Visiting Brooklyn’s Revolutionary War sites: Old Stone House, Fort Greene Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, and more
The Revolutionary War makes many think of New England, but a number of significant battles actually happened throughout New York. Brooklyn, in particular, was home to many historic war sites, buildings and battles, many of which have been memorialized. These five Brooklyn Revolutionary War sites are worth the visit for any history buff, or any Brooklynite who had no idea how monumental a role the borough played in the war.
Map of the Battle of Long Island courtesy of the Library of Congress via mountvernon.org. (more…)
7 sights not to miss in Green-Wood Cemetery: The Historic Chapel, DeWitt Clinton’s Grave, monuments, and more
Even if you don’t normally hang out in graveyards by choice, Green-Wood Cemetery is an essential stop on any tour of Brooklyn. The sprawling, hilly landscape (478 acres in all) looks good in every season, and you’ll find amazing architecture, historic grave sites, nature, and impressive sculpture at every turn. There’s no correct route to wander through Green-Wood, but here are seven destinations you shouldn’t miss on your next visit. (Check the Green-Wood map for locations.)
DeWitt Clinton’s Grave
DeWitt Clinton, the U.S. senator and New York governor who made the construction of the Erie Canal possible, is one of the most prominent figures in the entire cemetery. His body was moved out to Green-Wood right after the cemetery opened in 1838, with the hopes that such a well-known figure would draw people to the cemetery. His grave, with its striking bronze sculpture work, is hard to miss.
DeWitt Clinton’s grave photo courtesy of Robyn Fleming via Flickr. (more…)
IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNT RUSHMORE: LUIGI DEL BIANCO
Green-Wood celebrates Luigi Del Bianco – an Italian immigrant who went from carving cemetery headstones and monuments to becoming the chief carver at Mount Rushmore. Although he brought to life one of America’s most famous monuments, Luigi’s contribution goes largely unsung.
Visitors will join Lou Del Bianco, Luigi’s grandson, for a discussion and performance about the history, artistry and life of Luigi. Using original photos and personal correspondence, between Luigi and Rushmore designer Gutzon Borglum, Lou will demonstrate just how instrumental Luigi’s involvement was in the iconic mountainside sculpture. Part discussion and part performance, Lou Del Bianco will celebrate the great achievements of his grandfather.
After the talk, visitors will embark on a trolley tour of Green-Wood featuring the work of other Italian sculptors, including the Angel of Death, carved by Gutzon Borglum’s brother, Solon, Jane Griffith’s monument, and the Valentine angel.
The talk is free. The trolley tour is $20; $15 for members of the Green-Wood Historic Fund and members of the Brooklyn Historical Society.
Cemeteries in Brooklyn: Green-Wood, The Evergreens, Cypress Hills, Holy Cross, and Canarsie
We understand: Visiting a cemetery may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect afternoon. Brooklyn’s cemeteries, however, are actually some of the most peaceful green spaces in the borough, and ideal sites for exploring Brooklyn’s history. Following are five of Brooklyn’s most fascinating cemeteries, where you can check out some famous grave sites and, according to legend, maybe even see a ghost or two.
Cypress Hills Cemetery, Veteran’s Day | via Facebook
Cypress Hills Cemetery (Cypress Hills)
Cypress Hills Cemetery, spanning 225 acres of Brooklyn and Queens, was the first non-sectarian/non-denominational cemetery established in either borough. It opened in 1848 as a park-like destination with richly wooded hills, a lake, and sweeping views of New York and Long Island.
In 1862, a section of the cemetery was designated as the Cypress Hills National Cemetery, a military burial ground for soldiers of the Civil War. The cemetery is also home to two three-story mausoleums, built in 1931 and 1936, which retain original features such as stained glass windows and an immaculate chapel. (more…)
Birding in Brooklyn: Clubs, parks, gardens, and more
Brooklyn may be a big and noisy city, but it’s home to more wildlife than you’d expect. Brooklyn boasts a vibrant birdwatching community that explores the borough for unique winged creatures. And birders are finding a lot more than pigeons — Brooklyn is home to parrots, hawks, raptors, warblers, and a whole lot more. If you’re interested in becoming a serious birder, or just want to spend an afternoon exploring some unexpected wildlife on your visit, here are the best resources, organizations, and places to start with.
Brooklyn Birding Map by The City Birder. (more…)
Green-Wood Cemetery Sets the Stage
Historic Green-Wood Cemetery will be transformed into Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire at the turn of the 20th century, as it becomes an urban and bold outdoor stage for a new production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Located on 478 park-like acres in the heart of Brooklyn, Green-Wood was founded in 1838. Get your tickets here Heading the production team are award-winning director and playwright James Presson, founder of Less Than Rent Theatre and a 2013/2014 Dramatists Guild Fellow, and Nora McNally (24 Hour Plays on Broadway and executive director of Less Than Rent Theatre). The show is being presented in partnership with the Green-Wood Historic Fund. Set against the backdrop of Green-Wood’s rolling hills, early summer blooms and 19th-century monuments, this new production of Wilder’s timeless three-act play will explore the universal human experience of life, love, marriage, death and dying while incorporating the Cemetery’s natural beauty and idiosyncrasies into its staging. The production will have original music and choral arrangements by acclaimed classical composer Brendan Fox. This cast of the show reflects Brooklyn today — a far cry from the Puritan New England town of the original production. And while the play stays true to the universal themes of Wilder’s world-renowned work, its presentation is distinctly urban, incorporating music that ranges from romantic to punk and from rock to folk – which promises to add a certain “Brooklyn” vibe to the show. •Wednesdays – Saturdays (Doors open at 7:00pm. Show begins at 7:30pm) June 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28
Green-Wood Cemetery Sets the Stage
Historic Green-Wood Cemetery will be transformed into Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire at the turn of the 20th century, as it becomes an urban and bold outdoor stage for a new production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Located on 478 park-like acres in the heart of Brooklyn, Green-Wood was founded in 1838.
Heading the production team are award-winning director and playwright James Presson, founder of Less Than Rent Theatre and a 2013/2014 Dramatists Guild Fellow, and Nora McNally (24 Hour Plays on Broadway and executive director of Less Than Rent Theatre). The show is being presented in partnership with the Green-Wood Historic Fund.
Set against the backdrop of Green-Wood’s rolling hills, early summer blooms and 19th-century monuments, this new production of Wilder’s timeless three-act play will explore the universal human experience of life, love, marriage, death and dying while incorporating the Cemetery’s natural beauty and idiosyncrasies into its staging.
The production will have original music and choral arrangements by acclaimed classical composer Brendan Fox. This cast of the show reflects Brooklyn today — a far cry from the Puritan New England town of the original production. And while the play stays true to the universal themes of Wilder’s world-renowned work, its presentation is distinctly urban, incorporating music that ranges from romantic to punk and from rock to folk – which promises to add a certain “Brooklyn” vibe to the show.
•Wednesdays – Saturdays (Doors open at 7:00pm. Show begins at 7:30pm) June 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28
Green-Wood Cemetery Sets the Stage
Historic Green-Wood Cemetery will be transformed into Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire at the turn of the 20th century, as it becomes an urban and bold outdoor stage for a new production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Located on 478 park-like acres in the heart of Brooklyn, Green-Wood was founded in 1838.
Heading the production team are award-winning director and playwright James Presson, founder of Less Than Rent Theatre and a 2013/2014 Dramatists Guild Fellow, and Nora McNally (24 Hour Plays on Broadway and executive director of Less Than Rent Theatre). The show is being presented in partnership with the Green-Wood Historic Fund.
Set against the backdrop of Green-Wood’s rolling hills, early summer blooms and 19th-century monuments, this new production of Wilder’s timeless three-act play will explore the universal human experience of life, love, marriage, death and dying while incorporating the Cemetery’s natural beauty and idiosyncrasies into its staging.
The production will have original music and choral arrangements by acclaimed classical composer Brendan Fox. This cast of the show reflects Brooklyn today — a far cry from the Puritan New England town of the original production. And while the play stays true to the universal themes of Wilder’s world-renowned work, its presentation is distinctly urban, incorporating music that ranges from romantic to punk and from rock to folk – which promises to add a certain “Brooklyn” vibe to the show.
•Wednesdays – Saturdays (Doors open at 7:00pm. Show begins at 7:30pm) June 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28
Green-Wood Cemetery Sets the Stage
Historic Green-Wood Cemetery will be transformed into Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire at the turn of the 20th century, as it becomes an urban and bold outdoor stage for a new production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Located on 478 park-like acres in the heart of Brooklyn, Green-Wood was founded in 1838.
Heading the production team are award-winning director and playwright James Presson, founder of Less Than Rent Theatre and a 2013/2014 Dramatists Guild Fellow, and Nora McNally (24 Hour Plays on Broadway and executive director of Less Than Rent Theatre). The show is being presented in partnership with the Green-Wood Historic Fund.
Set against the backdrop of Green-Wood’s rolling hills, early summer blooms and 19th-century monuments, this new production of Wilder’s timeless three-act play will explore the universal human experience of life, love, marriage, death and dying while incorporating the Cemetery’s natural beauty and idiosyncrasies into its staging.
The production will have original music and choral arrangements by acclaimed classical composer Brendan Fox. This cast of the show reflects Brooklyn today — a far cry from the Puritan New England town of the original production. And while the play stays true to the universal themes of Wilder’s world-renowned work, its presentation is distinctly urban, incorporating music that ranges from romantic to punk and from rock to folk – which promises to add a certain “Brooklyn” vibe to the show.
•Wednesdays – Saturdays (Doors open at 7:00pm. Show begins at 7:30pm) June 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28
Green-Wood Cemetery Sets the Stage
Historic Green-Wood Cemetery will be transformed into Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire at the turn of the 20th century, as it becomes an urban and bold outdoor stage for a new production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Located on 478 park-like acres in the heart of Brooklyn, Green-Wood was founded in 1838.
Heading the production team are award-winning director and playwright James Presson, founder of Less Than Rent Theatre and a 2013/2014 Dramatists Guild Fellow, and Nora McNally (24 Hour Plays on Broadway and executive director of Less Than Rent Theatre). The show is being presented in partnership with the Green-Wood Historic Fund.
Set against the backdrop of Green-Wood’s rolling hills, early summer blooms and 19th-century monuments, this new production of Wilder’s timeless three-act play will explore the universal human experience of life, love, marriage, death and dying while incorporating the Cemetery’s natural beauty and idiosyncrasies into its staging.
The production will have original music and choral arrangements by acclaimed classical composer Brendan Fox. This cast of the show reflects Brooklyn today — a far cry from the Puritan New England town of the original production. And while the play stays true to the universal themes of Wilder’s world-renowned work, its presentation is distinctly urban, incorporating music that ranges from romantic to punk and from rock to folk – which promises to add a certain “Brooklyn” vibe to the show.
•Wednesdays – Saturdays (Doors open at 7:00pm. Show begins at 7:30pm) June 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28