About Us
The Self-Guided PiRat Ghost History Hunt is a great new way to get active and get learning at the same time! Our app features folklore stories and true accounts of North America’s most interesting history from a variety of sources, including out-of-print books and oral histories. Whether you’re looking for tales of the coolest pirates, treasure, ghosts, villains, or creatures, the PiRat app has you covered. There are already over 350 adventures in Nova Scotia alone!
Our team of recent university and college graduates have created a Histo-Caching experience that allows adventurers like you to discover folk stories at relevant outdoor locations. To unlock a story, just choose an adventure from PiRat’s in-app map and take a walk, drive, hike, or bike to the indicated point. Some locations are tucked away on scenic trails, while others are more accessible in town and city centers.
Don’t miss the chance to take photos with a pirate or the Grim Reaper! Completing each History Hunt unlocks an AR, or augmented reality character that you can place and photograph anywhere you like. Once captured, your AR items are stored in the Treasure Chest for you to revisit at anytime.
PiRat Ghost History Hunt is still a work in progress, and our team is working hard to bring users a fun and educational experience. To date, over 20 Nova Scotians have contributed to the app, creating digital features that bring our stories to life. Our goal? To turn your phone into an interactive time-machine!
So what are you waiting for? Download PiRat Ghost History Hunt today to explore history outside!
OUR TEAM
Paul Speed
Founder
For over 30 years, Paul has loved pirates, folklore, and outdoor adventure. In the past, he has shared valuable theories with producers on the hit TV program The Curse of Oak Island. Now, Paul is bringing his passions to life with the creation of the PiRat app and our PiRat Research and Analysis Team! He can’t wait for you to jump in your Rat Rod and find all the stunning sights and wicked cool stories the app has to offer. After all, “Life’s an adventure- take one.”
Leah Wagner
Content & Research
Leah graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2020 with a BA in History and Political Science. While growing up in a small fishing town, their love of maritime and social history was sparked by neighbors’ stories of life near the sea. Now that she’s a PiRat, Leah is excited to find new ways to share old stories with landlubbers near and far!
Taylor Dauphinee
Content & Game Design
Taylor is a graduate of NSCC’s Game Development program. Specializing in programming, she enjoys taking ideas and figuring out how to make them work. Working on the Get the PiRat app, Taylor is helping to create a fun and enjoyable learning experience for everyone. Keep an eye out for her work in the upcoming PiRat game.
Jacob Akman
Digital Media & Marketing
Jacob graduated from Queen’s University in spring 2020 with a BAH in Film & Media Studies. He loves making videos of all kinds and is passionate about the business of story-telling. He can’t wait to show you why you’re going to love the PiRat App! Find him on any of our social medias today.
Anders Daigle
Content & 3D Design
Anders is a recent graduate from the NSCC Game Development Program, with a specialization in 3D art. They enjoy all aspects of 3D – from drafting and designing unique character models to troubleshooting problems as they arise – and are always looking for ways to improve their designs. As a part of the PiRat team, they are always excited to explore something new and help provide users with memorable experiences.