the memory of the sacrifices of the Battle of Brooklyn that make the site of the Old Stone House and Washington Park hallowed ground," said Executive Director Kim Maier. "The events that culminated around the Old Stone House played an important role in the outcome of that battle and its legacy stands as a testament to the bravery of those who lost so much to grant us our freedom."
This year for the first time, the ceremony for the Maryland 400 will be held at the Old Stone House. (It was previously at the American Legion post on Ninth Street and Third Avenue) Maier said the event will hold special meaning for the many New Yorkers who come from the mid-Atlantic region.
“There are a surprising number of Marylanders in New York that may or may not know that their historical antecedents actually saved the American army,” Maier said.
Here's a look at what's going on for this year's Battle of Brooklyn anniversary:
SATURDAY AUG. 22
► Prison Ships Martyrs Memorial Ceremony
Where: Prison Ships Martyrs Memorial Monument, Fort Greene Park
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Remember the 11,500 early Americans who perished while they were held prisoner on British ships anchored in the East River at this ceremony. The annual event is organized by the Society of Old Brooklynites, the American Merchant Marine Association and the Navy Armed Guard. For more information, call (718) 499-7600.
► Sing sea chanteys with the Waterfront Alliance
Where: American Veterans Memorial Pier (69th Street Pier), Bay Ridge
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This all-day event is your chance to see "costumed performers re-enact historical events, musicians perform sea chanteys and other traditional music, and storytellers weave fascinating tales," according to the Waterfront Alliance website.
► Scavenger Battle at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
Where: Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92, 63 Flushing Ave. (at Carlton Avenue).
When: 12:30 p.m.
This family-friendly event includes trivia, gaming and historical fun. An interactive scavenger hunt will have visitors following "Brooklyn vs. Britain" pop culture clues. There will also be a "Battleship Memory Match" game and a tea party. This event is free but registration is encouraged.
SUNDAY, AUG. 23
► Battle of Brooklyn Monuments Tour in Prospect Park
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Prospect Park Alliance leads this walking tour of the park's Revolutionary War monuments, starting at the Lefferts Historic House. Participants will "hear accounts of the battle as remembered by Femmetie Lefferts and tour the home she built with her husband Pieter Lefferts," according to the Alliance website. A $3 donation is suggested.
► Evergreens Cemetery Walking Tour
Where: Evergreens Cemetery, 1629 Bushwick Ave., Bushwick
When: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
This walking tour shows off Evergreens Cemetery's Revolutionary War sites. Meet at Evergreens Cemetery's main gate on Bushwick Avenue and Conway Street. For more information, call (718) 455-5300.
TUESDAY, AUG. 25
► Battle of Brooklyn Neighborhood Walking Tour
Where: Various locations in Prospect Park and Park Slope
When: 6 p.m.
Old Stone House board member and Hunter College archeology professor William J. Parry leads this tour. Meet at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park on the northwest corner. Tickets are $10 for Old Stone House members and $12 for non-members. Wear comfortable shoes. Buy tickets here.
SATURDAY AUG. 29
► Maryland 400 Remembrance Ceremony
Where: Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 Third St., Park Slope
When: 12 to 2 p.m.
The names of the Maryland 400 soldiers who died will be read aloud and there will be music and a color guard at this remembrance ceremony.
► Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Where: The VanderEnde-Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood
When: 1 to 5 p.m.
Hear the Declaration of Independence "read in 18th century style" at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids. Visitors will also learn about this founding document and the role it played in the Battle of Brooklyn. Other activities include “a history scavenger hunt, writing with quill pens and simulated wampum jewelry,” according to the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House website.
► Battle of Brooklyn Neighborhood Walking Tour
Where: Various locations in Prospect Park and Park Slope
When: 4 p.m.
Old Stone House board member and Hunter College archeology professor William J. Parry leads this tour. Meet at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park on the northwest corner. Tickets are $10 for Old Stone House members and $12 for non-members. Wear comfortable shoes. Buy tickets here.
SUNDAY, AUG. 30
► Battle of Brooklyn Commemoration With Re-enactment
Where: Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St., Greenwood Heights
When: 12:30 to 3 p.m.
The 10 a.m. trolley tour is sold out, but visitors can still see re-enactors firing weapons and colonial music by Sampawams Creek. There will be games and demonstrations of 18th century cooking. Visitors will be invited to carry replicas of Revolutionary War flags to Battle Hill during a parade. The grand finale is the Battle of Brooklyn Commemoration Ceremony atop Battle Hill, which has stunning views of Manhattan. Check the Green-Wood Cemetery website for more details. Events are free but registration is encouraged.
