Sailing Towards My Father is a one-man play about Herman Melville (1819–1891), the American author best known for his whaling epic Moby-Dick.

Local History Guild is the NBWM’s quarterly Zoom program, an informal discussion about art, history, science and culture related to the museum mission, collection, and the surrounding region. This December, staff from the museum’s Curatorial Department will present on their “Favorite Things”!

Join the New Bedford Whaling Museum for a day trip to the Newport Historical Society in Newport, RI. You will participate in guided experiences inside the Colony House and the Newport 1775: Whose Side Are You On? exhibit.

Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Whaling Museum’s final First Friday of the year: Winter Brass – A Festive First Friday. This special evening features a live performance by the high-energy Southcoast Brass Band, guaranteed to bring bold holiday cheer with their New Orleans-inspired sound.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is delighted to host a free performance by the South Coast Children’s Chorus (SCCC) as part of AHA! Night | NB Festive. This special concert showcases selections from SCCC’s Hear My Voice season—music that celebrates youth creativity, compassion, and diversity, with themes of peace, unity, and social justice.

Gather the kids—and kids at heart—and celebrate New Year’s Eve with us at the New Bedford Whaling Museum! The lively Toe Jam Puppet Band will be in the Jacobs Family Gallery, bringing the family-friendly party to life with interactive silly songs, dancing, and fun for all ages

Each January, the New Bedford Whaling Museum hosts one of the world’s most celebrated live readings of Herman Melville’s iconic American novel, Moby-Dick. The annual Moby-Dick Marathon draws readers and enthusiasts from around the globe—both to the Museum’s campus and online—to share in this remarkable literary tradition.

On the night of February 4, 1982, Callahan’s small vessel collided with a whale in the Atlantic Ocean. With only moments to react, he escaped into a life raft with a basic survival kit—plunging into what would become 76 harrowing days alone at sea. Battling storms, dwindling supplies, and the vast, unforgiving ocean, Callahan was forced to confront both nature’s fury and his own deepest fears.

Launch the 2026 First Fridays series in unforgettable style with the return of pianist Dr. Jennifer Maxwell. Enjoy a rare silent-film screening of Down to the Sea in Ships (1922), transformed by Dr. Maxwell’s dynamic live score that fills the classic New Bedford whaling tale with energy and emotion.

Embark on a very special trip to Madeira with fellow Museum Member and special guest travel host Maria Lawton! Experience the island’s vibrant culture, unforgettable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.