The story of the Whydah Gally brings together the history of colonial Cape Cod and the Golden Age of Piracy. The Center’s history curriculum introduces students to local folklore and primary sources that depict life in New England three hundred years ago. It also exposes students to the broader forces that defined the early 18th century—mercantilism, maritime trade, European expansion, colonialism, economic inequality, and enlightenment ideas. The pirates of Golden Age were born of and directly impacted by these forces and even experimented in democracy.
The Center’s History Curriculum and Education Guide are designed to show educators how the Whydah’s history can be used to teach students a broad range of historical topics. It is organized by grade level and outlines the corresponding Massachusetts state standards and skills.
The Center has also crafted a multidisciplinary Unit Plan that uses the true story of the Whydah to teach upper-elementary school students skills and standards in history, science, and language arts. While each lesson plan can function independently, as a multi-lesson exercise the entire unit illustrates how multiple academic disciplines can work together.
Please contact office@shipwreckcenter.org to receive a digital copy of this Unit Plan and corresponding lesson materials.
