The Dartmouth Historical and Arts Society is hosting a lecture on the history of privateers in New England on June 24.

Robert Barboza, a writer and historical researcher, will focus on the men from Old Dartmouth who worked for the government to fight official enemies in times of war by building and manning ships. “Privateers: Pirates or Patriots?” will cover the origins of privateering in North America, the role of privateers in the American Revolution, as well as highlighting several ships and sailors of note.

The public is invited to the talk as part of the Sunday Afternoon Lecture series, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 24 at the headquarters of the Dartmouth Historical and Arts Society’s Russells Mills Schoolhouse, 1205 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, MA. The public is invited and will be served light refreshments. A $5.00 donation is suggested.