250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

Start by picking up a booklet at the Welcome Table in front of the Congregational Church, read a Storywalk with your kids about the Boston Tea Party, have your kids disguise themselves as the Colonists did, and sample light refreshments at the “No-Tea” Table.  Hear Elijah’s story and what might have incited him to join the rebellion–at his graveside,  2:30 and 3:15.

The Houghton Sprague House 204 West Bare Hill Road.

Called the most important single event leading to the Revolution, the Boston Tea Party led to a “tea frenzy” across Massachusetts. Harvard resident Elijah Houghton was part of the group involved with dumping the tea in Boston Harbor. In 2021, Houghton, who is buried in Harvard Center Cemetery, was acknowledged with a marker placed at his grave. The Harvard Historical Society’s first fall event will mark the 250th year since the Tea Party.

Elijah Houghton was a committed patriot who was one of the “alarm” militiamen and then served in the Revolutionary War. He returned to his farm, where he lived until his death in 1819. He left his home to his oldest son, Thomas Houghton.