Past Programs

The 25th anniversary of the annual readathon of America’s most iconic novel, Moby-Dick.

A private screening of Finding 52: The Search for the Loneliest Whale in the World and a post-film Q&A with the director, Joshua Zeman, available only to New Bedford Whaling Museum Members and a limited group of funders of the film.

Exploring The Cabo Verde – United States Musical Connection and Legacy with Candida Rose

Virtual film screening of Entangled followed by a Q&A with the director.

Author and historian Skip Finley shared some of the stories he uncovered while researching his book titled Whaling Captains of Color – America’s First Meritocracy.

Honoring the struggle for voting rights by making sure all voices are heard in the 2020 Election. Lighting the Way Votes resources were available here!

The Museum’s annual lecture series presents a wide variety of experiences and adventures by individuals with lifelong commitments to sailing, boats, and the sea.

Aquinnah Wampanoag, whaling descendant, and marine scientist Elizabeth James-Perry discussed her exhibition and how it connects to her family history, Wampanoag culture, and 400-years of environmental change and adaptation.

For each two-week outdoor exhibition, a virtual curator talk was presented via zoom.

In partnership with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, attendees experienced a rich musical tapestry of different cultures and histories from around the world during this live online event.

Panel Discussion – presented by the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts

Aquinnah Wampanoag whaling descendant, and marine scientist, Elizabeth James-Perry, discussed her art and the concept for the show, Ripples. Through a Wampanoag Lens.

Honoring the unfinished legacy of the women’s suffrage movement through public art.

A conversation with Dr. Akeia de Barros Gomes about what inspired this community-based project, how the stories will create an exhibit, and how you can share your story with us.

Attendees joined (via ZOOM) Dr. Gifford to rediscover the Progress’ fascinating story and what it reflects about New Bedford’s past and the process of turning the whaling industry into a “museum piece.”

An exploration of the remarkable artist and mariner, George A. Gale, with Curator of Maritime History Michael P. Dyer.

A virtual meeting via Zoom, May 20, 2020.

Virtual attendees joined artist Alison Wells and Whaling Museum Curator of Social History Akeia de Barros Gomes for a discussion of Alison’s artistic journey; as an artist, art educator, and gallery owner.

Michael Lapides, Director of Digital Initiatives, explored the Museum’s photo archives and shared images depicting the lives of our most essential workers via Zoom.

A Youth Showcase of Art Inspired by Historic Women of the SouthCoast.
Young artists were invited to ignite interest in the impact of women from the region through original art projects.

Visitors joined us this February school vacation week to get expressive during the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s ART WEEK!

Many of these original artworks highlighted the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, honored the unfinished legacy of the women’s suffrage movement, or highlighted civically engaged women featured in the Museum project Lighting the Way: Historic Women of the SouthCoast.

In 1989 Tracy Edwards leads the first all-female crew in the grueling Whitbread Round the World Race. Ultimately this film has strong messages about teamwork, communication, perseverance, and courage.

Herman Melville’s literary masterpiece was celebrated at the Museum’s 2020 readathon of Moby-Dick.