Women have shaped the South Coast of Massachusetts and its histories. This exhibition connects items in the collection made by and for regional women to historical figures, organizations, events, and achievements – big and small.

The collections of the New Bedford Whaling Museum / Old Dartmouth Historical Society are an impressive array of fine art, ethnographic objects, whaling implements, nautical artifacts, textiles, household items, and detailed documents from around the world.

This exhibition asks, what do we do with a bust created by someone who held deeply problematic racist ideologies? Do an artist’s beliefs impact how we interpret a sculpture? Is a sculpture like this one defined by the politics of the maker, patron, or subject? What were the Bourne’s politics, and what made Emily decide to commission the bust from Borglum in 1916?

The New Bedford Whaling Museum proudly celebrates and showcases talented regional artists. The exhibition is located on the first floor of the Museum. This area is accessible for free, no admission required.

Marnie Sinclair (b. 1945) is a process artist and environmental activist who often uses her art to visually express the many complicated issues that surround climate change and ocean pollution.