The ritual of tea was just as important in colonial American life as it was in Great Britain. In the late 1700s, acts of rebellion were planned over pots of the drink, which led to the dumping of tea into Boston Harbor in 1773 and eventually to a revolution. Join author and tea historian Bruce Richardson for an illustrated presentation about Boston’s historic tea culture and the East India Company leaves that sparked the War of Independence.
Following the talk, participants will be able to taste three colonial-era teas (and accompanying snacks), and Richardson will be available to sign copies of his book, A Social History of Tea. Limited copies of the book will be available for purchase at the Gift Store.
This special evening celebrates our temporary exhibit, Declaring the Revolution: America’s Printed Path to Independence, showcasing rare items from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection. The exhibit will be open free of charge from 5:30–7:00 pm! The Museum Store and Cafe will be open until 7:00 pm.
Please note that this program is in-person only, and will not be livestreamed.
All guests under the age of 18 are required to have an adult chaperone.
