The collection contains a rare 17th-century treasure chest that belonged to the pirate Thomas Tew.
The museum houses one of only three known original Jolly Roger flags in existence.
It features the world's oldest pirate artifact, a silver piece of eight dating back to the late 1600s.
The founder, Pat Croce, is a former president of the Philadelphia 76ers who built this museum to house his private collection.
The exhibits include a genuine 400-year-old pirate blunderbuss.
The museum displays artifacts recovered from shipwrecks off the coast of Florida.
It includes a 'Pirate's Gallery' that presents the actual biographies of notorious figures like Captain Kidd and Blackbeard.
The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum features one of the world's most authentic collections of pirate artifacts and 17th-century maritime treasures. The facility is housed in a purpose-built structure directly across from the historic Castillo de San Marcos. The collection was curated by Pat Croce and includes a genuine 17th-century treasure chest belonging to Thomas Tew. Visitors can examine the 'Jolly Roger' flag from the film 'Pirates of the Caribbean' alongside actual pirate weaponry and navigational instruments. The exhibits utilize interactive technology, including a 'Book of Pirates' featuring historical accounts of Golden Age buccaneers. The museum provides an in-depth look into the life of St. Augustine's pirate history, including raids and naval engagements. The site emphasizes the intersection of real historical maritime law and the romanticized legend of piracy. It is designed to accommodate both children and history enthusiasts through detailed placards and immersive displays.
The life-sized pirate statues and the display area housing the original pirate flags.
Prioritize reading the placards in the 'Book of Pirates' section, as they contain significant historical context not explained by visuals alone.
Plan to visit the Castillo de San Marcos across the street on the same day for a comprehensive view of the city's military and maritime history.
Ask staff about the specific provenance of the treasure chests on display to understand which are authentic artifacts versus historically accurate recreations.
Do not rush through the interactive 'Book of Pirates'; it is easy to overlook the biographical depth of the exhibits by focusing only on the physical artifacts.
