Pirate Historian visits Topsail

The November luncheon of The Topsail Island Historical Society was all about pirates.  While some members proudly wore their pirate hats, others enjoyed leafing through two of the books written by the guest speaker.

Author of "The Last Days of Black Beard The Pirate", Kevin Duffus, was captivated by the subject of pirates, and especially, the infamous Black Beard, from a very young age.  This passion led him to courthouses, libraries and museums all over the world for more than 35 years.  He has taken 280 years of history and turned it into a different direction as far as the subject of Black Beard is concerned.  He did not start out to rewrite history, it just sort of happened that way.

While most historical accounts, at least up until now, tell us that Black Beard was actually Edward Teach from Bristol, England, research done by Duffus claims that the buccaneer was actually Edward Beard, son of a landowner, from a small town in eastern North Carolina named Bath.

The infamous Black Beard is remembered by history as one of the greatest, most successful pirates who ever lived.  In 1718 when he arrived in North Carolina, he commanded one of the most powerful pirate fleets in history - 400 men aboard four ships, including his prized cannon studded flag ship, Queen Anne's Revenge.  In a stunning reversal of fortunes, everything suddenly went wrong.  Six months later, when Black Beard was cornered and killed at Ocracoke Inlet, he was in the company of just 20 men and the only treasure found in his possession was some sugar, cocoa, cotton and a mysterious letter.

What happened during Black Beard's last days that precipitated his demise?  Who was Black Beard?  Where did he come from?  What happened to his treasure?

In his book, The Last Days of Black Beard The Pirate, Duffus discloses new information based on his extensive research, and for the first time, he exposes the truth behind many of the enduring Black Beard myths.  He shares long-forgotten clues as to the identity of Black Beard. 

Duffus was generous with his praise of The Missiles and More Museum. He was most impressed with the displays and the content of the Museum. For more information about the Missiles and More Museum, contact Rose Peters, Director at (910) 328-2488.

The members thoroughly enjoyed the presentation by Kevin Duffus, as well as, the excellent luncheon provided by The Beach Place.

The Historical Society welcomes new members.  Contact www.topsailhistoricalsociety.org for more information.  The next meeting of the Historical Society will be the Membership Appreciation Reception, Thursday evening December 11, 2008, at 5 p.m.