Celebrate New Bedford
Where Visionary Voices
bring See -Worthy to Light
The heart and soul of New Bedford is its people. As Massachusetts kicks off its celebration of The United States 250th anniversary, New Bedford reflects on the people who have shaped our history by championing freedom, steering innovative industry, creating a community for artists and entrepreneurs, and building a place where people from all over the globe have come to call home.
In New Bedford, our community is rich with cultural diversity, revolutionary moments, milestones in independence and freedom, and historical firsts in the nation. From lesser-known stories to the famed whaling “city that lit the world,” so much has been “see-worthy” in New Bedford throughout the years and we have compiled unique opportunities to experience them in the present. We hope you celebrate MA250 the New Bedford way in 2025!
Discover New Bedford’s Revolutionary Legacy
Revolutionary People and Moments
Stories of individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping history, from abolitionists to activists.
New Bedford’s Firsts
Groundbreaking achievements and historical firsts that set New Bedford apart.
Revolutionary Innovation
The industries and ideas that changed the course of history, from whaling to renewable energy.
Milestones in Independence & Freedom
Significant moments in the fight for independence, civil rights, and social justice.
Please accept our Visionary Voices campaign as an open dialogue, not a closed circuit. Lesser-told stories often come with a shortage of readily available and sometimes inaccurate and/or incomplete information. We encourage contacting us if you feel that any information presented here is incorrect or if you have any additional information to impart to ensure that we are accurately representing the legacies of the people we are showcasing. We hope that in the process of sharing these stories, we can all learn more about the diversity of voices that shape New Bedford’s culture.
See What’s Happening
Step into history, culture, and celebration with events that bring New Bedford’s legacy to life. and participate in events celebrating New Bedford’s role in the MA250 celebration.
Bunny Brunch
Bunny Brunch
Radical Reinvention: Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture
Radical Reinvention: Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture
PROVINCETOWN PRINTS: WHITE-LINE WOODCUTS FROM THE COLLECTION OF EDWARD YASUNA
PROVINCETOWN PRINTS: WHITE-LINE WOODCUTS FROM THE COLLECTION OF EDWARD YASUNA
Visionary Blog
Stay informed with the latest stories, insights, and historical explorations about New Bedford’s revolutionary past and future.
New Bedford Spotlight: Brewer Scott Brunelle
Scott Brunelle is "brewing history" at Moby Dick Brewing Company.
What is Massachusetts 250?
Massachusetts 250 is a statewide initiative led by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
New Bedford’s U.S. Custom House
New Bedford’s U.S. Custom House was designed by Robert Mills, the first internationally recognized architect born and trained in the United States.* Situated within the Whaling National Historical Park and Seaport Cultural District, the U.S. Custom House is a common sight for visiting and local pedestrians. The abutting Custom House Square is a public park and location for special events and occasions throughout the year such as live music, performance art, and holiday celebrations. In December of 2024, the exterior of the building was transformed visually into a giant snow globe by New Bedford artists Broken Glass Projection Mapping. The building stands out as a prominent landmark in the city’s visual landscape, yet its history and current functions remain largely unknown to the public. The New Bedford U.S. Customs House, built between 1834 and 1836, was a key site in maritime trade history and is the country’s oldest continuously operating customs…
Resources
A hub for recognizing the voices behind these stories and providing key links for deeper exploration of New Bedford’s history.
Experience the Stories in Motion
Dive into our video gallery, where history comes to life through engaging storytelling and visuals.
Learn More About Our History at MA250
Massachusetts is celebrating 250 years of innovation, history, and culture! Discover the stories, events, and milestones that have shaped our state at the MA250 Website