Media Relations
Sydney O’Drobinak
Office: 409-683-4209
Cell: 409-771-3891
news@moodygardens.com
Jerri Hamachek
Office: 409-683-4249
Cell: 409-789-2607
jhamachek@moodygardens.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S REAL PIRATES EXHIBITION OPENS AT
MOODY GARDENS ON MARCH 8
First Wholly Authenticated Pirate Ship Discovered in U.S. Waters Presented through
Interactive Exhibition with Real Treasure and Artifacts
Galveston, Texas – Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah will debut at Moody Gardens on March
8. The touring exhibition, organized by National Geographic and Premier Exhibitions, Inc., brings the
classical age of 18th century piracy to life by showcasing over 200 artifacts recovered from the wreck site
of the Whydah, the world’s first authenticated Pirate Ship that was discovered just off the coast of Cape
Cod.
From the creators of iconic blockbusters that Moody Gardens has previously hosted like Titanic: The
Artifact Exhibition and BODIES REVEALED, Real Pirates uncovers the true story of the Whydah – a pirate
ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod nearly 300 years ago. The Exhibition embarks visitors on a
journey back in time to the life of a pirate with artifacts like jewelry, weaponry and treasure chests full
of gold and coins.
Through compelling stories of the people whose lives converged on the vessel before it sank, Real
Pirates offers visitors an unprecedented glimpse into the distinctive political, social and economic
circumstances of the early 18th century Caribbean. The Whydah, which was destroyed on April 26, 1717
in a violent storm off the coast of Cape Cod, Ma., was discovered by underwater explorer Barry Clifford
in 1984 and became the first fully authenticated pirate ship to be discovered in American waters. Still
actively excavating the wreck site, Clifford continues to painstakingly recover artifacts and treasure from
the ocean floor.
“The Whydah’s discovery was the most exciting moment in my career, and to have the opportunity to
share it with the world is amazing,” said Clifford. “This exhibition is a culmination of my many years of
hard work, and more importantly it’s an opportunity to bring these real pirate stories to the public as
they have never before been told – through real objects last touched by real pirates. The sheer volume
of contents that were on board the Whydah before she sank is remarkable, as over 50 ships had been
pirated and the treasure from these different vessels provides a rare window into the otherwise
mysterious world of 18th century pirates, making this exhibition an exceptional experience for all who
view it.”
Real Pirates recounts the tales of four crew members of the Whydah who all ended up on the pirate ship
for very different reasons; like John King who was the youngest known pirate on board and believed to
be younger than 11 years old at the time of shipwreck. He joined the Whydah despite his mother’s
objections after the ship they were travelling on was taken over by pirate captain Sam Bellamy.
Visitors will trace the Whydah’s journey, its capture by Bellamy and on to the fierce storm that sank the
vessel, to its discovery by Clifford and the recovery and conservation of its artifacts. Showcased in a
dozen multimedia galleries, guests will also discover the reality of early 18th century slave trade in West
Africa and the economic prosperity during that time.
Moody Gardens will feature Real Pirates from its opening on March 8 to September 28. The Exhibition
offers comprehensive education guides for use by teachers when planning field trips to the exhibit.
Advance tickets for the Exhibition will go on sale March 1, and group sales tickets will begin Jan. 10. For
more information or to purchase tickets to the Exhibition please visit moodygardens.org.
®
Moody Gardens is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of
rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
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About Premier Exhibitions, Inc.
Premier Exhibitions, Inc. (Nasdaq:PRXI), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a foremost presenter of museum
quality exhibitions throughout the world. Premier is a recognized leader in developing and displaying
unique exhibitions for education and entertainment including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,
BODIES...The Exhibition, Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, and Real Pirates in
partnership with National Geographic . The success of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. lies in its ability to
produce, manage, and market exhibitions. Additional information about Premier Exhibitions, Inc. is
available at the Company's web site: www.PremierExhibitions.com.
About National Geographic:
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational
organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to
inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month
through its official journal, National Geographic, and four other magazines; ;National Geographic
channel; television documentaries; radio programs; films; books; DVDs; maps and interactive media.
National Geographic has funded more than 8,700 scientific research projects and supports an education
program combatting geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
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