Sumter Museum invites families to a free Pirate Day with Backcountry Privateers

Families are invited to sail the high seas with the Backcountry Privateers for a fun-filled afternoon of treasure hunting, living history and swashbuckling at Pirate Day with the Backcountry Privateers on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carolina Backcountry Homestead, part of the Sumter Museum campus at 122 N. Washington St.

Guests will explore the Golden Age of Piracy and learn about privateers, sometimes called "Patriot Pirates," who were authorized by the Continental Congress to capture British vessels during the American Revolution. Their efforts disrupted trade, inflicted significant economic losses and forced the Royal Navy to divert resources to protect British shipping.

Through hands-on activities and costumed interpretation, visitors will discover the complex role pirates and privateers played in colonial history, from inspiring liberty and freedom in a world where liberty was a radical idea to helping secure patriot victory and independence from Britain.

Activities will include blacksmithing demonstrations, colonial navigation lessons, pirate games and opportunities to make a pirate flag and compass. Families and children of all ages are encouraged to dress up as pirates or in colonial attire.

Pirate Day with the Backcountry Privateers is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
For more information, visit www.SumterMuseum.org or call (803) 775-0908.

Sumter Museum explores historical experiences through programs and exhibits that allow all of us to inform and shape our future. Museum facilities include the Williams Brice House (1916), Heritage Education Center, Carolina Backcountry Homestead, Temple Sinai Jewish History Center and future Sumter Military Museum.