250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party [12/16/23]

1773-2023

The United States will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 2023. Dubbed by John Adams as the “most magnificent movement of all”, the Boston Tea Party is one of the nation’s most iconic events and one that propelled America down the road to revolution.

In honor of this upcoming anniversary, The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is partnering with multiple organizations, communities, and businesses to create a series of collaborative, inclusive and commemorative programming throughout the entirety of 2023—culminating in a grand-scale reenactment on the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 2023.

GRAND-SCALE BOSTON TEA PARTY REENACTMENT ON SAT DEC 16, 2023

More info: https://www.december16.org/boston-tea-party-reenactment

On December 16, 2023, Boston will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, a moment that forever changed the course of American history. On this day the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations will culminate in a grand-scale reenactment of the Boston Tea Party. A full evening of reenactments will play out in 5-parts across the City of Boston at several historic locations:

Act One: Faneuil Hall & The Boston Tea Party: A Protest in Principle

A Retrospective on Revolution

4:00pm-5:30pm

The 250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary & Reenactment begins with a dramatic look at the Boston Tea Party throughout the centuries. At Faneuil Hall, 250 years ago, the citizens of Boston resolved to “prevent the unloading, receiving, or vending the detestable tea sent out by the East India Company.” These efforts would ultimately result in the Destruction of the Tea and propel America down the road to revolution. In the years following, citizens would return to Faneuil Hall to reflect upon the Boston Tea Party and seek inspiration from its legacy as they discussed the pressing needs of their time. This 90-minute presentation explores the dramatic events of the Boston Tea Party of 1773 as well as the Centennial and Bicentennial Commemorations that followed. (Screens positioned on the plaza outside Faneuil Hall will also project this presentation to general public outside the building.)

Act Two: Patriots and Loyalists

6:00pm-7:00pm

Free and open to the public

Location: Downtown Crossing

As the meeting of the Body of the People rages inside Old South Meeting House, join the crowds of people gathering outside as a Town Crier brings news to the streets. This free outdoor event features citizens of colonial Boston as they take the state to discuss the news of the tea crisis and ramifications for their families, businesses, and the American colonies.

Act Three

A Reenactment of the Meeting of the Body of the People

6:15pm – 7:15pm; Doors at 5:30pm

Join Revolutionary Spaces in the room where it all happened—Old South Meeting House! This building hosted a number of meetings about the East India Company Tea sitting in Boston Harbor waiting to be unloaded and taxed. On that fateful night, 5,000 men gathered for a final meeting about the controversial tea tax, resulting in Samuel Adams giving the signal that would start the Boston Tea Party. Colonists then marched from the meeting house to Griffin’s Wharf and dumped 340 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor!

Seating for the Meeting of the Body of the People reenactment is unassigned so be sure to arrive early to pick your seats. Ticket holders may stay in their seats at Old South Meeting House for a livestream of the tea throwing at Griffin’s Wharf. Tickets to this portion also includes admission to both of Revolutionary Spaces’ sites, the Old State House and Old South Meeting House, from Friday, December 15th through Sunday, December 17th.

Act Four

250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary Rolling Rally

Begins at 310 Washington Street to Milk Street to Pearl Street to Pearl Street Extension

Act Five

Boston Harbor, a Tea Pot Tonight!

8:00pm-8:30pm

Thousands of people line the Harborwalk and watch as the Sons of Liberty storm aboard the brig Beaver and ship Eleanor to destroy chest after chest of East India Company tea. Viewers are encouraged to participate and yell “Huzzah!” as they witness the dramatic recreation of the Destruction of the Tea. Bleacher seating will be available in addition to standing room for thousands of general public.

Please stay tuned as details are finalized!

For the latest information and events, please visit BostonTeaParty250.org

250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

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