December 16, 2023, marked the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. This daring act of defiance against the unpopular Tea Act set the stage for the Revolutionary conflict to come. On December 15 and 16, 2023, Revolutionary Spaces, the organization that operates the historic Old South Meeting House in Boston, held two sold-out performances of “The Meeting of the Body of the People.”
The walls of the Old South Meeting House once again echoed with boisterous shouts for liberty as a lively cast of reenactors brought history to life. Minute Man Park Rangers Jim Hollister and Jarrad Fuoss, and Friends of Minute Man board member Paul O’Shaughnessy were a part of the action! Jim portrayed political mastermind Samuel Adams and Jarrad portrayed the fiery Dr. Joseph Warren. Paul portrayed the unfortunate Francis Rotch, whose ship, the Dartmouth, was stuck in port with a hold full of tea that could neither be landed nor returned.
Supporting our partners in public history, including local historic sites and volunteer reenactor communities, is very important to the park staff and to the Friends of Minute Man. It reinforces our common mission and provides opportunities for coordination and cooperation that are vital to the successful commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Support the Friends of Minute Man by becoming a member today!
Image above: The cast of the “The Meeting of the Body of the People” at Old South Meeting House on Dec. 16, 2023. Courtesy of Elizabeth Sulock.