In Washington Park at 336 3rd St, the Old Stone House is a museum in a reconstruction of a Dutch farmhouse tied to the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn. Its exhibits explain the battle and Brooklyn’s past, with displays that can engage younger visitors, including a battlefield model and a cannonball they can touch. Upstairs, rotating contemporary art shows add a different reason to visit. The house also hosts performances and community events, and its gardens and nearby playgrounds make it easy to add time outdoors.
A farmhouse and the Battle of Brooklyn
The museum occupies a reconstruction of the Vechte-Cortelyou House, a Dutch farmhouse built in 1699. The original stood near Gowanus Creek, on land that became part of the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776. British troops used the house during the fighting.
The battle was the first major military engagement between the United States and Britain after the Declaration of Independence. American forces were defeated, but a rear-guard action by Maryland soldiers helped the Continental Army withdraw. The battle is central to the house’s interpretation of Brooklyn’s Revolutionary War history.
The reconstructed house and its exhibits
The original farmhouse was destroyed in 1897. The building visitors see today was reconstructed in 1933, using some materials recovered from the original site. Its rooms house exhibits about the battle and Brooklyn history, including displays suited to younger visitors. A model of the battlefield and a cannonball that visitors can handle offer a tangible way into the story.
The upstairs space presents contemporary art, with exhibitions that change over time. A visit can therefore include both local history and work by present-day artists. Check the museum calendar for details of the current display.
A community space in Washington Park
The Old Stone House also hosts educational activities, workshops, performances and gatherings for families and community groups. Seasonal celebrations include Halloween events and Holiday Lights. The outdoor grounds have gardens with indigenous plants, and the hearth is sometimes used to prepare food with historic ingredients.
The house sits within Washington Park, alongside playgrounds and turf areas. That setting makes it possible to pair the museum with outdoor time, especially for families. The museum is open on Fridays and weekends; consult its calendar for event details before making the trip.
FAQ
Where is the Old Stone House of Brooklyn?
It is at 336 3rd St in Washington Park, Brooklyn.
What is the Old Stone House of Brooklyn?
It is a museum in a 1933 reconstruction of the Vechte-Cortelyou House, a Dutch farmhouse associated with the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn.
When is the museum open?
It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check its calendar for current exhibits and events.
What can children see at the Old Stone House?
Displays include a battlefield model, a cannonball visitors can touch and books for children. Playground areas are nearby in Washington Park.
