The Battle of Brooklyn was the Revolution's first great battle and its anniversary lands this very week — and ham operators mark it the way they know best, radioing commemorative contacts around the planet from the battlefield itself. It's a strange, charming collision: 18th-century history and shortwave gear on folding tables. If you've got a kid interested in either radios or the Revolution, this scratches both itches at once, free, all day.
What to expect
Operators working transceivers under canopies, logging contacts from across the country and world; visitors can listen in, ask questions, and often make a supervised contact themselves. The Old Stone House museum sits right there for the battle's full story.
Good to know
- Washington Park/JJ Byrne Playground is at 5th Ave and 3rd St in Park Slope
- F/G/R trains at 4th Ave-9th St are a short walk
- Free — it's an educational demonstration, and beginners are the point
- The Old Stone House museum on-site covers the 1776 battle
- Runs all day, so drop in anytime; midday has the most activity
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Common questions
What is a special event station?
A temporary amateur radio station licensed to commemorate an occasion — operators worldwide try to contact it, like a collectible on the airwaves.
Can kids try the radio?
Usually yes — licensed operators can let visitors speak over the air under supervision, and clubs love recruiting newcomers.
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