The Mariners' Museum: Newport News, Virginia

Arrgg….just in time for summer, me matey. Time to let out that inner pirate and gather the kids for a high-seas adventure at The Mariners’ Museum’s latest special exhibition, Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate. This special exhibition takes you on a high-stakes exploration of the appeal of pirates through film, literature, and popular culture using Hollywood memorabilia, rare first editions, and the cold steel that made many a villain quake. Come experience the grim reality of an historical pirate’s life contrasted with the fantastic image of freedom, adventure, and daring-do that make the pirate iconic. Oh, and there is REAL pirate treasure.

Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate
August 29
Participants joined us for a discussion based on the latest special exhibit, Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate. Topics explored included historical pirate weapons, clothing, and the real pirate code.

Pirates in Our Own Backyard?
August 22
Is there still pirate treasure buried on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay? Visitors learned about the pirates who raided Virginia waters and used their booty to fund local establishments.

Swashbuckling Women
August 15
Yes, there have been women pirates. Event participants learned about the women who plundered with all the ferocity of their male counterparts.

Blackbeard and Friends
August 8
Event participants discovered the Golden Age of Piracy, learning about the lives of pirates like Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, and Black Bart.


	Who Were the First Pirates? August 1 Where did the first pirates loot and raid? What did they take? Visitors learned the answers to these and other questions about piracy and the men (and women) who chose the pirate way of life.


	Summer Saturdays: Pirates! July 22 The second weekend after the opening of the special exhibition, Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate, visitors learned about the history of pirates, made their own pirate flags, hunted for treasure, discovered the art of sword fighting, and enjoyed the sounds of maritime folk music artist Bob Zentz.


	Days of the Sword July 8 & 9 What would a pirate movie be without a sword fight? This opening weekend event was a day of exciting sword fight-related activities for the whole family.