| New Bedford Whaling Museum, established in 1903,
is a world-renowned museum that brings to life the rich history of American whaling in the
age of sail and the city of New Bedford's role as the premier port of the whaling
industry. Located in the heart of the Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum
features interactive exhibits, including the world's largest ship model; displays of fine
and decorative arts; collections of cultural artifacts, rare antiquities, scrimshaw and
logbooks; and a 66-foot skeleton of a rare blue whale. The museum is one of only 10
percent of museums nationwide to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. The
New Bedford Whaling Museum is the largest museum devoted to the history of American
whaling. It also is the area's most complete historical museum. There are
galleries devoted to ship models, whaling tools and gear, scrimshaw, a fully-equipped
whaleboat and a 100-foot mural of sperm whales. Exhibits of photography, glass,
textiles and folk art reflect bygone eras. Paintings by Ashley, Bierstadt, Bradford,
Gifford and other well-known artists offer a vivid reminder of the locale's past.
The library provides unrivaled resources for research on whaling and New Bedford.
The Museum, on Johnny Cake Hill, is in the heart of New Bedford's magnificently
restored historic district. Across the street is the Seamen's Bethel, which Melville
describes in Moby Dick. Two blocks away is the Visitor's Center where you can
find directions to the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, the Children's Museum and
other attractions including the East Coast's largest fishing fleet, retail outlets,
restaurants and beaches.
As of May, 2001, the museum is still undergoing extensive renovations
and not all exhibits were open.
| Hours |
Open daily 9 am - 5 pm; Sundays 1 pm - 5 pm
Sundays in July and August 11 am - 5 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's
|
| Admission |
Adults $4.50, senior citizens $3.50, children (6-14) $3.00
|
| Whaling Film |
A 22-minute film featuring an actual whaling chase is shown
during July and August at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm daily; September through June at 2 pm
weekends only
|
| Directions |
New Bedford is located 1 hour south of Boston and 45 minutes
east of Providence. From Interstate 195 in New Bedford, take exit 15 and proceed 1
mile to the "Downtown" exit. Turn right on Elm Street, then left on Bethel
Street. The Museum is on the left in the second block. Parking garages are
located nearby. |
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