Like many children, sports commentator Pat Croce grew up having a fascination with pirates. Luckily for families visiting Florida's colonial town of St. Augustine, Pat's obsession didn't end with childhood. In 2005, he opened a $10 million pirate museum, originally located in Key West but currently housed in historic St. Augustine, the oldest European settlement in the United States and an important American pirate port of call.
Stuck in the stockades — Photo courtesy of Rhea C
Walking through the interactive exhibits at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is like walking through 300 years of pirating history with one of the largest collections of genuine pirate artifacts in the world. Feast your eyes on the treasure chest of of Captain Thomas Tew, the only authentic pirate treasure chest on display on earth, and stand in front of one of only three surviving Jolly Roger flags left in existence. You'll even be able to walk the streets of old Port Royal, complete with a weapons shop and a tavern.
Step aboard a life-size model pirate ship and learn all the tricks of the trade, and once you've finished studying up on true pirate history, end your journey with the Hollywood Pirates exhibit. This collection of movie set props and memorabilia offers a fascinating insight into how blockbuster favorites like Hook and Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean have influenced the modern day perception of pirates.
