New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Is there really pirate treasure buried on Sconticut Neck in Fairhaven? Why might you become a privateer instead of joining the Navy? What’s the deal with the parrot on the shoulder?
Bring the family to hear tales of pirates, Revolutionary War era privateers, and historical Fort Phoenix during the new Pirates & Privateers Presentations, given each Friday morning at 10:00 a.m., starting June 3. The presentations take place near the flag pole and cannons at Fort Phoenix, Fairhaven. They will be held weekly through the end of September.
The piratical proceedings are led by Greybeard, an 18th century gunner from the privateer sloop Broome, and Abigail “Abby” Black, a ship’s doctor who grows herbal remedies in her village garden when she’s not at sea. They are sometimes visited by other members of the “Companie.”
At the presentations you’ll learn about the real privateers who sailed in and out of Fairhaven’s harbor during the American Revolution. You will find out the difference between pirates and “legal” privateers, which “pirate facts” are really just myths based on fiction, and why grog wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Abby will talk about women aboard ships and how wounded or ill sailors were cared for. Greybeard will explain the workings of cannons and demonstrate firing a real black powder swivel gun.
The presentation, created by the Fairhaven Office of Tourism, is free of charge. There is free parking in the Fort Phoenix parking lots at the south end of Fort Street or Green Street. A paved, handicap accessible path leads from the parking area to the fort. The presentations are held weather permitting.
For more information, call 508-979-4085 or email FairhavenTours@aol.com.
