Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Interactive Tour

The Boston Tea Party, December 1773

The Boston Tea Party was a turning point on the road to the American Revolution. On the night of 16 December 1773, colonists angry about British taxes on tea, and about having no say in them, boarded three ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. The protest became a symbol of resistance and led Britain to pass harsh laws that pushed the colonies closer to war.

On this Boston Tea Party tour you do not just read about it. Actors playing colonists give you a role and a handbill at the start, and the story unfolds around you in the meeting house, so you leave knowing who was involved and why it mattered.

The interactive ships tour

After the meeting-house scene, your group follows the crowd down to the wharf and aboard replicas of the tea ships. These full-size vessels recreate the Eleanor and the Beaver and let you walk the deck, look into the hold and see how the crates were stored. Guides in character explain the ropes and the cargo.

The highlight for many visitors is the moment you take a crate of tea and throw it into the harbor, joining the crowd of protesters. It is a short, memorable interactive tour, and children usually enjoy it most, which is why this is a popular answer to what to do in Boston with kids.

The museum, holograms and theatre

Inside the museum the story continues with modern technology. Holographic characters appear and talk, letting you listen to British soldiers and colonial patriots argue in front of you. Displays explain the events that led to the protest and what followed after it.

The wraparound theatre puts you in the middle of the drama with a film about the revolution that follows the Tea Party, and a small collection of artifacts, including a tea chest from the period, rounds off the visit. Printed guides in 14 languages are available if English is not your first language, and you can ask for them at the museum.

Visiting the museum: timing, location and tickets

The museum sits on the Congress Street Bridge at the Fort Point Channel, a short walk from South Station and the Seaport. If you are asking how to get to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, the subway to South Station and a five to ten minute walk is the easy way, and your voucher confirms the meeting point at the museum.

Your Boston Tea Party ticket is timed, and the tour lasts about an hour, so arrive a little early and pick a slot from the booking panel. Tickets often sell out, especially at weekends, so book ahead. The best time to visit is often a weekday morning, when the tours are quieter.