May 23, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). Raise a toast to Florida Keys history with Key West Art & Historical Society Curator and Historian Cori Convertito, Ph.D., on Thursday, June 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during her popular “Happy Hour with the Historian” program at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead Street. Enjoy a complimentary draft beer, glass of house wine, or a soft drink while Convertito presents the evening’s topic, “Commodore David Porter and the Pirates”.
A key member of the fledgling United States Navy, Commodore David Porter gained notoriety during the Quasi-War with France, and experienced success during the War of 1812. With Spain and her Latin American colonies at war during the late 1810s, Caribbean piracy flared up, attacking American merchant shipping. The navy ordered a fleet to the West Indies to stamp out rampant piracy and to protect the shipping network in the newly settled area. Porter’s proficient leadership skills and earlier successes, the navy ordered him in command of its anti-piracy squadron based in Key West.
“Key West was a relatively new settlement, and the small number of inhabitants were entirely susceptible to pirate attacks when they took to their ships as part of their everyday lives,” says Convertito. “Under Porter’s governance, particularly his insistence on fleet size, tactical skills and navigation know-how, the navy triumphed, purging the region of pirates. His squadron is credited with taking nearly 80 pirates out of Caribbean waters.”
Happy Hour with the Historian is limited to 75 attendees; reserve your spot now at kwahs.org/hh-porter – $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, with additional support provided by Comedy Key West. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: Commodore David Porter and the US Navy’s Anti-Piracy squadron will be the subject of Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming Happy Hour with the Historian with Dr. Cori Convertito on June 13 to be held at Comedy Key West. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society 0000.00.0186b)
