Learn - New Bedford Whaling Museum

Learn

Museum learning happens across the Museum. It includes guided and self-guided visits, educational programs, school field trips, and in-gallery interpretation. Educational activities and programs are designed to appeal to students, educators, life-long learners, and families. We welcome learners of all ages and backgrounds to engage with our museum learning opportunities and explore, learn, and create with us.

The Museum offers education programs and resources with a specific focus on inspiring civic learning and action. Education programs and resources are developed to be equitably accessible and meet state academic standards.
Whether at the Museum, in the classroom, in the community, or online, visitors are inspired to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future.

Students from Laurie Desroches fourth grade class at the Pacheco School, listen as New Bedford Whaling Museum volunteer Carol Zaslona, talks about the whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling.

Field Trips

Enjoy field trips at the Museum!

The Museum offers a variety of learning, research, and career development opportunities to students, scholars and educators. Please read below for more information on opportunities for students and scholars at the Museum.

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Professional Development

Professional Development Workshops are hosted at various times throughout the year to let educators engage with Museum exhibitions, initiatives or projects through a particular focus area or theme.

Whale comparison chart

Classroom Tools

The New Bedford Whaling Museum education portal provides access to interactive student projects, lessons, activities and connected resources...

Thanks To:

The Museum’s educational programs are generously supported by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Institute for Museum and Library Services, Massachusetts Cultural Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust, Island Foundation, Carney Family Charitable Foundation, Schrafft Charitable Trust, Dean Welfare Trust, New York Community Trust, United Way of Greater New Bedford, Howard Bayne Fund, and Bill and Donna Stewart.

Additional support is provided by grants from the New Bedford Cultural Council, Acushnet Cultural Council, Dartmouth Cultural Council, Fairhaven Cultural Council, and Westport Cultural Council, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.