Press Releases

New Bedford Whaling Museum To Host Annual Whaling History Symposium
Two days of sessions on topics associated with the whale fishery

NEW BEDFORD, MA (9.30.08) - - On Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, 2008, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will present the 33rd annual Whaling History Symposium featuring an array of experts speaking on various topics related to the whale fishery. All sessions and programs will be held in the Museum Theater.

Among the highlights of the Symposium will be the presentation of the 24th Annual L. Byrne Waterman Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to whaling-related research and pedagogy in the arts, humanities and science,

Following the Welcome and Opening Remarks by Stuart M. Frank, Ph.D., Whaling Museum Senior Curator and Symposium Moderator, Session I: The Caribbean will begin at 10:15 a.m. Session II: Museums and Collections will follow at 1:45 p.m. and include illustrated presentations about world-class whaling collections at museums in the Netherlands, Antarctica and Japan as well as the showing of the "Modern Whaling" documentary shot in color on shipboard in the late 1950s. Session III: Evening Program features a Reception and Book Signing by Joost Schokkenbroek, Ph.D., curator of the Dutch National Maritime Museum and advisory curator, New Bedford Whaling Museum; and the presentation by Robert Hillman, a renowned harpoon historian from Nantucket, on the history, technology and evolution of "The American Harpoon." On Sunday morning, October 19th, the Symposium concludes with Session IV: Research and Artifacts beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The cost to attend the entire symposium, including the Saturday evening dinner, is $200 for members and $250 for all others. For more information, visit www.whalingmuseum.org or to register, call 508 997-0046, ext. 101.

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. The Whaling Museum is a private, nonprofit organization.