The year was 1717. Valuable cargos were being shipped across the Atlantic. Piracy was at an all-time high. Sam Bellamy and his fearsome flotilla had just captured the slave ship Whydah on her way to England, laden with gold and silver. But before the crew had a chance to divvy up the abundant spoils, a storm would send the ship, its treasure, and 143 men to the bottom of the sea. Discover the perils and privileges of 18th century pirate life as you explore more than 200 authentic artifacts recovered from her wreck.



On view at theNAT for a limited engagement, Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship tells the story of the only authenticated pirate shipwreck discovered in U.S. waters. Learn more.

Reserved timed-entrance tickets for Real Pirates are available online or at the Admissions Desk at the Museum. Museum members can purchase tickets for $15 per person. Other special discounts are available for BP Explorers, students, children, seniors, military, and groups of 10 or more. Click here for more information on tickets.

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Organized by Premier Exhibitions, Inc. in partnership with National Geographic.