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Preparing for The Providence Tea Party: A Living History Event at the John Brown House Museum
March 1
Free – $11.63
Join us on Saturday, March 1, 2025, when a group of living historians take over the John Brown House Museum to share opposing viewpoints. Sample historical teas from Ocean State Spice & Tea as loyalists and patriots “spill the tea” and persuade you to join their side. Explore a special pop-up exhibit featuring teacups and tea-related pieces from the Rhode Island Historical Society’s collection. Families can also enjoy a hands-on colonial-inspired children’s craft.
On March 2, 1775, the women of Providence showed their disdain for British authority by protesting at Market Place and burning tea. This incident, known as the Providence Tea Party, included a mock funeral for “Madam Souchong,” the personification of the tea. It sparked much debate in town amongst this once popular drink’s ties to colonial liberties.
This program runs from 10am-4pm at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s John Brown House Museum, 52 Power Street, Providence, RI. General admission costs $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 10-17; admission is free for RIHS members and children under age 10. Other admission discounts are available. Advance tickets are recommended as site capacity is limited.
Guests can register here.
The John Brown House Museum
John Brown House
The John Brown House is a home for history. Visitors can indulge their curiosity and explore Rhode Island’s history at the John Brown House Museum. They can find out whose hands built the landscape around them. What was life like for women, children and men of diverse stations? What peoples and ideas thrived here, and to what far-flung corners of the world did they venture to seek their fortunes? And how did Rhode Islanders grapple with slavery, when freedom and independence were on everyone’s minds and pens?
About the RI 250th Commission
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation. The Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission (RI 250th Commission) was established in 2021 through a joint resolution from the General Assembly.
Rhode Island has a pivotal role in the founding of our country. The attack on the HMS Gaspee marked the first act of aggression against the British. Rhode Island and the nation commemorates it as the spark that ignited the American Revolution. This important anniversary presents an opportunity for Rhode Islanders, and all Americans, to reflect on the many significant events that inspired the birth of our country from diverse perspectives.
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Learn more Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.
Image of John Brown House: By Filetime – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97569827