The Pirates of Ocracoke 

"The Pirates of Ocracoke" is a segment of Carl White's Life in the Carolinas, which first aired October 10, 2015.
We open this episode at the Pirate Jamboree on Orocoke Island at a somber meeting of reenactors and guests who annually commemorate the final battle of the infamous Captain Blackbeard, fought off these shores. It is a solemn occasion that honors those who lived and died in this place nearly three hundred years ago.
A few weeks previous to the jamboree, Carl had attended an awards program of the North Carolina Society of Historians in Huntersville, accepting several awards for the work of Life in the Carolinas. During his visit, he met the society's 2014 recipient of Historian of the Year, Kevin Duffus. Kevin is a historian, author, and film maker, and is very active in the annual Pirate Jamboree, which happened to be occurring a week or so later.
Carl wasn't about to miss this!
Taking a ferry to Ocracoke Island, Carl shares many events and people with us. He stops off at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, where he sees one of Kevin's greatest accomplishments. In 2002 Kevin personally tracked down fresnel lens for the lighthouse, which had been missing for over a hundred years.
The Pirate Jamboree hosts many fun events, including the singing group The Motley Tones, vendors' booths selling grog jars and authentic food from the time of Blackbeard, and demonstrations of rope making. That evening people gather for the annual Blackbeard Trivia Contest.
Carl spends time talking with Kevin about his passion to find the truth about Blackbeard. There is some friendly controversy around this, though, with some locals being more interested in the legend. Kevin discusses the extent of pop culture and tradition, and appreciates that many people prefer these stories over historical events.
One of the main events of the Pirate Jamboree is the reenactment of Blackbeard's last battle by a group of actors known as "Blackbeard's Crew." This organization relies heavily on Kevin's work and is invested in incorporating historical facts in their presentations.
The highlight of the weekend is the reenactment of the Battle of Orcacoke of 1718, in which Blackbeard was defeated and executed. The reenactors give great attention to safety and authenticity.
Finally, the guests and participants gather to honor our colonial ancestors. This year, special tribute is made to Pernell "Capt. Pern" Taylor, a leading member of Blackbeard's Crew who passed away recently. It is a sober tribute, commemorating the enormous contributions of Mr. Taylor and all reenactors.
Carl White’s Life In The Carolinas is an Emmy nominated and award winning TV show in its seventh season. It airs throughout the Carolinas. For more on the show visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com