The Old Stone House

The Old Stone House is a modern reconstruction of the Vechte-Cortelyou House, a 1699 Dutch stone farmhouse with important ties to American history. Today, the Old Stone House is operated as a historic interpretive center dedicated to its crucial role in the American Revolution and in the evolving histories of Brooklyn, New York and the United States. The Old Stone House serves as a dynamic community resource through its education programs and events. In addition to historical exhibits open to the public, the House is available by appointment for tours, classes and rentals.

Celebrating Urban Birds

We have been planting berry-yielding shrubs and seed bearing flowers for the birds for the past four years. The gardens around the Old Stone House are developing into multi-yield food forests; including substantial food and shelter for birds, as well as plants that the Dutch colonists may have used.

Our event will have three components:

• a workshop on listening for and finding birds in the city
• creating a seed mandala for the birds and seed collage making for the kids
• garden walk to identify habitat for birds

 
Dan Joseph is a composer, musician, and bird advocate. He is trained in "deep listening" a field sound study that practices focusing one's attention very closely on the aural environment. Dan is able to identify birds in the landscape through their song.  He plays the hammered dulcimer and will utilize the acoustic strengths of the Old Stone House to teach people how to be better listeners. Using samples of bird song, as well as visuals. Dan will teach participants how to find birds in the city field.

Clauda Joseph is the Old Stone House environmental educator. Her plantings at the OSH have done so much to attract  native wildlife to the site. An artist and permaculturist, Claudia has worked with hundreds of adults and children on the site to introduce them to elements of our native landscape.

The Old Stone House is a cultural center with a long history in Brooklyn.