Pride of Baltimore II presents
Sailabration: Sailing Traditions in Ink
A Festival Celebrating the Lives of Sailors and the Art of Tattooing
FREE EVENT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
11 AM – 4 PM
FELL’S POINT BROADWAY PIER
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States Sailabration connects past and present through the personal stories of sailors—many of whom shaped American history from the decks of ships like Pride of Baltimore II.
Live Tattoo Demonstrations
Live Souvenir tattoos on Pride II by Chris Keaton, Founder of the Baltimore Tattoo Museum
Special souvenir tattoos of Pride II will be offered during the event! Tattoos (artwork pictured here) are 2.25″ H x 3″ L, and take about 20 min to complete.
For Info contact Lori: Lori@pride2.org.
Not ready for a permanent tattoo? You can still get a souvenir. Try on this full color temporary tattoo designed by Chris Keaton.
Owen Payette McGarry “Handpoke Tattooer” Live “Stick and Poke” Tattoo demonstration on Pride II
Before the electric tattoo machine was invented in 1891 by a former sailor, tattoo artists used a simple poke and stick technique. Aboard ship, sailors often used the materials they had on hand, such as large needles for sewing sails, India ink, laundry bluing, and even gunpowder!
Guests of all ages can carve their very own BANANA SCRIMSHAW with public historian and tailor, Adam HL. He’ll be talking about tattoos in detail—while being tattooed by Owen.
Music and Performances
Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum and Flotillamen
Living historians in the famous “Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps” play period music and giving a history of music’s role at Fort McHenry.
The Marching Elite
Modern Drum Line performance by The Marching Elite Marching Band. The Marching Elite Foundation uses music and arts as a vehicle to create positive change in the communities and the lives of the participants of the program.
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Ship’s Company Chanteymen
Sharing sea salts’ songs and portraying the musical part of nautical life in the 1700s and 1800s. Many of their songs originally set a pace to keep ship crews rowing in time or doing rhythmic chores such as turning a capstan. Some just filled long hours or lonely nights at sea. Simple and direct, wild and spirited, salty and rough as a North Atlantic gale, they were a reflection of the sailors themselves.
Nathan M. Richardson
Nathan M. Richardson is a poet, author, and Frederick Douglass Historian known for his nationally acclaimed living history tour, now in its 10th year, with performances from the White House to American Cruise Lines.
Exhibitors and Activities
Pride of Baltimore II
Pride of Baltimore II is a reproduction of a Baltimore Clipper, a class of sailing vessels that were the most successful American privateers in the War of 1812. Learn about the role ships and sailors played in the War of 1812, and what it’s like to live as a sailor on Pride II today.
The Baltimore Tattoo Museum
From taboo to mainstream, explore American electric tattooing from the time when the first tattooing machine was patented in 1891 to today. Featuring examples of hand painted pieces of art, called flash, from famous tattoo artists like Norman Keith Collins, also known as Sailor Jerry, who made his name, tattooing sailors in Hawaii during the 1930s.
The History Machine
The “History Machine” serves as an innovative Mobile Visitor Center for the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, bringing history and ecology lessons directly to the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
Mary Pickersgill made the 30-foot-by-42-foot Star-Spangled Banner flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would later become our national anthem.
Baltimore National Heritage Area
Explore the best things to do in Baltimore with BNHA; city parks, historic sites, museums, trails, scenic byways and more. Spin The Wheel and answer Baltimore trivia questions to win prizes.
Naval History and Heritage Command
Old Line Spirits
Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins met in the Navy flying EA-6B Prowlers. Their shared love of whiskey led them to start their own distillery. Enjoy a taste of the age of sail with a signature rum drink.
Thank You To Our 2025 Sponsors
Sailor Jerry
Anchor
