Real Pirates: The Untold Story of Wydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship

Photo by Bill Curtsinger (c) 2008 National Geographic

Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship.

Experience the classical age of piracy come to life at The Field Museum in the exhibition Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship. You'll discover the perils and privileges of pirate life as you explore more than 200 artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Whydah—the first fully authenticated pirate ship ever to be discovered in U.S. waters.

One of the most technologically advanced vessels of her day, the Whydah was captured on her maiden voyage as a slaver by legendary pirate Sam Bellamy and his crew. After a few alterations and a quick hoist of the Jolly Roger, the Whydah became the flagship of Bellamy's flotilla, leading raids throughout Caribbean waters and up the Atlantic coastline.