The Irish Experience--Part 1 in the Communities of New Bedford lecture series:

Thursdays, January 14, February 11, March 11, and April 8
8:00 p.m. Museum Theater

Running in conjunction with AHA! New Bedford nights

Join us as we roll out a multi-year series of lectures looking at and learning about the different communities in New Bedford. First stop is "The Irish Experience". Lectures will explore historical, maritime, art, and folklore topics. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is partnering with the museum to present this series.

The first lecture in this series will be The Voyage of the Catalpa- A Perilous Journey and Six Irish Rebels' Escape to Freedom with Peter Stevens. He is the news and features editor of The Boston Irish Reporter, and an award-winning author. The lecture will be followed by a book signing.

Keep an eye on our e-newsletters for details about speakers in March and April.

FREE

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
THE IRISH EXPERIENCE LECTURE SERIES: "A Wee Taste of Ireland: And Why Not?" with Dr. Stuart Frank.

This third lecture in the series will examine Irish sailors, Irish immigration, and Irish heritage in the whale fishery, with songs, stories, recitations, and other amusements. The Whaling Museum's Senior Curator, Stuart Frank, holds an Irish passport and can easily find Ireland on the map, so he's completely well qualified. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is partnering with the Whaling Museum to present this series. To RSVP, call Pam Lowe, Visitor Services 508-997-0046, ext. 100. Admission is free.

Thursday, April 8, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
THE IRISH EXPERIENCE LECTURE SERIES: "The Irish Rebel – John Boyle O'Reilly," with Ken Hartnett

This final lecture in the series will examine the activities of 19th Century Irish rebel and writer John Boyle O'Reilly. In 1869, O'Reilly escaped imprisonment in Australia with the help of the New Bedford whaler “Gazelle.” Later, from his new home in Boston, he helped organize the daring Catalpa expedition to liberate jailed Fenian comrades from their British captors. The story of these twin rescues makes O'Reilly a memorable historical figure, one who will be forever remembered for his immense courage and solid principals.

Ken Hartnett is an experienced news correspondent and author of the novel "A Saving Grace." He was editor of the New Bedford Standard-Times and Boston Magazine and was a news executive for the WCVB and WGBH television in Boston. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is partnering with the Whaling Museum to present this series. To RSVP, call Pam Lowe, Visitor Services 508-997-0046, ext. 100. Admission is free.