The Friends of Historic New Utrecht, along with the New Utrecht Liberty Pole Association and the New Utrecht Reformed Church, will host Liberty Weekend 2026 on Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will celebrate America’s 250th birthday and mark the 243rd anniversary of the New Utrecht Liberty Pole.
According to a historical account, the original New Utrecht Dutch Reformed Church was founded by Dutch immigrants in 1677 and sat on the corner of what’s known today as 16th Avenue and 84th Street. Stones from the old church became part of the foundation of the present church on 18th Avenue and 84th Street, where the celebration will take place.
Photo courtesy of Friends of Historic New Utrecht
The event will include Revolutionary War reenactors, two historical lectures, a tour of the vintage 1828 church, ceremonies at the Liberty Pole and historical displays. Light refreshments will be available. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine. On-site parking is not available. For more information, call 718-265-7173 or contact [email protected].
Eagle Urban Media/file photo
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I attended the recent Fort Hamilton H.S. Hall of Fame induction ceremony at El Caribe Country Club. New inductee Joseph Keeler was unable to attend, so alumni president Joseph Estrella asked me — a previous inductee and a friend of Keeler’s — to accept the award on his behalf.
Eagle Urban Media/photo by Jim Dolan
Keeler had an outstanding career as a chemist and inventor. He was also a prominent civic leader as chairman of Community Board 10, and is an active board member of the Ragamuffin Parade Committee.
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In its continuing efforts to raise civic awareness and promote the activities associated with America’s 250th birthday celebration, the Bay Ridge Historical Society invited two key officials from the Sail4th 250 organization to a Zoom session with the Society.
Image courtesy of Sail4th 250
The online event took place on Wednesday evening, May 20, and was open to Society members and the general public. Maritime Director Maggie Sweeney (COO) and Communications Director Bill Anderson were the guest speakers. Utilizing videos and slides of the Tall Ships and other naval vessels, they gave an impressive presentation.
Eagle Urban Media/file photo
One of the highlights of their talk was the fact that a commercial firm and sponsor, Aqua Map, is giving everyone free access to track the voyages of all Tall Ships live and via your tablet, computer or cell phones. The speakers encouraged viewers to visit https://sail4th.org, which has photos and descriptions of each ship.
BRHS President Tom McCarthy moderated the Zoom session.
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