THIS EVENT SOLD OUT!

The countdown to the 250th anniversary of the Weston Tea Party is complete We dcommemorate this revolutionary event with two very special Tea Tastings.

All proceeds from the event benefitted the museum’s preservation and education initiatives.

Guiests learned how to brew the perfect cup of tea, while sampling several distinctive varieties of fine teas, from China, India, and other major producers. They also enjoyed sweet and savory snacks with our freshly-brewed teas and learned about the history and influences of the world's most-popular beverage. Tea has played a key role throughout world history in the fields of artisanry, trade, technology, culture, and politics.

Each tasting included a brief talk by our Director Emeritus, Joan Bines, about the role tea played at the Golden Ball Tavern Museum during the Revolutionary era and the different factors that led up to this important event in Weston.

Background to the event: In 1774, a group of irate citizens (Patriots) organized the "Weston Tea Party", painting their faces and raiding the Golden Ball Tavern, sending a warning to Isaac Jones (and perhaps hoping to capture him, though he was away at the time). Isaac was considered to be loyal to the Crown and the local citizens were not happy. They broke down the door, smashed windows and crockery and stole items from the bar, frightening his wife who was upstairs with a newborn.

About our presenter: Local tea connoisseur Paul Angiolillo has worked at Upton Tea Imports (Holliston MA), a major purveyor of fine loose-leaf teas, and has lectured on the history and culture of tea and done tea-tastings at the Peabody-Essex Museum, Goddard House, Mariposa Museum and many other venues. Paul is also an artist, sculpting in wood, stone, and other materials. He studied with master sculptor Joseph Wheelwright in Boston for many years.