Tea Party Reenactors To Dump Leaves Into Boston Harbor

On Dec. 16, 1773, a band of radicals called the Sons of Liberty further stoked pre-Revolutionary War rumblings by dumping hundreds of tea chests into Boston Harbor. They were protesting the British Tea Act for violating their "taxation without representation” right.

And on Monday night, about 100 reenactors will channel the spirits of Sam Adams, Paul Revere and John Hancock — first during a lively debate at the Old South Meeting House, then at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum on Fort Point Channel.

Emily Curran, the executive director at the meeting house, said the two historic sites are commemorating the Boston Tea Party's 240th anniversary because the dumping represents a seminal moment.

"It’s inspired people throughout history," she explained, "including Henry David Thoreau, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela."

The party starts at 6:30 pm.