Boston is among the country’s most cutting-edge cities, always looking ahead. However, over the next eight years it will be looking back—to the moment 250 years ago when tea tossed into the city’s harbor served as the catalyst for a revolution and the beginning of a nation.
Revolution 250 will be a series of events over eight years, allowing Baby Boomers to brush elbows with British aristocracy, Gen Xers and generals to get to know each other, and millennials to meet up with Minutemen.
That’s right: The British are coming again, and Boston is ready for them (and for you). Large scale re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party, the battles of Lexington and Concord, and the Battle of Bunker Hill will culminate in 2026 with a celebration of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. Go to revolution250.org for more information.
No need to wait for one of Boston’s most innovative events, though. Tavern Nights is the only nighttime Colonial tavern experience in the city. Held the second and fourth Friday of every month at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, it’s an entertaining and memorable night. The museum is part of NTA-member Boston Attractions Group.
Samuel Adams and John Hancock are among the historical figures waiting to welcome you with a mug of ale, roasted sweet meat of swine and tales of their exploits. Political discourse plays second fiddle to, well, an actual fiddle for boisterous songs and rollicking dances as well as Colonial fun and games.
However, if your group wants to get in a few jabs at King George, we’re sure the costumed Colonists won’t object. So give a big huzzah and “hie” yourself to Tavern Nights.
For a double dose of patriotism, book the museum’s pre-dinner group tour. Follow the Sons of Liberty as they take your group to a re-enactment of the Town Hall meeting that led to the famous event at Boston Harbor—you can even toss some tea yourself.
According to Paul Lurie, group sales manager for the attraction, Tavern Nights has proven so popular that many tour groups are using it as a closing event for their Boston experience.
“It offers the perfect mix of Boston’s rich history with a great dining experience and an interactive performance where guests are encouraged to participate,” he says.
For more information about Boston attractions, email Stacy Thornton of the Boston CVB (bostonusa.com) or reach out to Suzanne Taylor of the Boston Attractions Group (bostonattractionsgroup.com).
Top photo: Tavern Nights at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an immersive Colonial dinner theater experience in the heart of Boston.
Photo by Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
