Photo by Daniel Friedman.

“Real Pirates,” an historical exhibit, opened yesterday at the Arizona Science Center.

I went to the preview Friday evening. The first thing you see is an exhibit in the lobby that looks like a big, lumpy rock. But it’s filled with treasure. Pirate treasure — as well as some actual pirate.

Photo by Daniel Friedman.

When the ship Whydah went aground off Cape Cod about 300 years ago, the rusting iron created a chemical reaction with the seawater, causing minerals in the water to act like concrete and surround objects strewn on the ocean floor.

Pistols, gold, cannon, the kettle at left, pieces of the ship and even pirate bones were all caught up in the concretions. Many of these treasure are on display.

Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for kids. That does not include general museum admission. Expect a full report by the Blomquist family Wednesday.

◀ Interpreting your child's emotional responses || TIM McCLELLAN: What you can learn from training the best ▶