Tea Merchant

Sail with us on a journey across the globe to uncover the story of the 18th century tea importer, a figure of incredible influence and daring enterprise. Before tea could be steeped in colonial kitchens, it embarked on a treacherous voyage from distant lands, braving storms and pirates to reach America’s shores. The tea importer was the master of this grand supply chain, a merchant whose fortunes were tied to the whims of the sea and the tastes of a growing populace. This exhibit reveals the complex logistics and significant risks of the tea trade, from negotiating with foreign suppliers to navigating the ever-changing tides of British policy. Discover how one man's business not only brought a comforting beverage to colonial tables but also played a central role in the escalating tensions that would ultimately lead to a revolution.