Enhance your visit to the Whaling Museum with special drop-in activities, squid dissections, and 3D movies! See the full schedule for activities throughout July and August.

A special First Friday event at the Whaling Museum, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean independence. This evening of culture and music features a live performance by the acclaimed KabuJazz Ensemble, led by the dynamic Candida Rose Baptista with musical direction by J. L. Santos Spencer.

According to Alan Jamieson’s book Out of the Depths: A History of Shipwrecks, UNESCO estimates there are more than 3 million shipwreck sites around the world. In every seafaring culture, shipwrecks have long captured the imagination. This September, the New Bedford Whaling Museum hosts a discussion about shipwrecks on our own shores and beyond.

Join the Moby-Dick Book Club, a virtual three-part series exploring Herman Melville’s iconic American novel. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, all are welcome to take part in engaging, thought-provoking conversations led by some of the world’s leading Melville scholars.

CETACEAN (The Whale) is a darkly humorous, visually striking performance blending story, movement, video, and sound to explore our relationship with whales, oceans, and the climate crisis. Part of The Unreliable Bestiary series by Guggenheim Fellow Deke Weaver, this one-hour, immersive event is a condensed version of the acclaimed 2023 production described as “epic,” “mesmerizing,” and “a miracle.”

Join the over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents to view and vote on the Finalists’ Films in the 28th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.

On the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal, join leading experts to learn more about the independence movement in Cabo Verde in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, explore acts of revolution under the PAIGC, and consider the legacies of Cape Verdean independence from Portugal today.

Experience a night of immersive indie music as the Whaling Museum transforms into a multi-gallery stage, featuring live performances ranging from acoustic sets to experimental acts. Presented in collaboration with Unexpected Music, this 18+ event celebrates New Bedford’s vibrant creative community.

Members’ Trip: Cabo Verde Join us for a very special Members’ Trip to Cabo Verde October 1 – October 12, 2025 We will travel to four islands where members will learn about Cape Verdean history and cultural heritage, enjoy stunning natural landscapes, e …

The Climate Future Film Festival, founded by Jim Stahl, delves into the artistic and human responses to the climate crisis and the paths that may lie ahead. The festival promises a thought-provoking program that highlights the power of storytelling in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.

An extraordinary evening with renowned climate author and activist Bill McKibben! In his keynote Solar, Society, and the Shifting Climate, McKibben illuminates the promise of renewable energy, the fight for climate justice, and the power of collective action—blending urgent science, inspiring stories, and practical solutions.

Professors Daniela Melo and Timothy Walker will present highlights from their new scholarly edition of Wilfred Burchett’s writing on Portugal’s 1974 “Carnation” Revolution—published in English for the first time by Verso Books (UK).

A genre-bending night of music led by punk cellist and Berklee grad Ian Legge. The evening features dynamic string arrangements, a family jam session, and a full-blown punk show celebrating the release of Arrangements Vol. I—his debut album of punk covers reimagined for strings and band.

Local History Guild is the NBWM’s quarterly Zoom program, an informal discussion about art, history, science and culture related to the museum mission, collection, and the surrounding region. This December, staff from the museum’s Curatorial Department will present on their “Favorite Things”!

Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Whaling Museum’s final First Friday of the year: Winter Brass – A Festive First Friday. This special evening features a live performance by the high-energy Southcoast Brass Band, guaranteed to bring bold holiday cheer with their New Orleans-inspired sound.

One of the world’s best known live readings of Herman Melville’s iconic American novel Moby-Dick takes place every January at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Moby-Dick Marathon draws readers and enthusiasts from around the globe to the Museum’s campus and to viewing online.