Educational Programs
Eric brings history alive and makes it fun for the kids. Of course, his authentic costume and Captain Bob, the big blue & gold macaw, immediately capture the attention and imagination of the children.
For outdoor events, we can bring our pirate ship stage!
Here's a little bit about Charles Vane.
"Both Eric and Bob were wonderful! Kids and adults are still talking about them! Thank you so much." Eva Stratos,Belle Hall Elementary
"When Eric Lavender walks into the room all activities cease, and the attention is totally focused toward the dreadlocks, the swashbuckling outfit and the parrot. His stories of life on the Carolina coast as a pirate come alive and his audience is mesmerized. Eric presented a program for the Edgar Allan Poe library and we are still talking about it. His attention to detail, his life-like appearance and his ability to tell stories are all part of his alter ego. The magic comes alive. He is truly a wonderful teller of stories." Jeri England, Manager, Edgar Allan Poe Library, Sullivan's Island.
"Thank you so much for your recent visit and special presentations at The Schiele Museum in Gastonia,NC. We really found your programs to be interesting, educational and great for all ages! Thank you for all the time you spent with our guests and for going to extra mile. We would love to have you back here very soon and highly recommend you to other museums, schools or families! A++++++++++ We loved Capt Bob, he was great!!!!" Amy Ballard, Schiele Museum of Natural History
"Student travelers will love sailing out to the horizon with Charleston Pirate Tours, led by guide Eric Lavender and his parrot, Captain Bob. Student tour groups hear the tales of how piracy affected the port of Charleston in the early 1700s." InSite on Student Travel, June 11, 2010
"Eric and Captain Bob were awesome and the children loved him!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much." Cathy, East Cooper Christian Preschool
"Thank you to Eric and Capt. Bob for visiting with us yesterday!! Everyone had a fabulous time! I received many comments from parents on what a great program this was. We all learned a lot and-of course-the kids loved meeting Capt Bob!" Sarah Sherrill, U.S. Air Force Base Chas
As a respected authority on Charleston's Golden Age of Piracy, Eric Lavender has presented his Charleston Pirates program throughout the southeast at major museums, schools, and libraries. 
The program, “Golden Age of Piracy” (1690-1730) explores how piracy impacted Charles Towne. It dispels the romantic myths and legends of pirate life and explores the difference between privateers and pirates. Eric also discusses the politics of piracy. Did you know that pirate ships operated as a democracy? Did you know that commerce between pirates and “legitimate” businessmen was an important part of Charles Towne’s early economy? Eric brings to life the pirates, who visited our fair shores: Stede Bonnet, Blackbeard, Jack Rackham, Richard Worley, Charles Vane, and of course the notorious female pirates, Mary Read and Anne Bonny.
