Boston looks to rebuild museum at site of pivotal Tea Party protest; 1st museum burned in 1991

Boston looks to rebuild museum at Tea Party site

BOSTON — The Boston Tea Party is one of the most famous events in U.S. history, yet the only thing that marks the spot these days is a plaque.

There was a museum in the Fort Point Channel at the sight of the 1773 Tea Party, but it burned down in 1991. Efforts to rebuild have stalled.

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the city of Boston and developer Historic Tours of America have teamed up to change that, announcing a financing deal that will rebuild the museum along with the three ships involved when colonists angry over British taxes dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

The new $25 million museum will be financed with an $18 million loan to Historic Tours from the convention authority and $3 million from the city. It is expected to open in the spring of 2012.