CETACEAN (The Whale) is a darkly humorous, visually striking performance blending story, movement, video, and sound to explore our relationship with whales, oceans, and the climate crisis.

Join the over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents to view and vote on the Finalists’ Films in the 28th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.

Learn about art, history, science, and culture with activities designed for homeschool families! General admission includes access to museum exhibits and activities like the Inflatable Whale, Lagoda Below Deck, and other guided stations around the museum.

On the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal, join leading experts to learn more about the independence movement in Cabo Verde in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, explore acts of revolution under the PAIGC, and consider the legacies of Cape Verdean independence from Portugal today.

Experience a night of immersive indie music as the Whaling Museum transforms into a multi-gallery stage, featuring live performances ranging from acoustic sets to experimental acts. Presented in collaboration with Unexpected Music, this 18+ event celebrates New Bedford’s vibrant creative community.

Interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities? Join us for an information session on Wednesday, October 8th at 10:30 am. This session will include an overview of the volunteer program and different opportunities, as well as a chance to meet and participate in short tours of the museum with current volunteers.

Join the Moby-Dick Book Club, a virtual three-part series exploring Herman Melville’s iconic American novel. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, all are welcome to take part in engaging, thought-provoking conversations led by some of the world’s leading Melville scholars.

An evening of music, creativity, and family fun at the Whaling Museum! October’s AHA! Night is all about celebrating community with playful activities, hands-on artmaking, and festive treats. From scavenger hunts to limbo challenges to a colorful kite-making workshop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join leading Cape Verdean-descended contemporary artists and scholars working in the field and museums to hear about how cultural identity and other intersectional identities are expressed various media of artmaking.

The Climate Future Film Festival, founded by Jim Stahl, delves into the artistic and human responses to the climate crisis and the paths that may lie ahead. The festival promises a thought-provoking program that highlights the power of storytelling in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.

An extraordinary evening with renowned climate author and activist Bill McKibben! In his keynote Solar, Society, and the Shifting Climate, McKibben illuminates the promise of renewable energy, the fight for climate justice, and the power of collective action—blending urgent science, inspiring stories, and practical solutions.

Dive into a Halloween-themed afternoon at the Whaling Museum, where maritime history meets spooky fun! Discover the “monsters”—for centuries sailors returned from the sea with tales of terrifying creatures lurking in the deep.

Professors Daniela Melo and Timothy Walker will present highlights from their new scholarly edition of Wilfred Burchett’s writing on Portugal’s 1974 “Carnation” Revolution—published in English for the first time by Verso Books (UK).

A genre-bending night of music led by punk cellist and Berklee grad Ian Legge. The evening features dynamic string arrangements, a family jam session, and a full-blown punk show celebrating the release of Arrangements Vol. I—his debut album of punk covers reimagined for strings and band.

Join leading archivists and genealogical researchers as they describe personal journeys to trace their ancestral roots and share useful tools and fruitful avenues for conducting your own genealogical research.

This November, Yo-Yo Ma will perform Bach’s complete suites for solo cello for the first time in one evening at home, in Boston. It’s music that he has offered to communities on all six continents, in moments of joy and in times of tragedy. For him it exemplifies how culture helps us to seek truth, build trust, and act in service.

Join leading Cape Verdean-descended contemporary musicians, and scholars of music history to learn about how Cape Verdean music from the islands influenced Cape Verdean American music in Southern New England.

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”!

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.

One of the world’s best known live readings of Herman Melville’s iconic American novel Moby-Dick takes place every January at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Moby-Dick Marathon draws readers and enthusiasts from around the globe to the Museum’s campus and to viewing online.

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.