PIRATES and PRIVATEERS
of Marblehead

 

Marblehead was vulnerable to pirates from its earliest settlement, and pirates often plundered the town. Legends and tales of pirates, and their evil deeds are part of the history and charm of Marblehead. Seafaring patriotic privateers are also part of Marblehead’s lore. They fought and captured ships, men and treasure to help the revolutionary war cause. Privateers were like pirates in many ways, except they had letters of marque, which gave them permission to steal. The exhibit will explore the similarities and differences between pirates and privateers.

The exhibit at the Marblehead Museum presents paintings, portraits, documents and recreations of the time of pirates and privateers.

May, 2007 - January 2008