When traveling throughout the historic triangle you are likely to see lots of familiar family names Washington, Jefferson, Henry, Monroe, and even Hornsby. One name that stands out in the area is Thomas Nelson. A Founding Father of the United States, general in the Revolutionary War, member of the Continental Congress, and a Virginia planter. He served multiple terms in the Virginia General Assembly, he twice represented Virginia in the Congress, and he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
One event that is overlooked is the Virginia version of the Tea Party, Thomas Nelson, Jr., and his group of fellow patriots marched to the Yorktown waterfront and threw two chests of tea overboard, they helped spark a revolution.
Yorktown, Virginia is commemorating the 250th anniversary of this event with a series of special events.
1774 Yorktown Tea Party: Colonial Costume & Dance Workshop
Saturday, October 26 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Yorktown Library
Participants will step back in time and learn the basic dance steps from the colonial era in preparation for the 250th Anniversary of the Yorktown Tea Party on November 7 and the Colonial Tea Ball on November 8. Guests will also discover the elegant clothing of a 1774 dance at this workshop, which is hosted by the Virginia Youth Regiment and the Yorktown Commemoration Committee
Wednesday, November 6 – Friday, November 8 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Locations Vary
The second annual Yorktown Tea Festival will be held at a different location each day to allow guests to experience unique aspects of Historic Yorktown. The locations include the American Revolution Museum, Colonial National Historical Park, York Hall, Watermen’s Museum, and Main Street. Guests can immerse themselves in the world of tea as they sample unique blends, and learn about historic teas and herbal blends, as well as the culture and politics of tea on the eve of the American Revolution. This year’s keynote speaker, Susanna Reppert Brill, clinical herbalist and manager of the Rosemary House & Gardens in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, will take guests on a journey through the history of herbs and tea. Daily programs begin with a tea tasting at 10 a.m. and end with a 3 p.m. tea time. Boxed lunches and refreshments are included with the price of admission. Tickets cost $50 per day.
250th Anniversary of the Yorktown Tea Party
Wednesday, November 6 – Sunday, November 10 | Times and Locations Vary
The festivities kick off with a free public concert at the Watermen’s Museum at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. At 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, historian Jim Gallagher and other interpreters will reenact the dumping of the tea from the tall ship Luna at the Riverwalk Landing Piers. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy deck tours aboard Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed, a re-creation of one of the three ships on the 1606-1607 voyage to Virginia. Other events include live entertainment, a tea smuggling exhibit, educational opportunities for school children, living history stations on Historic Main Street, reenactments, and a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town.
Colonial Tea Ball
Friday, November 8 | 7 to 10 p.m. | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
For this special event, guests are encouraged to dress in 18th-century fashion and bring their finest dancing shoes and revolutionary spirit to keep in step with ballroom dances of the period. Dances will be led by John Millar, dance master, author, and historian, with music performed by the Itinerant Band. From “Draper’s Garden” to “The Queen’s Jig,” Millar will lead guests in more than a dozen dances during the evening. In between dances, guests can catch their breath and visit the immersive gallery exhibits, including tea-inspired artifacts on display. This ticketed event for ages 13+ includes a souvenir dancing booklet with step-by-step instructions.
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