Old Stone House in Brooklyn

Old Stone House is a replica of a 17th century Dutch stone farmhouse that has close ties with the tumultuous medieval periods of American history. It was here the Marylanders halted the British advance and let the American army escape to the safety of Brooklyn heights, meanwhile sacrificing two-thirds of their men. The house now functions as a historic interpretive center dedicated to its vital role in the American Revolution and in the evolving histories of Brooklyn, and more broadly, New York and the United States. The museum is situated in JJ Bayne Park, in the Park Slope/Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn.

The Old Stone House was originally built beside the Gowanus Creek in 1699 by Nicholas Vechte. During the Battle of Brooklyn, owing to the strategic position of the house, it was taken over by the British and converted it into an artillery base to fire at the Americans fleeing to the safety of American forts across the Gowanus Creek. But in a rare act of bravery, General Stirling, alongside 400 odd Maryland Continental soldiers, took on the British fortress, in the process overrunning it twice, before eventually being outnumbered by the more organized British army. This valiant defense by the Marylanders (which left more than 90% of the Marylanders dead or captured.) gave the American army ample time to escape across the creek to the Brooklyn Heights, and finally Stirling surrendered. Perhaps it was this battle scene that Washington witnessed from the fortifications on the Brooklyn Heights that prompted him to make his famous comment: "Good God, what brave men must I lose this day!"

In 1797, the house was sold to the Cortelyou family. Next time, it came into public attention near a century later, as the first clubhouse of the Brooklyn team, which would later become the Brooklyn Dodgers. The house was demolished in 1890, only to be rebuilt with the same stones, with which it was made for the first time, 40 years later. It would be restored two more times, in 1970s and 90s, before eventually transforming it into a museum and historic center, aimed at educating the public on the rich history of Brooklyn and the valor of its soldiers during the war days.

The first floor of the Old Stone House has an educational center displaying changing exhibits while the top floor houses a community room. The exhibitions are backed by lectures, public programs, and other educational events. Old Stone House is available for tours, but prior appointment is required. The museum is open of Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 4 PM.