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Historic Annapolis and community partners recently commemorated the 250th anniversary of the burning of the brig, the Peggy Stewart. On October 19, 1774, the people of Annapolis discovered that the Peggy Stewart contained contraband tea that violated the colonists’ non-importation resolution. In response to public outrage, ship owner Anthony Stewart was forced to burn his ship with the tea onboard down to the waterline with sails and colors still flying. This pivotal moment in Annapolis history heightened the divide between American patriots from those loyal to the crown – as the colonies continued to march toward revolution.
Several events marked this historic event on the weekend of October 19. Historic Annapolis was pleased to welcome our Cornerstone Society donors to the historic Peggy Stewart House for a special reception. Our leadership giving community provides crucial support for HA to provide cultural experiences and educational opportunities for residents, visitors, and students in Annapolis. Learn more about the Cornerstone Society here.
Photos courtesy of DANIE Photography.
On Saturday, October 19, Historic Annapolis hosted our largest living history event of the year as more than 40 living historians greeted guests on Pinkney Street, bringing the year 1774 to life. Visitors met local businessowners, craftspeople, sailors, and merchants, and enjoyed live music and colonial games at our special day of history. Thank you to Graul’s Market for providing our guests with cider and cookies.
Photos courtesy of Historic Annapolis and Everhart Creative.
Following these events, Historic Annapolis and Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County hosted a public education program (supported by the Maryland Historical Trust and Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area) at Annapolis City Dock. University of Maryland historian Richard Bell recapped for the audience the pivotal moments leading to the burning of the Peggy Stewart, while members of the interpretive group the First Maryland Regiment mingled among the crowd, and Monumental City Fife and Drum Corps provided music for all to enjoy. This program was followed by a patriotic drone show, presented by the Sons of the American Revolution, John Paul Jones Chapter, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter and the Children of the American Revolution.
A special thank you from our President & CEO:
Thank you to the John Paul Jones Chapter, Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter, Maryland Society Daughters of the American Revolution for the fantastic drone show last weekend commemorating the 250th anniversary of the burning of the Peggy Stewart, the spark that paved the way for Maryland’s involvement in the Revolutionary War. 250 drones communicated with 26 satellites to display 13 images telling the story of the Annapolis Tea Party. It was a beautiful way to illuminate this historic moment with modern technology. Many moving parts came together in harmony to give the public a spectacular experience on the commemoration of this historic event. What a gift to all of Annapolis!
Karen Theimer Brown
President & CEO
Historic Annapolis