Our Story

Free Men of the Sea was founded by Neal J. Kirk in 1990. Neal is the Captain and Commander of FMOS, frequently portraying the infamous pirate and privateer, Captain William Kidd. Neal’s love and knowledge of re-enacting, history, and nautical lore impassioned him to create a living history group that would make history come alive. What started as a small band of like-minded re-enactors and friends has now developed into a crew of over 40 professional, versatile, and talented pirates and privateers.

Based in East Hampton, Connecticut, FMOS brings the myth and reality of pirates and privateers to life. Our name was adapted from the return hail pirates would give before attacking their prey. In response to the query, “Who are you, and from what port?” the pirates would respond, “We are free men, from the sea!” Like most pirate crews, FMOS is made up of men and women, young and old, from various cultural backgrounds and walks of life.

Our mission of educating and entertaining the public is carried out through a hands-on, interactive approach. We integrate a variety of activities including: educational presentations, weapons demonstrations, encampments, sailing, and singing sea shanties in an array of educational, historic, and media venues.

We have performed along the East Coast and Canada and will go wherever adventure calls. The crew has worked with a variety of tall ships, sea festivals, living history events, authors, museums, schools, and libraries, as well as participated in films and documentaries as actors and history consultants.