On Saturday, July 20, The Friends of Colonial Pemaquid will host the annual re-appearance of the notorious and irascible Dixie Bull who attacked Pemaquid in 1632. In a swashbuckling interpretation of New England’s best-known pirate, historian and author, Jim Nelson, will portray Dixie Bull in performances at 1 and 3 p.m. on the grounds of Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site in New Harbor. There is no charge for this event, though donations are welcome. The rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 21.

A native of Maine, Jim Nelson is a full time historical writer, having published over 15 works of both fiction and non-fiction. His books have covered piracy in the Americas, the American Revolution and naval actions of the Civil War. Nelson’s book George Washington’s Secret Navy, which illuminates a series of little known yet crucial events during the early stages of the American Revolution, was selected as the 2009 recipient of the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for excellence in naval literature. Another book, Glory in the Name, (2003) won the American Library Association’s award for excellence in military fiction and his recent book, Benedict Arnold’s Navy, is a History Book Club selection. Prior to his writing career, Nelson developed a rich maritime background while serving as seaman and mate aboard several replicas of 17th and 18th century vessels. He has appeared on the History Channel and the Discovery Channel as an authority on various aspects of maritime history. In addition to his writing endeavors, Nelson is the Education Coordinator for the Maine Maritime Museum.

While on site, visitors are encouraged to experience English Frontier settlement life in the New World during the 17th and 18th centuries by visiting a reconstructed fort with permanent exhibit, archaeological ruins, cemetery, artifact museum, and a recreation of a 17th century thatched roof cottage. Additionally, the Friends’ newly re-opened gift shop located in front of the historic Fort House will delight visitors of all ages. Site-related gifts, as well as colonial toys, works by local artists and authors, Maine crafts, salt glaze pottery, Maine and Celtic music, pirate novelties, as well as books and jewelry, are available for purchase.

Colonial Pemaquid is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information about The Friends of Colonial Pemaquid, a volunteer organization now in its 26th year, visit www.friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PemaquidHarbor/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Directions: Colonial Pemaquid is located off Route 130, 12 miles south of Route 1 and three miles north of the Pemaquid Lighthouse. On Route 130 from Damariscotta, , turn right onto Huddle Road and follow signs to Colonial Pemaquid. On Route 32 in New Harbor , turn left onto Route 130 and then immediately right onto Snowball Hill Road, following signs to Colonial Pemaquid.