Although the Boston Tea Party didn’t happen in April – it actually took place on the cold night of 16 December 1773, the participants were the early Patriots supporting colonial independence from England.

Are you descended from one or more of these men?

American Ancestors, the online website of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, has posted biographies of some of these men, but it’s believed that hundreds took part and chose to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. Although the NEHGS site is by subscription, this particular database is accessible to guest members for free.

They have also partnered with the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum to sponsor the Boston Tea Party Descendant Program. Visit the website to view the list of known participants.

I browsed the names of known participants and recognized some names in my family tree, like Spurr and Wheeler, but if I have an ancestor who participated, he is one who chose to remain anonymous.

These men were leaders in the political change that began sweeping the colonies in the early 1770s and the Boston Tea Party was a major impetus that convinced many men that it was time for independence.

If you have colonial Massachusetts ancestry, you need to check out this list as we celebrate America250!