New Bedford National Park Collecting Tea to Dump Into Boston Harbor

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — We recently told you about New Bedford’s pivotal role in the Boston Tea Party that took place on December 16, 1773 and ignited the spark of revolution in the colonies.

Now, New Bedford can also play a part in the Boston Tea Party’s 250th anniversary celebration on December 16, 2023.

As part of that celebration, there will be a reenactment of the dumping of the tea into Boston Harbor on December 16 at 8 p.m.

Ranger Rufai Shardow of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park wants to let the SouthCoast know that they can contribute to “the Destruction of the Tea” by dropping off loose-leaf tea at the park.

“In collaboration with the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, we want to throw your tea into the sea!” the National Park posted to its Facebook page.

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Those who want to donate loose-leaf tea (no tea bags) to the cause can drop it off at the park’s visitor center by Friday. It will then be mailed from New Bedford by December 6 to arrive in Boston in time to be dumped into the harbor on the 16th as part of the reenactment celebration.

The park’s visitor center is located at 33 William Street in New Bedford, and is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ranger Rufai asked those who want to drop off tea to please do so during the park’s open hours, and please do not leave it at the entrance of the door when the visitor center is closed.