Pirates, Privateers and Patriots

About this event

Set sail into an era of adventure, intrigue and danger on the high seas! Explore the history of piracy and privateering during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the line between pirate, privateer, sailor and patriot could sometimes be surprisingly thin. Learn what separated pirates from privateers, how letters of marque transformed private citizens into authorized raiders, and what daily life was like aboard a pirate ship. Meet some of the era's most notorious and celebrated figures, including Edward Teach (Blackbeard), Jean Lafitte, and John Paul Jones, and discover the story of the U.S. Navy during the American Revolution. Along the way, explore the ships, warfare, commerce and people that shaped life on the high seas. Featuring historical displays and a detailed model of the legendary HMS Victory, this exhibit brings the maritime world of the 17th and 18th centuries to life. Hoist the colors, leave the shore behind and discover the stories that made the high seas legendary.