Moby-Dick Marathon - New Bedford Whaling Museum
A diverse group of people sitting on the wooden deck of the Lagoda, the half-scale model whaling ship at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, intently reading books. In the foreground, a person wearing a knit cap and glasses holds an open book, while others are gathered nearby on the deck, creating a quiet, contemplative atmosphere in the historic ship setting.

Moby-Dick Marathon

Embark on an unforgettable literary voyage at the New Bedford Whaling Museum!

 

a man with graying hair and glasses, speaking passionately at a podium, his right arm raised in a clenched fist. He is wearing a dark, textured zip-up sweater over a gray shirt.

Moby-Dick Marathon

Embark on an unforgettable literary voyage at the New Bedford Whaling Museum!

A candid view looking down at a group of people sitting and lying on the wooden deck of the Lagoda model whaling ship, participating in a communal reading of Moby-Dick. In the foreground, a woman in a green beanie and glasses works with her hands, while a man lies on his back beside her, holding an open book up to read. Others are scattered around the deck in similar relaxed positions, absorbed in their books.

Moby-Dick Marathon

Embark on an unforgettable literary voyage at the New Bedford Whaling Museum!

Reverend Lima, seen from behind, addressing a large, diverse congregation gathered inside the historic Seamen's Bethel in New Bedford. The attendees are standing throughout the sanctuary, many holding programs, while a large, golden clock hangs on the wall above the pulpit in the background.

Moby-Dick Marathon

Embark on an unforgettable literary voyage at the New Bedford Whaling Museum!

A candid shot of a group of people sitting in rows, intently reading copies of "Moby Dick" during an event. In the foreground, a woman rests her chin on her hand while looking down at her book, with others beside her and behind her similarly engaged in reading. The setting is a well-lit hall decorated with string lights.

Moby-Dick Marathon

Embark on an unforgettable literary voyage at the New Bedford Whaling Museum!

Actor Steven Weber stands at a wooden podium, reading aloud to a large, attentive audience gathered in a hall at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. A projector screen in the background indicates this is "Reader 278" for "Chapter 135," part of a communal Moby-Dick reading event. The audience members, seated in rows, follow along in their own copies of the book.

Moby-Dick Marathon

Embark on an unforgettable literary voyage at the New Bedford Whaling Museum!

Join us in celebrating the annual Moby-Dick Marathon, the Museum’s world-renowned tribute to Herman Melville’s epic tale of obsession, adventure, and the sea. Each January, readers and Melville enthusiasts from around the globe gather in New Bedford—the very port where Melville himself once set sail—to take part in a 25-hour, cover-to-cover reading of Moby-Dick.

This extraordinary event transforms the Museum into a stage for literature, history, and community. Visitors can immerse themselves in Melville-inspired programs, including thought-provoking conversations with scholars, dramatic performances, hands-on activities for all ages, and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring Melville’s world vividly to life.

The Marathon commemorates Melville’s 1841 departure aboard the whaleship Acushnet—the journey that would inspire one of America’s greatest novels. Thirty years on, the celebration continues to grow, uniting generations of readers, performers, and maritime enthusiasts in a shared quest for the elusive white whale.

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Reverend Lima, seen from behind, addressing a large, diverse congregation gathered inside the historic Seamen's Bethel in New Bedford. The attendees are standing throughout the sanctuary, many holding programs, while a large, golden clock hangs on the wall above the pulpit in the background.
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Moby-Dick Marathon 2027

January 8, 2027 - January 10, 2027

Each January, the New Bedford Whaling Museum hosts a celebrated live reading of Moby-Dick. The annual Marathon draws global enthusiasts—both in-person and online—to share in this remarkable literary tradition.

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