The public is cordially invited to attend the Descendants of Whaling Masters’ 52nd Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the James Arnold Mansion, 427 County Street, New Bedford, MA, from noon to 3 p.m. The event kicks-off with a social hour, followed by a brief business meeting, dinner, and a presentation: “Buzzards Bay Hypothesis” presented by Michael P. Dyer. Curator of Maritime History at Mystic Seaport Museum.
The public is welcome to attend this annual event and enjoy the luncheon and program. Luncheon menu choices are baked stuffed breast of chicken, baked scrod or Caesar salad with grilled chicken. Admission is $46 per person (all inclusive). Please respond by June 8th with payment and menu selections to William H. Potter, Jr.; DWM Treasurer; 194 Main Street; Fairhaven, MA 02719. Checks should be made payable to: “Descendants of Whaling Masters, Inc.”

Descendants of Whaling Masters is pleased to welcome Michael P. Dyer, an independent scholar specializing in American maritime and world whaling history. His presentation “The Navigation History of Buzzards Bay with a Few Particulars about How It Got Its Name,” examines the chronology of known charts of the region, the various peculiarities about place names and sailing directions, and the evolution of the naming of the bay which coincided with a number of very important social issues of the day particularly religion.

Founded in 1974, DWM’s membership has grown to over 450, who now hail from over 30 states and overseas territories of the United States and who treasure their connection with their whaling heritage. Membership to DWM is open to direct descendants of whaling masters (i.e., captains) as well as anyone who can document that a relative served in any capacity as a crew member on board a whaling vessel.
Persons interested in becoming a member of Descendants of Whaling Masters should contact membership chairman, Christine H. Davis, Chairperson; DWM Membership Committee; 53 Alte Ziege Weg, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.Telephone: 210-763-8772. DWM membership categories are Descendant, Relative, Crew, Associate, Family and Contributing. Being a descendant of a whaling captain or crew member is not required for a contributing member. This category is open to anyone who is interested in whaling history. Visit whalingmasters.org for more information. Helpful links are listed on the DWM website to help you document your ancestor.

For more information about Descendants of Whaling Masters write to: PO Box 3026, New Bedford MA 02741 or call 508-287-2482 or 508-994-3087.