New Bedford Whaling

https://www.nps.gov/nebe/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Bedford_Whaling_National_Historical_Park New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts commemorates the heritage of the world's preeminent whaling port during the nineteenth century. The park is dispersed over thirteen city blocks and includes a visitor center, the New Bedford National Historic Landmark District, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch–Jones–Duff House and Garden Museum. Although the famed Whaleman Memorial (commonly called the "Whaleman's Statue") is not within the park's boundaries, it is located only two blocks beyond its western boundary at the corner of William and Pleasant Streets in front of the New Bedford Public Library. "The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea." H. Melville, "Moby-Dick" New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center is centrally located in downtown New Bedford at 33 William Street. If you're arriving by car, take I-195 and use Exit 25, following signs for Downtown New Bedford. Parking is available in nearby garage or street parking around the visitor center. If you’re traveling by public transportation, the local SRTA buses service the downtown area, with stops close to the visitor center. Once in the area, the Visitor Center is a short walk. Visitor Center & Park Garden Hours Discover the vibrant heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at the National Park Visitor Center. Immerse yourself in a brief orientation and gather all the essential materials before embarking on your journey to explore the park, its diverse partners, and the rich tapestry of experiences that the City of New Bedford has to offer. *Please not the Visitor Center operates seasonally. Please see active exceptions to ensure that the Visitor Center is open for your visit. There are several ways to access the park, visit the link to see how: https://www.nps.gov/nebe/planyourvisit/directions.htm National Park Visitor Center New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center on a bright fall day. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center on a bright fall day. Seamen's Bethel and the Mariners' Home Semen's Bethel and the Mariners' Home on a sunny day Semen's Bethel and Mariners' Home Sunset Overlooking New Bedfords Harbor The sun setting over the Acushnet River in New Bedford. The sun setting over the Acushnet River in New Bedford. 2010 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Seven rangers were awarded with a national or regional 2010 Freeman Tilden Award for excellence in interpretation. Learn more about their exciting and innovative projects. Portrait of John Kirkpatrick The Soundscape Underfoot The street sounds of New Bedford, Massachusetts, can be familiar and easy to overlook. With a little insight into the history of the area and some attentive listening and observation, the sound of the landscape can supply a better understanding of its character. Narrow streets with short blocks and cobblestone paving are reminders of the pedestrian and horse activity that once clamored through the streets of this busy seaport. Three-story red brick building on the corner of a cobblestone street. Apples Bloom Again in New Bedford The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum chronicles 147 years of economic and social life in the historic whaling port of New Bedford, Massachusetts. In 2012, the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation collaborated with the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, and the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay to develop a cultural landscape report to direct rehabilitation the museum’s grounds, enhancing its historic character. View over a railing to formal gardens, lawn, and border of trees The Civilian Experience in the Civil War After being mere spectators at the war's early battles, civilians both near and far from the battlefields became unwilling participants and victims of the war as its toll of blood and treasure grew year after year. In response to the hardships imposed upon their fellow citizens by the war, civilians on both sides mobilized to provide comfort, encouragement, and material, and began to expect that their government should do the same. Painting of civilians under fire during the Siege of Vicksburg National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Conservation Diaries: Olf Mouyaka, Advocating for Youth Programs, Volunteering, and Urban Parks Meet Olf Mouyaka, a park guide at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, who has also worked at Lowell National Historical Park and First State National Historical Park. From a volunteer to a youth program participant to a seasonal and finally a full-time employee, learn more about Olf’s incredible journey to the National Park Service. headshot of person wearing traditional african clothing with distinct patterns 2021 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service On behalf of the Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Directorate, we are pleased to congratulate the national recipients of the 2021 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Through their extraordinary work and dedication, these volunteers have made an exceptional contribution to their parks and communities. Digital painting with white text invitation to join the Hartzog Awards. 54th Massachusetts Regiment The 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first regiment of African Americans from the North to serve during the Civil War, bravely assaulted Battery Wagner in Charleston Harbor. Their bravery increased Northern efforts to enlist African Americans. By war's end, over 180,000 African Americans fought in the US Army, roughly 10% of the fighting men. Crop of mural depicting the 54th Regiment's assault of Battery Wagner, focus on death of Col Shaw 2013 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Congratulations to the national and regional recipients of the 2013 Freeman Tilden Award for Excellence in Interpretation and Education. A photo of five award recipients and the Director of the National Park Service. How a 3D Virtual Tour Shared a Beloved Ship’s Story with the World In its latest of many lives, the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey is often at sea, unavailable to park visitors. We recreated it virtually so more people than ever can explore its decks—and its stories. Animation of historic sailing ship, zooming out and in showing ocean, docks, decks, and mast. Coastal Climate Messaging Essentials: It’s All in the Telling Extreme weather events like nor’easters may be unavoidable and challenging. But learning effective ways to share information about their impacts can have far-reaching benefits. A small wooden building with storm water completely surrounding the base, and up the road. Margo Connolly-Masson Margo Connolly-Masson, a Massachusetts-based collage artist and oil painter, brought her vibrant talent and unique artistic perspective to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park's Artist-in-Residence program from October to December 2022. Known for her ability to blend color, texture, and storytelling, Margo’s work is deeply inspired by the communities in which she has lived and worked, and her time in New Bedford added a fresh layer of inspiration to her craft. A collage-style seagull on a beach with boats on a calm sea under a cloudy sky from And Then...Glen! Beatrice & Elaine Alder During their residency in New Bedford, Beatrice and Elaine Alder, a married couple, explored the city’s queer and working-class histories through their project, Law of Salvage, Queer Stories of the South Coast. During their residency they created art and prose inspired by archival research. The Alders used ceramics, textiles, and prints to reclaim stories of overlooked queer laborers and disrupt traditional binaries. A geometric quilt with pink, blue, yellow, and gray triangles, featuring text and floral pattern 24 in 2024: An Explore Nature Year in Review As we reflect on 2024, we offer you a list of 24 interesting and exciting science and nature events from parks of the national park system. From awe-inspiring celestial events to celebrating anniversaries and conservation wins, 2024 was filled with amazing moments. purples and greens of the northern lights light up the sky over hot springs at night Amy Araujo Amy Araujo, the first Artist-in-Residence at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in 2017, explored themes of identity through large-scale figurative drawings. Her residency honored the bicentennial of Frederick Douglass, featuring free figure drawing classes with fully clothed models and a public art workshop. Araujo’s work connected art and history, inspiring visitors to reflect on freedom, struggle, and resilience. Artist Amy Araujo works on a large charcoal drawing, using her phone and a drawing tool. David Higgins David Higgins, 2018 Artist-in-Residence at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, explored storytelling through puppetry and digital media. Embracing experimentation, he created art inspired by the park’s history, its Maker Space, and community collaboration. David Higgins' artwork featuring a hand-knit black road on white fabric. Black History in the Last Frontier: Black Whalers in the North Pacific and Arctic Black whalers were among the first Americans to reach Alaska, specifically its southeast panhandle, in the early 1840s. Some of these men had escaped enslavement in the American South, while others were free men of color from the North. It would have been difficult to find a more racially and geographically diverse industry than whaling in the nineteenth century. a historic scene of a ship with large sails navigating icy waters.

It is not surprising that Melville chose to embark from New Bedford—it was the whaling capital of the world. Its waterfront teemed with sailors and tradespeople drawn from all over the globe by the whaling industry’s promise of prosperity, and its wide residential streets sparkled with the mansions of the wealthy whaling families. The whaling industry that flourished in Melville’s New Bedford had been born many years before and continued growing for another decade and a half. In the 1850s more whaling voyages sailed from New Bedford than from all of the world’s ports combined. COURTESY OF RICHARD ELLIS © NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM Pursuing Whales Worldwide Beginning in the 18th century the whaling industry used small sailing ships to chase whales along the eastern coastline. Then, as the number of Atlantic whales dwindled and competition for whale Schooner Ernestina under sail. Preserving the city’s legacy did not come easily. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, when buildings were being torn down to make way for urban renewal projects, determined citizens worked together to save the city’s history and neighborhoods. Innovative preservation efforts focused on the waterfront, the city’s heart and soul. Close-up of Richard Ellis mural of white whale Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska, to help recognize the contributions of Alaska Natives to the history of whaling in the United States. From the South Seas to the Arctic, from South America to Hudson’s Bay, the story of New Bedford whaling is a blend of many cultural influences. National Park Service is to work collaboratively with a wide range of local partners, including the City of New Bedford, New Bedford Whaling Museum, schooner Ernestina, RotchJones-Duff House and Garden Museum, New Bedford Port Society, New Bedford Historical Society, and Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE). The National Park Service also works in partnership with the Inupiat The whaling industry employed large numbers of African-Americans, Azoreans, and Cape Verdeans, whose communities still flourish in New Bedford today. New Bedford’s role in 19th-century American history was not limited to whaling, however. It was also a major station on the Underground Railroad moving slaves from the South up North and to Canada. Among these fugitives was Frederick Douglass, who lived Scrimshaw basket and jagging wheel. NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM oil increased, square riggers traveled for years at a time worldwide, wherever whales gathered. Americans had plied every ocean from the South Seas to the Western Arctic by the 1850s and found most of the grounds of sperm, right, bowhead, humpback, and California gray whales. Both finback and blue whales were too much for the 30-foot whaleboats and hand-held harpoons of the time. Starting in the Colonial era, Americans pursued whales primarily for blubber to fuel lamps. Whale blubber was rendered into oil at high temperatures aboard ship—a process whalemen called “trying out.” Sperm whales were prized for their higher-grade spermaceti oil, used to make FREDERICK DOUGLASS NHS The National Park Service joined this partnership in 1996 when Congress created New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park to help preserve and interpret America’s whaling and maritime history. The park consists of the 13-block Waterfront Historic District but is unlike most national parks in that individuals and groups continue to own and operate their properties. The role of the Port of Entry On voyages that might last as long as four years, whalemen spent their leisure hours carving and scratching decorations on sperm whale teeth, whalebone, and baleen. This folk art, known as scrimshaw, often depicted whaling adventures or scenes of home. The whalemen also made eating utensils, mortars and pestles, salt and pepper shakers, pie crimpers, and other objects out of ivory and baleen. Commercially, baleen was used in making corset stays, skirt hoops, and buggy whips. Frederick Douglass and worked in the city for three years and was to become a leading anti-slavery orator and author. SCHOONER ERNESTINA New Bedford Whaling Museum Rotch-Jones-Duff House COLLECTION, NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM New Bedford Whaling In January 1841, a 21-year-old seaman named Herman Melville set sail aboard a whaling ship on one of the most important sea voyages in American literature. The book inspired by that voyage was the worldfamous Moby-Dick, and the place Melville sailed from on that cold winter day was New Bedford, Massachusetts. COLLECTION, NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM Scrimshaw JOHN ROBSON —Herman Melville, Moby-Dick Sternboard from the brig Eunice H. Adams, 1845. Today, New Bedford is a city of nearly 100,000, but its historic districts still retain embellishments that Herman Melville admired. Walk its cobblestonelined streets by stately buildings, banks, and storehouses from the days when New Bedford was the whaling capital of the world. Tour historic structures, gardens,