249th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

Revolutionary Spaces Commemorates the 249th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

The reenactment of the Meeting of the Body of the People returns to Old South Meeting House

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Amanda Bertone

BOSTON — Revolutionary Spaces will celebrate the 249th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with the reenactment of the Meeting of the Body of the People on December 16, 2022. Returning after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Revolutionary Spaces will host hundreds of people at Old South Meeting House—the largest indoor gathering space in colonial Boston and the site of key meetings that led to American independence.

Doors will open at 5:00 PM with a pop-up tea shop at Old South’s museum store. Hosted by Revolutionary Spaces’ member community and The Tea Can Company, guests will enjoy a complimentary tea tasting with exclusive product discounts. They will also meet the Ladies of Boston and other colonial characters to learn about what life was like leading up to the Revolution. 

The reenactment of the Meeting of the Body of the People—when more than 5,000 people gathered at Old South Meeting House in 1773 to denounce the unfair practices of the distant parliament—will begin at 6:30 PM. The event will feature iconic Bostonians whose vigorous debate led to the destruction of tea on December 16, as well as other personalities whose contributions shaped colonial Boston. This year, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum will not produce their reenactment of the Destruction of the Tea due to necessary maintenance of the Beaver. For more information, visit: bostonteapartyship.com.

In making the announcement, Revolutionary Spaces President & CEO Nat Sheidley said, “Revolutionary Spaces is honored to host the reenactment of the Meeting of the Body of the People once again at Old South Meeting House. No event was more pivotal in the nation’s founding. We are thrilled to bring the community back into colonial Boston’s largest building and to experience this iconic moment in our country’s history in the very room where it happened.”

Director of Public Programs Gina Marie Jamieson added, “Live performance is such an important and effective modality to make history come alive for today’s audience. We are grateful to the efforts of Elizabeth Sulock and the Newport Historical Society who have been vital in helping Revolutionary Spaces engage living historians and produce this event. ”

Tickets are available for $30 for adults and $25 for members, children (12 and under), and seniors (65 and older). To experience this moment in time in the room where it happened, visit: revolutionaryspaces.org/tea-party-anniversary. Tickets to this event also include access to both of Revolutionary Spaces’ sites—the Old State House and Old South Meeting House—from Friday, December 16 through Sunday, December 18, 2022 (a $15 value). For group bookings of 10 or more people, please contact info@revolutionaryspaces.org.

ABOUT REVOLUTIONARY SPACES

Revolutionary Spaces stewards the historic Old South Meeting House and Old State House as landmarks, museums, and gathering spaces for the open exchange of ideas and the continuing practice of democracy. Viewing history as a powerful tool for today, Revolutionary Spaces brings people together to explore the American struggle to create and sustain a free society. 

About the Old State House: The 1713 Old State House served as the seat of government for the province of Massachusetts during the Revolutionary era. Today, it is a museum and historic site offering tours, exhibits, and public programs exploring Boston’s Revolutionary-era history.

About the Old South Meeting House: The 1729 Old South Meeting House was a Congregational church and the largest gathering place for popular politics in Revolutionary Boston. Today it is a busy museum, treasured landmark, and active center for civic dialogue and free expression.

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