Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Boston, USA | Admission Fee | Tours | Timings

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Boston Overview

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum provides an excellent opportunity for anyone who wishes to learn in depth about all that transpired in 1773 following the Tea Acts imposed by the British Government. It is known for its exhibits, interactive reenactments, display of historic artefacts and restored tea ships, all of which elicit an impression of being back in that era, during the historic events of the Boston Tea Party.

Undoubtedly one of the most significant moments in the country’s history, the Boston Tea Party of 1773 has been solidified in time and represented via the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Located on Congress Street in Boston, the museum offers a wonderful opportunity for people to learn about the event that contributed heavily towards the nation’s fight for independence through exhibits, two restored tea ships, activities, artefacts and much more. Open 4 days a week, the museum enables visitors to go back in time to experience the historic occurrences of 1773, along with other events and delicious food, all at a very reasonable price.

What is a Tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum like?

Aimed at providing visitors with an experience as close to the actual event of 1773 as possible, the tours at Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum have a lot in store. People can get to relive the historic events of the Boston Tea Party over a course of about an hour and the guided tour consists of museum exhibits, a visit to 2 authentically restored tea ships (the Eleanor and the Beaver), a chance to dump tea into the water, and see the only surviving chest from the event; the Robinson Tea Chest.

Not only this, but visitors get to learn a lot about the Tea Party, the events leading up to it and its consequent American Revolution, all through costumed interpreters or actors, along with being able to visit Griffin’s Wharf and the Minuteman Theatre. Tour tickets are available at a cost of about USD 21.95 to USD 29.95, depending upon the age group.

What is Abigail's Tea Room and Terrace?

Besides everything that has to do with the notable Boston Tea Party, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is popular for Abigail’s Tea Room and Terrace. It offers visitors a chance to relax a little with a view of the gorgeous Boston skyline and the waterfront, all the while being in a room that represents a completely different era. Those who come here will be greeted by colonial tea ladies and would get a chance to taste different kinds of tea, lemonade, hot or cold apple cider, alcohol, along with mouth-watering treats like scones, pies, sandwiches, soups, salads and much more. It is an ideal place to choose when it comes to tea-time or lunch, and the prices are quite reasonable.

How to Reach the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

For all those who wish to take a car to go visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, there is parking available around; while there is an option to select a preferred parking spot in advance, parking in garages like the Farnsworth Street Garage and the Stillings Street Garage is also an option (museum visitors can avail discounted parking). On the other hand, those who opt for public transportation can takes buses 504, 92, 93 or SL4, trains Framingham/ Worcester, Greenbush, Haverhill, Lowell or Middleborough/ Lakeville, or the Green Line D, Orange line or the Red line of the MTBA Subway. Boston South Station, Courthouse, South Station and Seaport Blvd are some of the closest stops. People can also go for the Boston Trolley services.

About the Historic Boston Tea Party of 1773

Following the 1773 Tea Act that gave the British East India Company the right to sell China-procured tea in American colonies without having to pay taxes except those under the Townshend Acts, the Boston Sons of Liberty, many American patriots like Samuel Adams and many Boston locals retaliated.

They were not okay with the Company being allowed to do so and tried to get British government officials to have the ship turned away from the Boston Harbor without unloading. However, efforts at peacefully negotiating showed no results and many met at the Old South Meeting House to discuss the further course of action.

Ultimately, many decided to march up to the Harbor and dump about 342 chests or 92,000 pounds of tea off of three different vessels into the water. During that time, the British East India Company suffered a loss of over GBP 9,600. Later on, when the Sons of Liberty got to know about tea from another shop being stored in a Boston warehouse, they went and destroyed it. All these events came to be known as the Boston Tea Party of 1773 and later led to the American Revolution when British government responded with force.