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Save/SharePirates are, distressingly, much in the news these days, so it might be something of a relief to focus instead on treasures recovered from the wreck of a long-gone pirate ship. The Whydah, a three-masted galley ship capable of carrying 300 tons of cargo, was captured in February 1717 by Captain "Black Sam" Bellamy. The ship's hold was full of gold and goods traded in Jamaica for 312 captives sold into slavery (the ship was named for the port city Ouidah, in present-day Benin). But Bellamy didn't enjoy his spoils for long—he sailed the Whydah into a storm off Cape Cod in April 1717, and the ship sank.
[+] Enlarge photo
Now National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, who also put together the exhibit "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," have cooperated to produce "Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship." The 16,000-square-foot exhibit, which opened at Norfolk's Nauticus on November 21 and runs until April 4, 2010, features more than 200 artifacts and a life-size replica of the ship that visitors can enter.
We've written about Nauticus before, so suffice it to say that "Real Pirates" is just one more reason to visit this fun museum, where kids (and adults) can touch horseshoe crabs and everyone will enjoy learning about the history of our Navy. Do not miss the USS Wisconsin.
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Travel packages for this event are now available! Book today on www.visitnorfolktoday.com.
Norfolk Marriott Waterside Hotel
The Norfolk Marriott is located downtown and within walking distance of Norfolk’s most popular attractions, shopping and a slew of downtown restaurants.
* Pirate Family Getaway: Starting at just $179, this swashbuckling treasure is a perfect fit for families, featuring two double beds, breakfast for four The Dining Room, four tickets to the Real Pirates exhibit and special treats just for the kids.
* Pirate and the Matey Getaway: Meant just for two, this package offers to shipmates a deluxe king room, breakfast for two, two tickets to the Real Pirates exhibit and a pouch of chocolate pirates gold. Rates start at $159 per night.
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside
11/21/09 – 4/4/10, Fridays and Saturdays
Starting at $185, the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside offers a package that includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two, two tickets to the Real Pirates exhibit, a visit to the Sheraton treasure chest, gold coin countdown service, pirate S’mores and story time. The recently renovated property boasts 468 rooms, a waterside restaurant, a complimentary fitness center and an outdoor pool.
Hampton Inn
11/21/09 – 4/4/10
The Hampton Inn Hotel in Norfolk is offering a pirate’s package that includes breakfast, special chocolate coins, a unique pirate necklace and a pirate-themed in-room bath amenity. Included in the hotel stay are discount coupons to the Real Pirates exhibit. The hotel, located down the road from the largest naval base in the world, features 117 fully-equipped rooms with a complimentary beverage station and on-site valet.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
11/21/09 – 4/5/10
Starting at $69.99, the La Quinta Inn & Suites, located conveniently near the Norfolk International Airport, is offering a package that includes continental breakfast, wireless internet, free parking and discount admission coupons for the Real Pirates exhibit.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
11/21/09 – 4/4/10
Starting at $99, the Holiday Inn is offering a special treat of pirate booty at check-in, breakfast and discount coupons for admission to Real Pirates exhibit. The hotel is conveniently located in the central area of Hampton Roads and features 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and banquet accommodations for up to 400 people.
In addition to great hotel discounts, the Spirit of Norfolk, the city’s very own ship, is also getting into the swing of things with a package that includes a lunch cruise ticket and admission to the Real Pirates exhibit. This is a great way for patrons to hit the high seas and then see how the real pirates got their sea legs. The package starts at $55.21 per person and is available to both groups and individuals.
Posted By Erin Filarecki on December 22, 2009, 9:23 AM
I saw this exhibit in Chicago and was very impressed with the history, artifacts and educational aspects of the exhibit. I would recommend this exhibit to anyone of any age.
Posted By Philip Russell on December 30, 2009, 10:56 AM