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In October of 1774, the people of Annapolis discovered that the brigantine, the Peggy Stewart, contained contraband tea that violated the colonists’ non-importation resolution. In response to public outrage, and under penalty of possible harm to both his property and person (they erected a gallows outside his home!), ship owner Anthony Stewart was forced to burn the Peggy Stewart with the tea onboard, down to the waterline with sails and colors still flying.
Marylanders saw the burning of the Peggy Stewart as a turning point in the patriot movement. Six months after the burning of the Peggy Stewart the Revolutionary War began at the battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts in April 1775, launching the colonies into the fight for their independence.
On October 19th, commemorate this event 250 years to the day! Visit with the colonial townspeople of Annapolis for our biggest living history event of the year on historic Pinkney Street.
More than forty living historians will bring history alive in downtown Annapolis. Stop in at the Waterfront Warehouse, Shiplap House, the Hogshead to encounter local sailors, merchants and business owners and discover what they thought of this historic event. Learn how the events of the time impacted their daily lives, their livelihoods and those of their families. Hear live music, play colonial games and much more. It’s a history-filled walk back in time!
Later that evening, we will gather at Annapolis City Dock where University of Maryland historian Richard Bell will recap the pivotal moments leading to the burning of the Peggy Stewart. Mingle among the Revolutionary townspeople of Annapolis and enjoy music provided by Monumental City Fife and Drum Corps. This program will be followed by a drone show set against the nighttime sky, presented by the John Paul Jones Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
Living History event on Pinkney Street
Time: 11 am – 4 pm
Location: Hogshead, 43 Pinkney Street and along Pinkney Street
Cost: $10 General Admission; $5 for HA Members & Volunteers, Military, and Children 10-17; Free for Children 9 and under (advance registration recommended at annapolis.org/peggystewartweekend)
Evening Program
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Susan Campbell Park, Annapolis City Dock
Cost: FREE