On a stormy night in April 1717 a pirate flotilla under the command of Captain “Black Sam” Bellamy lost a last desperate battle with the elements. Bellamy, his flagship The Whydah Gally, and priceless treasures looted from more than fifty ships were lost in the shifting sands of Marconi Beach on Cape Cod. In 1984 a team led by underwater explorer Barry Clifford located this fabled wreck.

Pistol in concretion--X-ray of pistol concretion--Conserved pistol

Designated as a National Geographic Society Special Event, the ongoing archaeological mission to recover artifacts from the Whydah is headquartered at Expedition Whydah Sea Lab & Learning Center on scenic Macmillan Wharf. Here, you can view the world’s only pirate treasure—together with such personal remains as weapons, clothing, and jewelry—which showcase the history of this famous shipwreck.

Geared for “ages 6 to 96” we have been voted as “Best Museum” on numerous occasions by Cape Cod Life readers’ poll and Yankee Magazine. Our exhibition is a once-in-a lifetime educational experience and is also highly entertaining for the entire family—whether you have just a half hour, or a whole afternoon!

The visitor will learn how the wreck was discovered and how “pieces of eight” are wrested from the ocean floor. Truth becomes stranger than fiction as you see for yourself how pirates really lived—and died. In summer months, still-dripping treasures come ashore from our Team’s salvage boats as the quest continues for the Whydah’s untolled hoard.

From Our Guest Book...

“I was thoroughly enthralled with every aspect of it and look forward to a return visit. Your museum is certainly a tremendous addition to the many tourist attractions available in Provincetown and Cape Cod”
--Mary Jane McKenna
   Executive Director
   MA Office of Travel and Tourism

“The best exhibit of its kind on the East Coast”
--Tour Director

“As they slowly excavate The Whydah researchers gain new insight into pirates lives, weapons, and booty”
--The New York Times

“Pretty amazing—all the guns, the masses of African gold…it’s fantastic”
--Dr. David Cordingly, historian.

“TOTALLY AWESOME I loved touching the pieces of eight!”
--From our Guest Book

“After seeing Pirates of the Caribbean, this museum was a must-see! You made the imaginary world of pirates come to life!”
--From our Guest Book

“I hope to be a diver when I grow up, & find stuff to put in the museum!”
--From our Guest Book

email us: whydahmuseum@yahoo.com

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