WHALING MUSEUM ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUEST READERS FOR 2022 MOBY-DICK MARATHON - New Bedford Whaling Museum

WHALING MUSEUM ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUEST READERS FOR 2022 MOBY-DICK MARATHON

December 21, 2021

Legendary actor Sam Waterston to read for Ishmael in first chapter of Moby-Dick

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The New Bedford Whaling Museum today announced their special guest readers for the 2022 Moby-Dick Marathon, including award-winning actor Sam Waterston who will assume the iconic role of Ishmael in the opening chapter Loomings to kick off the 25-hour read-a-thon.

Since 1997, the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s annual Moby-Dick Marathon has attracted thousands of people of all ages to New Bedford, bringing celebrities, academics, and public officials alike to New Bedford to participate as readers during the marathon. This year, the beloved event will take place virtually beginning Friday, January 7, 2022, and concluding Sunday, January 9, 2022.

Sam Waterston, the legendary film and stage actor known for hit shows such as Law & Order and Grace & Frankie will open the marathon, reading for Ishmael in the opening chapter. Although this is his first time at the Whaling Museum, he is a known Melville aficionado, having once previously read the part of Ishmael in a 2001 celebration of the 150th anniversary of Moby-Dick at Tanglewood.

Waterston will be joined by several prominent state and local elected officials including U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, State Sens. Mark Montigny and Michael J. Rodrigues, and State Reps. Paul A. Schmid, III and Carol A. Fiola.

A number of other public figures from the area will also participate as readers in the marathon, including Amanda McMullen, President & CEO of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Gail Fortes, Executive Director of the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, Tony Sapienza, Chair of the New Bedford Whaling Museum Board of Trustees, Rachel Pachter, Chief Development Officer at Vineyard Wind, and Superintendent Thomas Anderson of the New Bedford Public Schools.

“Over the years, the Whaling Museum has hosted an outstanding array of celebrities, academics, and public officials for the Moby-Dick Marathon,” said Amanda McMullen, President and CEO of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, “We are thrilled to have the participation of all our readers—200 strong—and know that their passion for Melville and heartfelt commitment to New Bedford will help make the 2022 marathon the most exciting and engaging yet.”

The 2022 Moby-Dick Marathon kicks off on Friday, January 7, 2022 and runs through Sunday, January 9, 2022. In addition to the virtual reading, the Whaling Museum has announced a slate of exciting, interactive virtual events that will take place during the marathon. Further information on additional programming will continue to be announced over the coming months. Visit the Whaling Museum website for regular updates and details on how to participate.

Contact
Evan England
Managing Director, NAIL[PR]
eengland@nailpr.cc
(401) 753-5588


About the New Bedford Whaling Museum
The New Bedford Whaling Museum ignites learning through explorations of art, history, science and culture rooted in the stories of people, the region and an international seaport. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for Whaling Museum members and children ages three and under; adults $19, seniors (65+) $17, students (19+) $12, child and youth $9. For more information visit www.whalingmuseum.org.