When I first arrived in Boston back in 1998 I spent a lot of time being a tourist and enjoying the wonderful things that this historic city has to offer. As I have now been here an very long time, the tourist in me is gone but given the chance, I will always try something a little different.
One of our teams at work was putting together a night out and to all our surprise the HUZZAH! Tavern Night at the Boston Tea Party Museum was recommended and agreed upon. I am not entirely sure how that happened, especially for me being British and of course the enemy of this time in American history.
With my Boston team getting ready for the show
If you have not heard of this particular tourist experience, allow me to explain. The event is an interactive story telling with merriment, dinner and drinks while bringing the Boston Tea Party of 1773 story to life with well-known historical figures such as John Hancock, Paul Revere and Samuel Adams.
Our musical host
Located on Congress Street in the Fort Point Channel area we were escorted through the Museum to the Colonial Tavern, which is located on a barge in front of the Tea Party Ships where two reserved tables were waiting for our party.
At this point I do have to say I was not into it and thought it was going to be a cheesy evening that would make me cringe. I could not have been more wrong. The evening was indeed filled with merriment, laughter and song and yes we sang the songs while raising our glasses and tankers. I got totally into it as did all of our team. I am not going to lie it is a very cheesy way of telling this important and historic story but it worked and made for a different night out.
Francis Akeley, the drunken Red Coat
Along with the main characters of that era, we were also introduced to Francis Akeley who was the Red Coat rebel arrested during the Boston Tea Party. The actor who played him is very good and made for a funny drunken soldier.
The rest of the actors join the tables and talk to the guests staying in character and keeping everyone amused.
The ticket price of $35 includes a buffet of meats, fresh cheeses, fruits and vegetables, along with bread rolls, all to be eaten with your hands. You do also get a drink of festive rum cider, wine or beer. If you want additional drinks it is a cash bar.
Enjoying the buffet
This is a fun experience if you have visitors in town and are looking to do something a bit different. I would also highly recommend it (as long as you tell them the British are wonderful people) to bring your kids to this history lesson.
Tours at the Boston tea Party are daily every half hour 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus special events, dinners, performances and re-creations throughout the year.
