The true adventures of the pirates with links to Charleston are more exciting and humorous than anything you'll see on the big screen! 

 “Charles Towne’s Golden Age of Piracy” is the same presentation previously available only for events, private groups, museums, and schools.  The program’s popularity prompted Charleston Pirate Tours and the Powder Magazine Museum to make it available to the public on a regular basis.  Performances are every Friday at 1:30 April - October and Saturdays 11am November - March.  Here's video of two of the stories you might hear...  Blackbeard's ties to Charleston and Charles Vane's "visit" to Charles Towne.

Eric Lavender brings the Holy City's Golden Age of Piracy to life with stories of Blackbeard's most notorious exploit, the blockade of Charles Towne, the capture and execution of Stede Bonnet and other pirates, the romance between Calico Jack and Anne Bonny, and much more!  The program lasts 45 minutes, and guests are welcome to ask questions and take photos after the presentation.

The program explores how piracy impacted early Charles Towne. It dispels the romantic myths and legends of pirate life and explores the difference between privateers and pirates.  Lavender also discusses the politics of piracy. Did you know that pirate ships operated as a democracy?  Did you know that commerce between pirates and “legitimate” businessmen played an an important part in Charles Towne’s early economy? 

"The Powder Magazine is the perfect venue for the program,” says Lavender.  “Built in 1713, it’s one the oldest buildings in the city, so it fits right into the time period we discuss.  Plus if offers a unique and intimate setting for the performance,” he adds.