"Wharfinger Building" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
New Bedford Whaling
National Historical Park - Massachusetts
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.
Map of the U.S. National Heritage Areas. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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"
From I-195 East or West take Exit 15 (Route 18 / Downtown). Take exit 15 to merge onto MA-18 S toward Downtown/New Bedford Continue straight onto MA-18 Turn right at the first set of lights, Elm St. Turn left onto Acushnet Ave Turn left onto William St Destination will be on the left
National Park Visitor Center
The National Park Visitor Center is located in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Stop by for a brief orientation and pick up all of the materials you will need before setting out to explore the park, its partners and all the City of New Bedford has to offer.
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