History Tea Tour

History Tea Tour

Saturday May 3, 1pm-3pm

Early Registration: $15/THS Member or $20/Non-member
(Early Registration will end on Thursday, May 1 at 3pm)
At the door: $15/THS Member or $20/Non-member

Scroll down to register or click here.

Travel back in time and taste teas from around the world! You will receive a cup (or bring your own teacup!) to sample 5 distinct teas as you learn about each tea’s history. A short presentation will be given in the Old Troy Church every half hour beginning at 1:30pm. Plan to spend an hour sipping tea and touring the Village. What a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day a little early!

This event is held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather! Most of the program will take place indoors, but you will have to walk outside to go between buildings.

Come Sample 5 Distinct Teas!

1. Colonial Bohea: Ever wonder what tea was dump into the harbor during the Boston Tea Party? Come try this black tea blend with a light smoky flavor.
2. Earl Gray: Come learn about the man that this tea was named after while sampling this classic British tea with a citrus kick. 
3. Masala chai: This spiced tea originated in India and is now popular worldwide. You’ll be able to sip this tea while listening to a short presentation on the history of tea.
4. Yaupon: This tea is America’s only native tea! It’s known to be a smooth drink with no bitterness. Learn how Native American’s used this tea and how it regained popularity in modern America.
5. Chamomile: There are a number of plants with this name, and they are not all used to make tea. Enjoy this tea with a hint of honey while you learn about the other chamomiles.

What to Expect

When you arrive, please check in inside the Main Building (large, red brick building facing Wattles). Please be sure to arrive with your whole party at your scheduled reservation time. When you check in, you will be given an overview of the program, then head out to the Village to start drinking tea and exploring the Village!

All the Village buildings will be open, but tea will only be served in five different stations throughout the Village. Each station will feature a different tea from the list above. Tables and chairs will be available near each station to sit and enjoy your tea. A short presentation starting every half hour is also included in this program and will take place inside the Old Troy Church. Enjoy a slice of pie from Achatz Handmade Pie Co. during the presentation! Sugar-free and gluten-free pies will be available. 

The short 20-25 minute presentation in the Old Troy Church will be held at 1:30pm, 2pm, and 2:30pm. The presentation will be the same each time, so plan to attend at least once. Inside the Church are pews and standard wooden chairs to sit during the presentation. The building has a ramp entrance and accessible bathrooms inside. Assisted listening devices are available, please ask a staff member if you would like to use one.

If you have accessibility questions, please click here to visit our accessibility page or contact us at info@thvmail.org and we will be happy to help! 

At the end of your program, you will exit through the gate on the side of the Main Building. We have green signs to help direct your path.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to bring my own cup? No, we will supply everyone with a paper teacup. You are welcome to bring your own teacup to use at your own risk.
• Will there be a place for me to sit down and enjoy my tea? Yes! Tables and chairs will be available near each station if you would like to sit and enjoy your tea. During the presentation in the Old Troy Church, you will be able to sit in padded church pews and standard wooden chairs. We will also have picnic tables outside you are welcome to use. 
• Is this event held rain or shine? Yes, this event will be held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather! Most of the program will take place indoors, but you will have to walk outside to go between buildings.
• Will I be able to get around easily using my wheelchair or walker? Yes! The Village offers three accessible parking spaces in our west parking lot. All buildings have wheelchair-accessible entryways. Buildings are connected by a wide paved pathway. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available inside our General Store, Church, and Niles-Barnard House. For more information, please contact us at info@thvmail.org. 
• Does everyone in my group need to be 18 years or older to attend the program? No, but this program is recommended for adults and seniors. Everyone will need to register for the event. 
• Will food be available? Troy Historic Village does not sell food. We occasionally feature local vendors to provide food for sale during Village programming, or we may offer food from local vendors included in your registration price. Included in your History Tea Tour registration is a slice of pie from Achatz Handmade Pie Co.! You can enjoy your sweet treat in the Old Troy Church. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks or picnic lunch to enjoy in the Church or outdoors on the picnic tables. Please note we are a peanut free facility. 
• Can I bring my dog? Only service animals are allowed at the Village. We strive to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, so please leave your pets at home.
• How long does it take to go through the event? Guests should expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours at the Village depending on how much you and your group are engaging in the activities! You’re welcome to stay longer within the event timeframe as well. 
• What happens if I miss my time slot? Can I still come? Yes! Please do. Our last admission will be at 2:20pm.
• Is this program related to Thursday Teas? While inspired by tea drinking, this program is separate from our monthly Thursday Tea programs. This program, History Tea Tour, is a one-day only event so don’t miss out! For more information about our monthly Thursday Teas, please click here. 
• Tornado Siren Warning: The City of Troy tests their tornado sirens on the first Saturday of the month at 1pm. This is also around the start time of our event. Please note, the siren is located on the Village property so it is LOUD! It is a brief test and should be over in less than one minute. We have emergency weather plans in place and will let you know if it is not a test!

Parking & Directions

Troy Historic Village is located at 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy MI 48098 (northwest corner of Wattles and Livernois). There are two parking lots at the Village and you can park in either one. After you park, head inside the Main Building (the large brick building) to check in for the program. We will have green and white signs to direct your path.