Join the New Bedford Whaling Museum for a special program marking the opening of Forging Independence | Building a Nation, a new semi-permanent exhibition developed in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The exhibition explores the diverse regional experiences that shaped the struggle for independence and the new nation that emerged.

Calling all educators! Learn more about field trips, educational programs, and teacher resources available at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

On the night of February 4, 1982, Callahan’s small vessel collided with a whale in the Atlantic Ocean. With only moments to react, he escaped into a life raft with a basic survival kit—plunging into what would become 76 harrowing days alone at sea. Battling storms, dwindling supplies, and the vast, unforgiving ocean, Callahan was forced to confront both nature’s fury and his own deepest fears.

Launch the 2026 First Fridays series in unforgettable style with the return of pianist Dr. Jennifer Maxwell. Enjoy a rare silent-film screening of Down to the Sea in Ships (1922), transformed by Dr. Maxwell’s dynamic live score that fills the classic New Bedford whaling tale with energy and emotion.

Explore the power of photography and storytelling at Vestibules: Stories of Water, Memory, and Resilience during AHA! Night at the Museum. Through live portrait sessions, interactive photobooths, and shared stories gathered throughout the galleries, visitors become both subjects and storytellers—connecting personal memory with New Bedford’s maritime past and environmental future.

It’s Time Travel Week at the Museum! Enjoy themed-crafts, hands-on activities, storytime, the inflatable whale, and special afternoon movies. Visit the page for daily schedules.

It’s Time Travel Week at the Museum! Travel back in time with maritime movies every afternoon.

It’s Time Travel Week at the Museum! Travel back in time with maritime movies every afternoon.

It’s Time Travel Week at the Museum! Travel back in time with maritime movies every afternoon.

It’s Time Travel Week at the Museum! Travel back in time with maritime movies every afternoon.

It’s Time Travel Week at the Museum! Travel back in time with maritime movies every afternoon.

Experience the infectious rhythms of Latin Jazz on First Friday, March 6, 2026, with Latin Jazz Night: Salsa & Social Dance. Featuring Jesús Andujar y Su Grupo Sazón, this high-energy six-piece orchestra will fill the Harbor View Gallery with Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue, and Latin Jazz

This unique virtual course combines six weekly 80-minute sessions of lecture and discussion, with a culminating hands-on workshop at the Museum. Learn what photography is and how it transformed the world directly from experts in the field using the vast resources of the NBWM photography collection as your study materials.

Navy Day offers a full schedule of fun and educational opportunities for the public to experience the Navy’s role in environmental preservation, marine mammal protection, and underwater research, as well as the Museum’s extensive historical collection.

Embark on a very special trip to Madeira with fellow Museum Member and special guest travel host Maria Lawton! Experience the island’s vibrant culture, unforgettable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

This September, become part of a global celebration of cinema! Join over 100,000 film lovers in 500+ cities across six continents to watch the Finalists’ Films in the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival—and cast your vote to help decide the winners!

Join special guest travel host Maria Lawton for an unforgettable exploration of São Miguel culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

Celebrate National Authors’ Day at the New Bedford Whaling Museum with a special event honoring the writers and illustrators who bring maritime history and coastal culture to life. Browse a curated pop-up book sale from the Museum Store, meet select authors, and enjoy book signings with select authors.