June 14, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 207

For more information, contact David Rickman, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9187; Richard Julian, Cape Henlopen State Park, 302-645-645-6852; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

The “Sea Rats Atlantic” to visit Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park invites the public to Cape Henlopen State Park on Saturday, June 26, to experience the Golden Age of Piracy of the early 1700s.  The “Sea Rats Atlantic,” a group of historical reenactors will recreate the era with exciting skirmishes between pirates. Visitors will also experience how pirates lived while on shore and see displays of wooden watercraft skills, artifacts and activities such as blacksmithing and cooking at their encampment behind the Seaside Nature Center. 

The “Sea Rates Atlantic” crew travels the East Coast performing battles, shows and demonstrations with the help of distinctive, authentic-looking costumes and gear. 

Cape Henlopen State Park is appropriate for a pirate encampment because, during the early-1700s, the Delaware shore and Bay were visited by many pirates, including Captain Kidd. This was also the region that inspired the great illustrator of pirates – Delaware’s own Howard Pyle (1853 – 1911). Pyle was fond of Cape Henlopen in particular and its pirate lore, and firmly believed that its dunes held buried treasure. He went on to create paintings and stories that continue to influence such popular hits as “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

The encampment is open on June 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  There is no charge; however, park entrance fees are in effect.  Cape Henlopen State Park is located at 15099 Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE  19958.  Once inside the park, signs direct visitors to the Nature Center. 

More information about this and other exciting programs in the parks is available at www.destateparks.com or by calling 302-645-6852.