Past Programs

Regatta week in 2017 celebrated the Society’s 20th Anniversary and the 20th birthday of the first Azorean whaleboat launched in America – the Bela Vista.

Seminar exploring scrimshaw’s distinguishing characteristics, including the technical background on whaling methods, whaling lore, ship-rigs and whaleboat crews.

Daily activities for kids in July and August – free for members or with Museum admission.

Artist Julia Mandle shared with museum visitors her unique perspective about making conceptual art. One of her ceramic works, Tied on the Bight, is exhibited in Thou Shalt Knot: Clifford W. Ashley.

The whaling industry as the first venture capital business model in the United States.

Pereira discussed his journey as a photojournalist and talked about the back stories of the photos on exhibit.

By David K. Pierce, Vice President of the Sippican Historical Society. At its peak the Sippican Hotel represented the finest elegance and style in the time of high culture in Marion’s history.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner in the Bourne Building and surrounding galleries. Proceeds from the Gala support the Museum’s educational mission.

O’er the Wide and Tractless Sea: Original Art of the Yankee Whale Hunt by Michael P. Dyer, Curator of Maritime History.

Reflections on The Good Friday Agreement and its impact on Brexit today – by David Byrne, Former Attorney General of Ireland

An annual family event that explores ocean health PLUS screening of Ocean Frontiers III: Leaders in Ocean Stewardship & the New Blue Economy.

Kathleen Saville, author of Rowing for My Life: Two Oceans, Two Lives, One Journey, spoke about her 1980s rows across the Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans.

Experienced weavers, Louis and Bonnie Silverstein, demonstrated the time-honored practice and highlighted distinctive features that characterize the Nantucket Basket’s labor-intensive construction.

Opening reception to view the work of master knot tyer, maritime artist, historian, and author Clifford W. Ashley.

Activities throughout the day with free admission June 30. Sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation.

This lecture by Professor Eduardo Adilson Camilo Pereira, Ph.D., answered some questions related to the Cabo Verdean immigration to the US since 1810.

Trip to Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University includes transportation, Irish buffet lunch, Museum admission, and a tour.

A celebration of the 35th anniversary of this generous gift from Cape Verde.

Peter Pereira Photojournalist – Simultaneous openings at the Whaling Museum and The Standard-Times building on Elm Street.

A daytime lecture series titled Influential Women of the South Coast. Presented in partnership with The Second Half: Lifelong Learning Institute.

The day began with the New Bedford Port Society’s official grand re-opening of the Mariners’ Home and Seamen’s Bethel.

Enthusiasts from across the country and abroad gather to share the enjoyment of this distinctive and beautiful art form.

Featuring hundreds of antiques from some of New England’s most respected dealers.

Exhibition opening, book signing and talk by Slocum biographer Stan Grayson.

Great stories, both fiction and non-fiction, abound as the people behind these narratives were brought to life.

Exhibition reception including a lecture by co-curator Judith W. Rosbe, author of Marion in the Golden Age.

A full week of crafts, hands-on activities and lots of fun for all!

Lecture series on New Bedford’s curious ties to Irish History.

Navigate through a Right Whale obstacle course, climb inside life-sized inflatable Right and Humpback Whales, listen to the story ‘Dario and the Whale’ and make Right Whale magnets or whale origami.

Lively lectures and discussions honored William Bradford and some of the greatest masterpieces in the Museum’s collection.

Adventures at Sea: Local Mariners Take to the Water

His appearance in April, 2017 marked the revivification of the New Bedford Lyceum, a centuries-old New England tradition of learning through intellectual debate.

Curators highlighted an exquisite Ryder painting in the Museum’s collection and discussed his connections to New Bedford.

February 20th kicked off vacation week with activities scheduled from 10 am – 2 pm.

Non-stop action-packed reading of America’s most iconic novel, Moby-Dick, beginning with the opening line, “Call me Ishmael.”