Exhibit separates pirate fact from fiction

NORFOLK -- A new exhibit on pirates separates fact from fiction.

It's called "Real Pirates: The Untold Story Of The Whydah From Slave Ship To Pirate Ship.

300 years ago, Sam Bellamy became a pirate off Cape Cod to gain wealth and impress the parents of his lover. Among the 50 ships he pirated was The Whydah, a slave ship. On a return visit from the Cape Cod area, it sank and Bellamy met his fate.

"It was very germaine to the community and the people who live here and do work here with Maersk or with the Navy. They are often in harm's way patrolling sea lanes. The story is going to resonate very strong with them," said Rolf Johnson, deputy director of exhibits, education and research at Nauticus.

The 16,000-square-foot exhibit spread throughout the Half Moon Cruise Terminal in downtown Norfolk.

It features a real treasure chest from the Whydah that was recovered when underwater explorer Barrry Clifford discovered the wreck.

The exhibit is produced by Art And Exhibitions International and National Geographic.

To learn about modern day piracy, there's a new exhibit that includes the lifeboat from Maersk-Alabama, on which Capt. Richard Phillips was held for several days in April.