Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with Cape Codders
On the night of Dec. 16, 1773, a group of Patriots dumped more than 300 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest against taxes they were forced to pay by the King of England and Parliament despite not being represented in the British government.
The rebellion, now famously known as the Boston Tea Party, caused shock waves throughout the colonies and was one of the inciting incidents of what would become the American Revolution.
Now, 250 years later, a lot has changed in the nation. What once were 13 colonies have spread to 50 states and the United States and the United Kingdom get along — for the most part. In celebration of the monumental milestone, several places on Cape Cod are hosting shindigs of their own. Here's where to revel on Cape Cod in some patriotic glory for the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party .
Celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party happening on Cape Cod
Hyannis
Stop by the Cape Cod Maritime Museum for “History is A’Brewin’,” a party in honor of the 250th anniversary from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec.16.
Tea from The Spice and Tea Exchange in Mashpee will be served alongside snacks while guests learn about the history of tea and the modern culture of tea. Craft-making will also be taking place throughout the day.
The event is $10 to attend and guests can register online at www.capecodmaritimemuseum.org/events-and-lectures/boston-tea-party/.
The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is at 135 South St. in Hyannis.
Sandwich
Join the Sandwich Public Library for “Steeped in Secrecy,” a Zoom presentation hosted by two former UK residents, author Claire Evans and author and genealogist Debra Dudek. During the presentation, guests will learn about the political issues surrounding tea in a lecture by Evans and the main players of the Boston Tea Party in a lecture by Dudek.
Before the lectures, an afternoon tea party, courtesy of the Dunbar House Tea Room, will take place.
The event is free to attend but guests must register online at www.sandwichpubliclibrary.com/ in advance to reserve their seat. Though tea cups will be provided, guests are encouraged to bring their favorite cup to enjoy their cuppas.
“Steeped in Secrecy” will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 at the Sandwich Public Library (142 Main St. in Sandwich.)
Folks at The Dunbar House Tea Room will also be hosting a celebration of their own at 5 p.m. on Dec. 16. Three high tea seatings — from 5 to 5:30 p.m. — will be held in honor of the anniversary. Diners will be treated to a selection of high tea treats, including “Gunpowder Green Tea and Orange Scones,” “Boston Baked Cod Cakes,” and "Victorian Tea Cakes."
Tickets are $45 per person and reservations can be made online at www.thedunbarhouse.com/. The Dunbar House Tea Room is located at 1 Water St. in Sandwich.
Yarmouth Port
Meet Capt. Joseph Bassett and Capt. Edmund Sears — two participants of the Boston Tea Party, on Grays Beach as historical interpreters tell the tale of what exactly happened on that famous night in 1773. The anniversary celebration will be hosted by the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth.
The celebration is free to attend and will begin at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16. Free refreshments and herbal tea will be served.
Grays Beach is located in Bass Hole in Yarmouth Port.
South Dennis
Join the South Dennis Free Public Library for a Boston Tea Party party at 10 a.m. on Dec. 16. A scavenger hunt, games and crafts will commence and cookies and tea will be served to guests.
The event is free to attend and no registration is required.
The South Dennis Free Public Library is located at 389 Main St. in South Dennis.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on Cape
