From Stede Bonnet to Blackbeard himself, people have long been fascinated with pirates, which are part of North Carolina history. Who were they? Where did they live? What did they wear? How did they become pirates? Discover pirates as the streets of the town of Bath will be filled with them for the “Pirates in the Port” program July 21, 10 a.m.
Historical interpreters will showcase the daily life of pirates and trades of sailors alike. The historical group Crew of the Leviathan will represent Lt. Robert Maynard’s crew and will be camped behind the Palmer-Marsh house. These are the sailors that defeated Blackbeard in his final fight to-the-death. The crew of the Florida-based Scavenger will be encamped on Bonner Point, and a colonial trade village will be behind the visitor’s center. As you walk Bath’s streets you may even catch a glimpse of Blackbeard.
Various demonstrations will take place during the day, with the eventual return of Blackbeard from his encounter with Lt. Maynard…or at least the return of his head (which he lost in the final fight). A 3 p.m. memorial service will remember the dead and dying from Maynard’s crew and include the reading of their recently discovered names. A wreath laying and ceremonial bell ringing and “Eight Bells Final Watch” will be among the activities that take place on the state dock.
There will be lectures on Blackbeard and Lt. Maynard Friday, July 20, 4 p.m. and Saturday, July 21, 10:30 a.m., that examine the seafaring practices of each.
The Palmer Marsh House will be open and tours of the Bonner House will be available upon request. A retrospective exhibit of costumes and memorabilia from Historic Bath's outdoor drama “Blackbeard: Knight of the Black Flag” will be displayed at new Historic Bath Exhibit Center on Harding Street. Also, the new “History of BBQ in North Carolina” traveling exhibit can be seen at the exhibit center.