Treasures of Old Dartmouth

Coast of Grand Manan, Charles Henry Gifford, 1890

Since its founding in 1903 the Old Dartmouth Historical Society (ODHS) has collected a wide spectrum of materials to document and preserve the history of the region. Although public perception may focus on whaling, for over 100 years the New Bedford Whaling Museum/ODHS has continued to actively collect decorative and fine arts associated with New Bedford and the surrounding towns of Fairhaven, Acushnet, Dartmouth, and Westport.

The first home of the ODHS was the National Bank of Commerce building, constructed in 1883-4 it was purchased in 1898 by the founders of the Society. Typical of an early American museum, a wide variety of collections were displayed, from stuffed penguins brought back by whalers to ship models, paintings, and scrimshaw.

Sealers Crushed by Icebergs, William Bradford, 1866

Over many years this room evolved into collection storage and staff spaces, unseen by the public. By peeling back years of alterations we have returned this gallery to the public and featured our Old Dartmouth collections. Special thanks go to Museum Trustee Gurdon Wattles for recommending grant funding for this project through the New York Community Trust – Wattles Family Charitable Trust Fund.

To re-inaugurate this gallery it is most fitting that our finest artworks are exhibited. Peruse the diversity and take in the richness of the cultural Treasures of Old Dartmouth.

Gregory J. Galer, Ph.D.
Exhibit Curator, VP Collections & Exhibitions

Keith W. Kauppila
Guest Assistant Exhibit Curator

Frances F. Levin
Chairman, Collections Committee

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