“If you bulldoze your heritage, you become just anywhere.”
– Sarah Delno, president WHALE, 1966–1982

We all know that New Bedford isn’t just anywhere, so join us for a celebration of this unique city during AHA! Night: Preservation. Celebration. May’s AHA! Night is sponsored by First Citizen’s Federal Credit Union and takes place on Thursday, May 8th.

On this special night, take the “Not Just Anywhere” self-guided walking tour of many of the Waterfront Historic Area League’s (WHALE) downtown preservation projects. Powered by the AWEgmented app, this free tour will launch just in time for AHA! Night. 1 Johnny Cake Hill will be the unofficial starting point.

That’s also where you can celebrate the rededication of the Selmar Eggers Building. Damaged in a gas explosion, WHALE moved and restored the building in the late 1970s. It’s been updated by its new owners and houses a number of local businesses including the Kettle Black Gallery, which will host artist demonstrations later in the evening.

Learn about the history and beauty of the Ernestina-Morrissey, the 1894 tall ship and National Landmark, which will be open for tours on AHA! Night. The Whaling Museum is also offering free access to the entire museum, including interactive art stations. The Fishing Heritage Center looks back at The Barnacle, an independent magazine that covered New Bedford and Fairhaven’s working waterfront for over a decade.

There will also be live music, the 1850s Ladies, poetry, the New Bedford Public Schools’ art show, henna, art talks, Sorbae Frozen Treat Truck and so much more. Parking is free at the Elm and Zeiterion Garages.

Plus, AHA! Night kicks off ArtWeek SouthCoast, an annual festival celebrating creativity in our communities.
Not sure where to go during your AHA! Night? Take a tour with an AHA! Docent! Beginning this AHA! Night, you can take a free AHA! Night walking tour with artist Kat Knutsen, who will guide participants through the evening’s highlights and hidden gems. Kat is a New Bedford-based artist, musician, and creative force behind The Siren, which promotes visual art and music-related news in the region. The tour begins at 6:00 pm at the AHA! table in Custom House Square and will last approximately 45-60 minutes. Attendees can “hop off” at any time to further enjoy various AHA! Night experiences. No registration required.