Pirate life at maritime centre

Pirates may or may not have stepped on the shores of Newcastle at some point in the distant past, but they will be out in force at the Newcastle Maritime Centre these school holidays.

So much of the history of Newcastle, and indeed the Hunter itself, revolves around the Hunter River. From traditional custodians of the land the Worimi and Awabakal peoples, to the thriving shipping industry of 2011 that generates billions of dollars in revenue, a connection to our maritime heritage has been an integral part of the fabric of Hunter life.
The dedicated team of volunteers at the centre see it as their mission to preserve the history, artefacts and stories, and to inspire the next generation. It is a museum with a difference, and one that is much more interactive than others of its kind.
History literally comes alive within moments of stepping inside as patrons can touch an object that has a tangible connection with the very beginning of Anglo-Irish Australian history. The humble piece of ballast was stored deep in the heart of Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour, and provides a unique connection to the heart of the modern Australian story.
The maritime centre will be offering four activities throughout the break.
At pirate school to be held twice a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, children will talk to a real pirate and receive their own ID card.
Advanced pirate school on Fridays will teach wide-eyed youngsters the fundamental skills of piracy such as swashbuckling and how to board a ship.
Mystery will be in the air at the private-eye school, as participants find clues to solve a maritime mystery.
While the Honeysuckle precinct has undergone a facelift in recent times, the centre is offering families the chance to explore its haunted past with the popular Friday night harbour walk ghost tours.
All the activities are tailored for people of all ages, and the $10 entry fee includes museum entry. The cafes and restaurants in the area provide a pleasant sanctuary from the wind, and the walking path along the harbour is a tranquil viewing point to enjoy the many wonders of the harbour. Places are strictly limited, so contact the centre on 49292588 to begin your arr, arr, arr-ing adventure.
Source: The Herald