EWS:

February, 2012: Privateer Media begins using Facebook as it's online platform for news and information about current projects. Click here to check us out, and while you're there please remember to "like" us!

January, 2012: Privateer Media is contracted by Continental Film Alliance, LLC to provide marine & armoury services for the documentary "America's First D-Day" about Washington crossing the Delaware River and the subsequent attack on Trenton, New Jersey, to be filmd in eastern Pennsylvania in early March, 2012. Additional information about the film project can be found here.

November, 2011: Privateer Media's latest book "A Guide to Winemaking in Early America" is now available for purchase. Details about the book can be found here.

October, 2011: The new Privateer Media book "A Guide to Winemaking in EarlyAmerica" by Don Becker and Damian Siekonic goes to print. The first run is expected to be available in early November, with advance orders to be taken starting October 24th.

September, 2011: Privateer Media attends the 29th Annual Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

August, 2011: Privateer Media's book "A Guide to Winemaking in Early America" is completed and enters the final editing stage. A photoshoot at the 1753 Bachmann Publick House in Easton, PA served as the backdrop for several of the book's color images, and a formal presentation with the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society is being planned for sometime in November or December of this year.

July, 2011: Privateer Media is hired by Mirror Lake Films, LLC to provide armoury services, wardrobe and props for an episode of "The Generations Project" shot on location at Valley Forge National Park. Episode air date is scheduled for 2012.

May, 2011: Privateer Media meets with Connecticut River Museum director Jerry Roberts to discuss the research and history of David Bushnell's 18th century submarine "Turtle" and begins preliminary plans to start construction of an operational replica.

April, 2011: In support of its upcoming book on winemaking in 18th century America, Privateer Media conducts a comparitive wine tasting with judges and members of the American Wine Society. The event is well received and generates very positive reviews.

February, 2011: Privateer Media adds a shopping cart feature to its website for credit card and PayPal book purchases, and plans to expand this feature to its other offerings in the coming months.

January, 2011: Privateer Media is hired by MNG Films PR to provide naval ordnance & gun tackle, and to design the custom naval charts for the film "Treasure Island" being shot on location in Puerto Rico in 2011.

November, 2010: Privateer Media is invited by Mount Vernon to participate in making whiskey at George Washington's historic distillery. Damian Siekonic and colleague Don Becker travel to Mount Vernon and help run four of the stills, producing 120 gallons of whiskey from an original recipe in Washington's journal.

October, 2010: Privateer Media is hired by Quadratic Media to provide on-set armoury services for the feature film "The Discoverers" being shot on location in Pennsylvania and Oregon.

October, 2010: Privateer Media attends the 28th Annual Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and takes third place in the Traditional Design/Traditional Construction division with its 20' Hankins sailing skiff "Persephone."

August, 2010: Several of the wines that were made as part of Privateer Media's upcoming book on winemaking in 18th century America are entered into the American Wine Society's amateur wine competition at the Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, NJ on August 21st. The apple wine and cyser both win bronze medals.

August, 2010: Privateer Media is contracted by Heartland Pictures to provide casting, props, wardrobe and marine services for several segments of the documentary "Behold a Pale Horse." Filming was done at French Creek State Park and the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation.

July, 2010: Privateer Media is contracted by The Seventh Ward Project to provide complete props and fabrication services for the National Park Service film "The Presidents' House" being developed for Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA. Filming took place indoors in front of a green screen at Philly Sound Stages.

July, 2010: Privateer Media is hired to work as the marine coordinator for the "Battle of the Restigouche" 250th commemoration event in the towns of Campbellton, NB and Pointe-a-la-Croix, QC, Canada. A dozen 18th century longboats and military batteau are launched and worked on the Restigouche River as part of the year's largest historical event in the Canadian Maritimes.

June, 2010: Privateer Media manages the maritime programming for the "Drums Along the Mohawk" heritage festival held in the towns of Mohawk and Herkimer, NY. One dozen historical longboats and batteau were launched and operated on the Mohawk River during this weekend event.

April, 2010 Privateer Media is contracted by Boston Productions to provide historical resources for a multimedia exhibit about the 1758 Treaty of Easton being developed for the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society in Easton, PA.

April, 2010: Privateer Media is contracted by Argentine Productions to provide marine, armoury, props and casting services for a National Park Service documentary on the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans.

March, 2010: Privateer Media aquires one of the original boats from the 1935 Academy Award winning film "Mutiny on the Bounty" and arranges for its full restoration.

March, 2010: Privateer Media's book "Building 18th Century Naval Artillery" is reviewed in the March/April, 2010 issue of "Muzzleloader Magazine."

February, 2010: Privateer Media authors the not-for-profit 501(c)3 application for the Age of Sail Maritime Alliance and submits it to the IRS for processing. The application is approved on March, 14th, 2010.

January, 2010: Privateer Media accepts a contract from The Center for Green Leadership and the Safflyn Corporation to manage the maritime elements for the Mohawk River Heritage Event planned for June, 2010 in Herkimer/Mohawk, NY.

November, 2009: Privateer Media provides historical props to the Groberg Films production of "Faith and the Founders of America" filmed on location at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

October, 2009: Privateer Media is profiled in Boston University's alumni publication during an interview with company president Damian Siekonic. To read the article entitled "Behind the Scenes" click here.

October, 2009: Privateer Media travels to Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada and accepts the contract to manage the maritime elements for the 250th anniversary event of "The Battle of the Restigouche" planned for July, 2010.

October, 2009: Privateer Media travels to New Jersey to research and pickup Norton grapes from Rutgers Univeristy for use in the colonial winemaking book project.

September, 2009: Privateer Media travels to North Carolina to research and pick Scuppernong grapes for use in the colonial winemaking book project.

August, 2009: Privateer Media begins work on a new book about winemaking in Colonial America, scheduled to be published and released in the fall of 2011.

July, 2009: Privateer Media obtains the original 1826 manuscript of John James Dufour's "The American Vine Dresser's Guide" and begins the process of digitally type- setting the book for future republication.

June, 2009: Privateer Media is contracted by SRL Entertainment to provide armoury services for a feature film titled "The Gift" being shot in Philadelphia in June, 2009.

May, 2009: Privateer Media is contracted by Gruppe 5 Filmproduktion of Köln, Germany to provide 16th and 17th century props, wardrobe, watercraft and paymaster services for a production titled "America Before Columbus" being filmed for the National Geographic Channel outside of Philadelphia, PA in June, 2009. It is scheduled to air starting on November 22, 2009.

April, 2009: Privateer Media launches the recently restored 20' Hankins sailing skiff at Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County, PA.

April, 2009: Privateer Media is contracted by Boston Productions to fabricate 18th century naval ordinance for a multimedia exhibit being developed for the U. S. Naval Academy Museum.

March, 2009: Privateer Media completes the restoration of the 20' Hankins sailing skiff and prepares it for relaunching on April 4, 2009. Details of the completed boat can be viewed on the "Historical Boats" page as Boat #33.

February, 2009: Privateer Media renews its contract to provide 18th century boats for historic Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens educational programming in April 2009.

January, 2009: Privateer Media receives its certificate of compliance for the CPSIA govenment safety tests on its reproduction colonial paper currency. A copy of the certificate is available to all retailers upon request.

December, 2008: Per government regulations, Privateer Media begins assessment of its reproduction colonial currency and commits to meeting all CPSIA govenment safety tests for lead content in products designed for children under the age of twelve.

November, 2008: Privateer Media releases its first book "Building 18th Century Naval Artillery" on November 1st. Also this month Privateer Media completes the design and construction of the new e-commerce retail website for G. Gedney Godwin, Inc.

October, 2008: Privateer Media publishes "Building 18th Century Naval Artillery." The final proof for the book is approved and goes to print on October 20th.

September, 2008: Privateer Media begins restoration of the traditional Hankins Sailing Skiff hull #CHS08510E585. The restoration includes an overhaul of the hull, new hemp rigging and traditional canvas sails. Restoration is expected to be completed by March of 2009.

August, 2008: Privateer Media's first published work is completed: "Building 18th Century Naval Artillery" and the book enters its final edit stage.

July, 2008: Privateer Media finishes construction of a battery of 18th century naval cannon complete with gun tackle, train tackle and tools. The guns are addeded to the Privateer Media props inventory for use on board historical tall ships and in film projects.

June, 2008: Aurora Films hires Privateer Media to work as armourer on the motion picture "Another Harvest Moon" set to film in Harrisburg, PA in June and July of this year.

June, 2008: Privateer Media takes delivery of a 20' classic sailing skiff that will be restored and made available for filmwork by early 2009.

April, 2008: Talon Films hires Privateer Media to provide artillery for the sound effects for the film "American General" due to be released in 2009. Privateer Media fabricated the cannon balls, chain shot, bar shot and canister shot that were live-fired and recorded in surround sound near Saratoga, NY in May of this year.

March, 2008: Privateer Media is contracted by Mount Vernon to provide boats for its 18th century educational programming in April of this year.

March, 2008: Oxford Communications hires Privateer Media to work as property master for the new Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau video campaign set to film in April and June of this year.

February, 2008: Privateer Media begins construction of two new full-scale 3 pounder naval carriages and starts work on its first book "Building 18th Century Naval Artillery." Publication of the book is expected in the fall of 2008.

December, 2007: Privateer Media makes the "Early American Life" magazine February 2008 issue in an article about William Richards and the Pennsylvania State Navy's role during the American Revolutionary War. Text and photo credit is given on page 71.

November, 2007: Privateer Media is contracted by Join or Die Films to provide 18th century medical instruments for the historical film "Liberty" based on Christian Cameron's book "Washington and Caesar."

October, 2007: Privateer Media is contracted by Storyville Pictures, LLC to provide military props for a documentary about the Marquis de Lafayette being filmed for ABC television.

August, 2007: Privateer Media is contracted by the Lafayette Natural History Museum to assist with the development of their "Marquis de Lafayette" exhibit.  Scheduled to open on September 6th, Privateer Media is providing the museum with artillery and original artifacts which include a collection of 18th century maritime navigational instruments.  The exhibit runs until August 31st, 2008.

July, 2007: Privateer Media wraps up the restoration of the Hankins Skiff.  Details of the completed boat can be viewed on the "Historical Boats" page as Boat #39.

June, 2007: Privateer Media is contracted by GQ Magazine to provide the naval cannon for the start of the "Kayak for a Cause" event in Norwalk, CT.  The event took place on July 28th, where 300 kayakers raised over $400,000 for a number of different charities while paddling across Long Island Sound.  For more information about this great event or to make a donation, check out the official website: www.kayakforacause.com.

May, 2007: Privateer Media begins the restoration of an 18' long 1981 Hankins "Sea Bright Skiff."  With original cedar-on-oak construction, the overhaul of the hull is expected to take two months.

April, 2007: Privateer Media is contracted by the Tuckerton Seaport Museum to work on its new "Patriot Pirates" exhibit.  Premiering on May 11th, the exhibit profiles the use of privateering on the New Jersey coast during the American Revolution.   Privateer Media digitally restored an original 18th century "letter of marque" for the exhibit, and in addition to other artifacts provides the museum with a pair of bronze cannon.  The exhibit ran until December 18th, 2007.

March, 2007: Privateer Media's reproduction colonial currency is added to the Cooperman Company new product line of its "History Lives" division.  Currency packs branded with the Cooperman name will be sold at historic sites and museum gift shops nationwide starting in the spring.

February, 2007: Privateer Media is contracted to provide Victorian watercraft for the motion picture "Bolden!" Filming took take place in Wilmington, NC in May of 2007.

January, 2007: Privateer Media partners with G. Gedney Godwin, Inc. to exclusively represent that company's entire historical props inventory.  The companies' combined inventories create one of the largest resources for 18th & early 19th century historical props on the East Coast. 

December, 2006: Privateer Media is contracted to provide the historical watercraft for use in the NOAA sponsored documentary "The Surveyors", a film about the 1830s Hydrographic Survey being produced by 42 Degrees North Films.  Filming took take place at Assateague Island, VA in January of 2007.

October, 2006: Privateer Media is employed as set armourer and provides working 18th century naval artillery for the Talon Films production of "American General."  Based on the role Benedict Arnold played during the American Revolution, filming is scheduled took place on board the tall ship PROVIDENCE in Jamestown, RI in November of 2006.

July, 2006: Privateer Media is hired as the marine coordinator and set armourer for the Middlemarch Films / PBS production "The Life of Alexander Hamilton."   In addition to period watercraft, Privateer Media provided the museum-quality reproduction Hamilton/Burr dueling pistols to use during the staging of the historic duel.  Filming took place in New York City in August of 2006.  The documentary premiered on PBS's "American Experience" on May 14th, 2007.

June, 2006: Privateer Media is hired as the marine coordinator for "First Landing," a film being developed by Regent University for CBN to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the founding of Virginia.  Shooting took place at Virginia Beach, VA with Privateer Media providing the 17th century watercraft for use in the film, the crew training and boat handling on set.  The film premiered on the ABC Family Channel on April 30th, 2007.

March, 2006: Privateer Media secures the financing to build the BASILISK, a full-scale Revolutionary War vessel.  The project will qualify as a "Class B" tall ship by the ASTA, and once built will be operated by Privateer Media as an educational tool and maritime film resource.

February, 2006: Privateer Media is hired by Greystone Films as the marine coordinator for the new Mount Vernon Visitors' Center film "We Fight to be Free ".  Shooting for the "Washington Crossing" scene took place on the Potomac River near Harper's Ferry, WV.  Privateer Media provided all of the historical boats for the production, trained the crews in their operation and managed the use of the boats on the set.

November, 2005: Privateer Media is contracted by Guns & Butter Entertainment to be the marine coordinator on the film "The Book of Caleb", an IFP New York project.  Filming took place at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County, PA in December of 2005.

October, 2005: Privateer Media prepared the 501(c)3 application for the Pennsylvania State Navy, a non-profit organization that provides interpretive maritime history and grade school educational programming about the American Revolution.   The application was approved by the IRS in just four weeks.

July, 2005: Braintree Productions purchases reproduction colonial currency from Privateer Media for use in the HBO mini-series "John Adams."

March, 2005: Privateer Media, LLC is launched, representing the culmination of Damian Siekonic's business and historical experience into a single media-based resource and production company.   It's driving force is the ability to bring together a significant number of production items, including over three dozen historical boats, into an organized and working maritime resource for television, film and history education.

December, 2004: Damian Siekonic completes the development of digital printing plates for over forty pieces of reproduction American colonial currency.  The currency is developed for retail sales as well as for use with historical, educational, film and museum programs.  This currency is available for sale online HERE.

May, 2004: Damian Siekonic is contracted to work on the PBS four-part series “The War that Made America” about the French & Indian War which premieres on January 18th, 2006 on PBS.  Siekonic spends several days filming water scenes with 18th century boats in western Pennsylvania.

October, 2003: Damian Siekonic is hired to conduct location scouting for WNET-PBS Channel 13 during the filming of Part 2 of “Slavery and the Making of America” which PBS airs on February 9, 2005.  Siekonic is also contracted to provided historical watercraft and crew training for the documentary.

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