A Pirate in the Piedmont

Program Type:

Other

Age Group:

Adults (18 years & up)
  • Registration is required for this event.
  • Registration will close on May 10, 2025 @ 10:00am.
  • There are 57 seats remaining.

Event Details

Dr. Ashley Oliphant and Beth Yarbrough are the mother/daughter team from NC, who proved that the pirate Jean Laffite actually made nearby Lincolnton his final hideout. They’ll discuss their research that led to their groundbreaking book Jean Laffite Revealed: Unraveling One of America's Longest Running Mysteries. They’ll share their explosive theory about Laffite's faked death, his various aliases, and the nefarious activities, all while the majority of historians thought he was dead.

Oliphant and Yarbrough pieced together all the artifacts, archival documents and primary sources that proved Laffite ultimately came to Lincolnton, using the alias "Lorenzo Ferrer". The research journey led them to seven states and to libraries, museums, historical societies, and private collections all over the country.

Come hear the incredible story of their final research stop - the North Carolina Freemason Lodge, where Laffite's sword was discovered. Following their talk, Oliphant and Yarbrough will sign books and answer audience questions. The two real-life sleuths are proof that history still has plenty of mysteries left to solve.

Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome! You may register online or by calling (803) 981-5825 starting April 26.
 

 

 

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