John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum celebrates Independence Day on Sunday 1 July
Written by admin on June 26, 2012
John Paul Jones Museum, birthplace of the American hero known as ‘the father of the American Navy’, is staging an afternoon of free family activities from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday 1 July. The John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum, Arbigland, Kirkbean, is the Solway Coast home of the 18th century Scot who was best known in Britain as an infamous pirate.
The museum is offering free entry from 11am and other attractions planned include demonstrations of antique firearms, family activities, and demonstrations by amateur radio enthusiasts.
Real-life sailors and pirates are also likely to be out the cottage and the stunning seaside views, courtesy of a local re-enactment group, and visitors are also welcome to come dressed as pirates!
John Paul Jones was born in a gardener’s cottage (now part of the museum) at Arbigland on the Solway coast in 1747 and set sail from Carsethorn at the age of 13 to start his career as a seaman’s apprentice. Through his skills became a distinguished naval officer fighting for both the USA and Russia, but in Britain he is best remembered as a pirate.
At the John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum visitors can see the original cottage where John Paul was born, still furnished in the style of the 1700s, and experience what it might have been like to sail in one of his ship’s cabins.
The visitor centre, which features a dramatic film adaptation of John Paul Jones’ exploits, follows his international career and highlights the significance his legacy has today for the US Navy.
Museum opening times through the summer are as follows:
April to September: 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Sunday
July and August: 10am – 5pm all week
