“The Spirit of Privateering Prevails Here”: Essex County’s Revolutionary War at Sea

We all learn about the land battles that began the American Revolution, but less is known about the merchants and mariners who risked their livelihoods and lives to take the battle to the British on the high seas. This lecture will explore the world of the privateersmen and navy sailors who supplied one of Essex County’s major contributions to the Revolutionary War effort. On the home front, we will examine how privateering changed the economy and daily life in North Shore port communities.

Emily Murphy is the Curator for Salem Maritime National Historical Park and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis, an MA in American Studies from Penn State, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Boston University. Dr. Murphy has been working in public history for over 30 years, including at the Maryland State Archives, the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, MD, Independence NHP, and the Peabody Essex Museum. Her major publications for the National Park Service include the walking tour guide Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Salem, and Merchants, Clerks, Citizens, and Soldiers: A History of the Second Corps of Cadets, for which she was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara from the United States Field Artillery Association. Most recently, she contributed the chapter “’ The Family of Derby Has a Taste in This Way’; The homes of Elias Hasket and Elizabeth Derby” in the book A Material World: Culture, Society and the Life of Things in Early Anglo-America, edited by George Boudreau and Margaretta Lovell, and created an exhibit on Leslie’s Retreat for the Salem Armory Visitor Center. She is currently working on a set of exhibits about privateering that will be installed at Salem Maritime in the summer of 2026.

Space is limited; registration is strongly encouraged

This program is part of the Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution lecture series. This series is a partnership between Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime National Historical Park and highlights the unique role of Essex County communities during the American Revolution. CLICK HERE or more information about Conflict & Community programs.

Image Credit: Privateer battle by Tom Freeman, National Park Service Commissioned Art Collection.