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.

Join the New Bedford Whaling Museum for a special program marking the opening of Forging Independence | Building a Nation, a new semi-permanent exhibition developed in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The exhibition explores the diverse regional experiences that shaped the struggle for independence and the new nation that emerged.

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.

Navy Day offers a full schedule of fun and educational opportunities for the public to experience the Navy’s role in environmental preservation, marine mammal protection, and underwater research, as well as the Museum’s extensive historical collection.

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.