Historic Site | Museum

Center for Brooklyn History

Formerly known as the Brooklyn Historical Society, the Center for Brooklyn History became part of Brooklyn Public Library in 2020 and is now free and accessible to all for research, education, culture and more.

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Restrooms
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Brooklyn, NY

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the Center for Brooklyn History preserves and shares the stories that have shaped one of America's most dynamic communities. Through its extensive archives, exhibitions, and educational programs, the Center connects visitors with centuries of local, state, and national history, including the events and individuals that defined the Revolutionary era.

The Center's collections offer valuable insight into Brooklyn's role in the fight for American independence, preserving documents, maps, artwork, and artifacts that illuminate the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and communities during the Revolution. By safeguarding these primary sources, the Center for Brooklyn History helps visitors explore the people and places that shaped the nation's founding.

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

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Federal Hall in New York City

New York, NY 10005

Site where Washington took the first oath of office

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Old Stone House photographed by Jay Ruffins

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Explore Revolution Brooklyn from 1776 - 1783

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Photograph of the front of the Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn, NY 11238

Museum in Brooklyn with Rev War collections

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Photo of DAR monument commemorating the Battle of Paulus Hook in Paulus Hook Park

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Patriot morale is restored in New Jersey

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Shot of Fort Wadsworth overlooking the waters of New York

Staten Island, NY 10305

Historic Fort under British Occupation 1776-1783

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Detail from an engraving of the Battle of Harlem Heights

New York, NY 10027

Confident British forces are checked in battle

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Facade of Hamilton Grange

New York, NY 10005

Home of Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton

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View towards former location of Fort Washington

New York, NY 10033

Last American stronghold of Manhattan

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Cannons at Fort Lee Historical Park facing the George Washington Bridge

Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Cornwallis pushes American forces into New Jersey

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Exterior of Liberty Hall from the Visit Elizabeth website

Union, NJ 07083

Former home of NJ's first elected governor

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Front door of the Valentine-Varian House

Bronx, NY 10458

The Bronx's 2nd oldest house and site of skirmishes

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Front yard of the Van Cortlandt Mansion photographed by Ryan Ng

Bronx, NY 10471

Historic home occupied by both British & Patriots

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Pelham Bay

New York, NY 10464

Patriot forces delay the British invasion of New York

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The Zabriskie-Steuben house at Historic New Bridge Landing

River Edge, NJ 07661

Site along Washington's Retreat route from NY

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1760s era lighthouse located at the Gateway National Recreational Area in Sandy Hook

Highlands, NJ 07732

Strategic fortified lighthouse used by Loyalists

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St. Paul's Church in the fall

Mt. Vernon, NY 10550-5018

Military hospital following the Pell's Point battle

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Huyler's Landing Trail Head

Alpine, NJ 07620

Site of Cornwallis' landing in New Jersey

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Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site photographed by Ajay Suresh

Yonkers, NY 10701

Historic home of the Philipse Tory family

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Proprietary House

Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

Mansion of Benjamin Franklin's Loyalist son, William

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Dey Mansion with overcast sky

Wayne, NJ 07470

Washington's HQ before the winter camp at Morristown

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