Step into the world of pirates at Salem's Real Pirates museum. Discover authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and stories of legendary pirates like Sam Bellamy. An unforgettable maritime adventure awaits in the heart of New England’s historic coast.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Salem’s maritime past is deeply intertwined with piracy and shipwrecks, making artifacts at Real Pirates authentic remnants of that storied era.
Conservation
The museum actively participates in preserving maritime history through careful curation and responsible archaeological practices.
Real Pirates
Step into the world of pirates at Salem's Real Pirates museum. Discover authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and stories of legendary pirates like Sam Bellamy. An unforgettable maritime adventure awaits in the heart of New England’s historic coast.
Real Pirates is a museum and maritime exhibit located in Salem, Massachusetts, dedicated to the story of the Whydah Gally and the material culture of piracy. The museum centers on the Whydah Exhibit, which displays authenticated artifacts recovered from the Whydah shipwreck—the only verified pirate treasure ever found—and interprets the lives of crew and captains through archaeological context and primary-source research. Visitors encounter interactive displays, artifact cases, and live archaeological demonstrations that reveal how objects are identified, conserved, and interpreted by specialists.
The venue offers a range of experiences: General Admission to explore the Whydah Exhibit and related programming; a Directors Tour that provides intimate access to rare artifacts, insider narratives, and an audio tour narrated by Whydah discoverer Barry Clifford; and a Real Pirate Wedding package that stages ceremonies among displays for a distinctive waterfront celebration. Real Pirates partners with maritime archaeologists and curators to present evidence-based storytelling and to protect recovered material through museum-standard conservation practices.
Located in Salem, the museum situates the Whydah story within broader maritime history and local heritage, making it accessible to families, history enthusiasts, and researchers. Real Pirates emphasizes factual interpretation of the Whydah Gally wreck and invites visitors to engage directly with archaeology, artifacts, and documented narratives that illuminate 18th-century seafaring and piracy. Exhibit interpretation includes stories of figures such as Sam Bellamy and Maria Hallett, and the museum offers educational programming and guided experiences designed for adults and children to learn about maritime archaeology and 18th-century Atlantic networks and conservation practices.
Location
Salem, MA
Historic waterfront setting
Featured Shipwreck
Whydah Gally
Only authenticated pirate wreck
Tours Offered
3 Experiences
General, Directors, Wedding
Events & Weddings
Available
Private ceremonies at museum
Reserve General Admission, request the Directors Tour, or inquire about a Real Pirate Wedding—secure a memorable visit to the Whydah Exhibit today.
Handle relics with care
When interacting with artifacts, follow instructions to preserve these precious items.
Allocate plenty of time
Allow 1-2 hours to fully experience the exhibit and engage with the interactive displays.
Visit during off-peak hours
Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more immersive experience.
Check for special events
Look out for archaeological or pirate-themed events that might enhance your visit.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good footwear ensures comfort as you explore the exhibit and walk through Salem.
Layered clothing
Indoor and outdoor conditions can vary, so dress in layers for comfort.
Notebook or camera
Capture artifacts and moments during your visit to remember your maritime adventure.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while wandering through the historic district and the museum.