Press Releases

NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM'S ANNUAL MEETING DAY FILLED WITH EVENTS

(NEW BEDFORD, MA) – The 107th Annual Meeting of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society - New Bedford Whaling Museum will take place Friday, May 28 at 4:00 pm. in the Museum Theater. James Russell, museum president, said, "the annual meeting is always an important day because it highlights the past year's accomplishments and focuses on our goals for the future. We invite everyone to come to the museum this Friday for a day filled with many activities and events."

At 2:00 pm, a memorial service at the historic Seamen's Bethel, will precede the annual meeting. Family, friends and associates are invited to join the Old Dartmouth Historical Society Volunteer Council and the Board of Trustees as they gather in fond remembrance of departed members who gave so generously of themselves that the Society and its Museum should continue grow for the benefit of future generations. An invocation of names and tolling of a ship's bell will be followed by brief remembrances.

At 4:00 the Board of Trustees and membership of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society will convene in the Museum's Cook Memorial Theater for their 107th Annual Meeting. Mayor Scott W. Lang is scheduled to address the assembly and the public is cordially invited to attend. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a ribbon cutting ceremony with elected officials will open the Museum's newest permanent exhibit, titled The Hunt For Knowledge.

Located along the west mezzanine of the Jacobs Family Gallery and overlooking the Museum's massive whale skeleton collection, The Hunt For Knowledge examines the scientific study of whales through interactive displays describing current scientific work, and the international effort to better understand and preserve whales, dolphins and porpoises, collectively known as cetaceans. The exhibit looks at research methods and equipment used to study and protect these animals.

Immediately following the exhibit's opening ceremonies a reception will take place in the Jacobs Family Gallery, featuring music by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Trio. Performing a selection of classical and romantic favorites, the NBSO Trio includes Tim Macri, principal flute, Elisa Birdseye, principal viola, and Peter Zay, cello.

The day's events conclude with After Hours, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, a community social gathering featuring music, food and camaraderie. "It will be a festive way to start the long holiday weekend and an exciting summer season at the Whaling Museum," Mr. Russell said.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales and whaling. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city's historic downtown and is open daily. For a complete calendar of events, visit the Whaling Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org. Join the Museum's online community at flickr.com, facebook.com, Twitter, and blog at www.whalingmuseumblog.org.