“Pirates – Ship to Shore” Exhibit at Door County Maritime Museum

“Pirates – Ship to Shore” opened to the public at the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay on May 19. Visitors will be treated to an eye-popping backdrop that will take them back some 300 years to a seafront port in the Caribbean.

Exhibit curator Jon Paul Van Harpen constructed a half-scale pirate ship Fortune. As visitors to the exhibit will also discover, the vessel is well armed with canons and swivel guns. A costume room will ensure that visitors are properly attired as they explore the village and take to their sailing stations aboard the Fortune.

“I wanted something more hands on,” said Van Harpen, who is confident the displays and interactive structures will provide a treat for the entire family.

In conjunction with “Pirates – Ship to Shore,” there will be a pirate art exhibit featuring the works of Don Maitz. While best known for creating the “captain” character associated with Captain Morgan rums, Maitz is a highly decorated artist. Nineteen of Maitz’s pirate works will be on display in the fort-inspired gallery in the museum’s upper lobby.

Museum hours are 10 am – 5 pm until July 1. Admission is $12.50 and includes both the museum and a docent-led tug tour. Student admission is $9 and children under 5 are free.

The Door County Maritime Museum is located at 120 North Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay. For more information call 920.743.5958.