BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–“You shall go from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence the place of execution; where you shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. And the God of infinite mercies be merciful to your soul.”
These were the last words at the Charleston trial of pirate Stede Bonnet, also referred to as Maj. Bonnet or as the “Gentlemen Pirate.” Bonnet and the majority of his crew were hanged for their crimes in what is today downtown Charleston. One of his transgressions included being part of Blackbeard’s nearly week long blockade of that city earlier that year.
The legend of Stede Bonnet has only grown since his death in 1718. Like his more popular cohort, Blackbeard, legend and myth make up much of what is known about his life. A long held story states that he ran off to be a pirate to escape his “nagging wife.”
The Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center invites the public to come learn more about this intriguing historical figure as part of their Discovery Days programming. Presenting his case will be none other than Stede Bonnet himself!
PURE Theatre actor Rodney Lee Rogers will assume the role of the doomed pirate and argue his case to the audience in an interactive theatrical event. This carefully researched dramatic play guarantees a fascinating adventure for young and old alike.
This free educational event is made possible by the town of Summerville and will be held on Saturday September 17 at the Sangaree Library, 595 Sangaree Parkway, Summerville, SC 29486 at 11 AM. All are invited to attend, but space will be limited.
This programming is part of the Berkeley County Museum’s Discovery Days initiative. On Aug. 28, at a packed Goose Creek City Hall, North Carolina native and author Kevin Duffus gave a PowerPoint presentation and talk about his book, “The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate.” Duffus’ extensive research has led him to conclude that circumstantial evidence points to the strong likelihood that Blackbeard (often known as Edward Teach or Thatch) was actually born Edward Beard in St. James Goose Creek Parish and not Bristol, England.
Located in Moncks Corner within the Old Santee Canal Park, the Berkeley County Museum explores more than 12,000 years of history. Exhibits and artifacts focus on Brig. Gen. Francis Marion (the Swamp Fox), American Indians, Colonial life, the Civil War, early medicine, rural electrification, early education and the Francis Marion National Forest.
Gifts, books, prints, jewelry and other items are available for purchase at the museum’s Heritage Shoppe. The Duffus book about Blackbeard, and many other on Berkeley County history, are for sale at the museum and the hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays (except by special arrangement) and on major holidays.
For more information call 843-899-5101 or email [email protected]
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