This was one of my favorite experiences in Boston, and the best paid tour by far. Our period costume hostess, Elizabeth Bradley (Katie), performed her part with incredible gusto and humor, and really made the experience come alive. Really, she was a natural actress, and made it a special experience for everyone.
The tour begins at a town hall meeting, where Elizabeth told us about her life, her family, and briefed us on the events of the day. After a rousing speech by her friend Samuel Adams, our "mob" lined up to storm onto the ship, or, as Elizabeth put it, as she pumped her fist into the air, "Safety first, treason second!! Huzzah!"
The replica of the ship was very good, and several of the younger guests had the opportunity to dump bales of "tea" into the harbor, which was good fun. Elizabeth and the other staff were extremely knowledgeable and well briefed, more like National Park Ranger than attraction operators. I don't know who trains them, but Huzzah!
After exiting the ship, we made our way into a small museum, where we got to see several interesting historical artifacts, including a tea chest from the fateful night, and some tea. There were two more presentations, which Elizabeth/Katie interacted with in a way that made it quite lively and fun.
If you have children, or adults who are at all interested in history, I'd highly recommend this attraction. The staff excels at conveying historical information in a lively and interesting way, and they truly make history come alive. I think being a private attraction, they are freed from the need to be stodgy and serious, and make it great fun for everyone. It's much more of an experience that transports you back to 1773, and not at all like the museum trip all grade schoolers dread.
At the end of the tour, we were invited to buy ourselves a tea sampler in Abagail's tea room, or the gift shop, "where everything is heartily taxed, but in a fully representative way. Huzzah!" Sorry, but I love that joke, and I loved The Boston Tea Party.
Thank you, BTP Museum, and thank you, Miss Elizabeth Bradley, for making my trip so much fun, and good luck to you and your brothers in all of your adventures.