Archaeology on Tap: “Pirate! The Last Scourge of the Gulf”

Mike Thomin from Florida Public Archaeology Network Northwest Region will talk about “Pirate! The Last Scourge fo the Gulf” on April 25 at St. Michael’s Brewing Company (2213 SR-87 S in Navarre).

Two centuries ago, a massive wave of piracy struck the Gulf of Mexico and terrorized shipping along the Gulf coast. Florida was especially dangerous for travelers. Jean Lafitte and Charles Gibbs, two of the most notorious pirates from this period, had close ties to the Florida panhandle. One case of piracy even wound up in the court of West Florida in Pensacola and made newspaper headlines across the nation. This talk examines some of the broader aspects of piracy during the early 1800s in the Gulf and Caribbean. It also focuses on the current archaeological evidence for possible pirate ships from this period that wrecked beneath the waters of the Gulf.

“Archaeology on Tap” is free and open to the community but is recommended for adults. Seating is unreserved. The talk starts at 7:30 p.m. and guests are recommended to arrive by 7 p.m. to place drink orders and claim a seat before the talk begins.