Press Releases

New Bedford Whaling Museum Announces Personnel Promotions

World-class institution enters next phase of development / sees new opportunities for growth

NEW BEDFORD, MA (3.03.08) - - The Board of Trustees of the New Bedford Whaling Museum is pleased to announce the following staff promotions, effective immediately.

John N. Garfield Jr. has been named Senior Board Adviser for Whaling Museum Operations. He has served as Trustee for the Old Dartmouth Historical Society for the past five years. The former president of Marshall Marine Corp., Mr. Garfield is an avid sailor with thousands of miles of off-shore sailing experience. A Dartmouth resident, he is on the Board of Directors of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, chairman of the Dartmouth Fire District #2 Prudential Committee and a Dartmouth Town Meeting member. He and his wife, Tally, have two grown sons.

Alison J. Meyer is moving up from her responsibilities as Whaling Museum Membership Manager to the position of Associate Director of Development. She received a BFA in Theater Management from the University of Miami in Florida in 2005, and joined the Whaling Museum nearly a year ago following a membership position with the Norton Museum of Art in Miami. A resident of Providence, RI, Ms. Meyer grew up in Hebron, CT.

Maria "Nela' Francisco has been promoted to the position of Development Database Manager. On staff at the Museum for seven years, performing a variety of membership and development duties, Ms. Francisco is a resident of Dartmouth and New Bedford native.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales and whaling. The cornerstone of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located in the heart of the city's historic downtown at 18 Johnny Cake Hill. Open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, admission is free for members and children under the age of 6, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (59+) and students with a valid ID, and $6 for children ages 6-14. For a complete calendar of events, visit the Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org