LEXINGTON — The Lexington Historical Society, the Lex250 Commission, and the Town of Lexington invite the public to a reenactment of the 1773 burning of imported tea on Dec. 14 from 12-3 p.m. at the Lexington Visitors Center.
On Dec. 13, 1773, three days before the Boston Tea Party, the Town of Lexington concluded a multi-day debate with a resolution to stop purchasing or drinking imported British tea. The crowd spilled out onto the common behind the meeting house and made a bonfire, throwing the entire town’s supply of tea into it.
Nearly 250 years later, the Lexington Historical Society will reenact this revolutionary act of resistance outside of the Visitors Center. Spectators will have the opportunity to throw tea into the bonfire, meet Lexington residents of 1773 to hear their side of the story, and learn about tea and its significance during the revolutionary period. Inside Buckman Tavern, which will be decorated with historically-inspired holiday decor, visitors will learn about the alternatives to British tea that Lexingtonians drank in the 18th century, and the Chinese American Association of Lexington will discuss how tea is grown and used in China. The William Diamond Junior Fire & Drum Corps will also perform, and the Lexington Minute Men will reenact a military drill to prepare themselves for the upcoming revolution.
The tea-burning portion of the event is contingent upon weather conditions, including no-burn orders and red flag warnings.
This event is free, but a donation to the Lexington Historical Society is recommended. Admission to Buckman Tavern is by donation as well.
WHEN:
Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12-3 p.m.
Schedule of Events:
- 12-3 p.m. Drop-in activities at Buckman Tavern
- 12:30 p.m. The Lexington Minute Men practice military drills to ready themselves for the coming conflict
- 1 p.m. The 18th-century townspeople of Lexington (led by local Boy Scouts) begin to build a fire to destroy the taxed tea
- 1:30 p.m. Performance by the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps
- 1:45 p.m. Tea is burned
- 2 p.m. Program conclusion with music from William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps and a musket salute from the Lexington Minute Men
WHERE:
Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington.
PARKING:
Paid parking is available behind the Lexington Depot in the municipal parking lot at 13 Depot Square. Free parking is available in front of Buckman Tavern and around the Lexington Battle Green but is limited.