New Bedford Whaling Museum

Address
18 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford, MA 02740 United States Get Directions
Phone (508) 997-0046
Events at this venue
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  • Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast at New Bedford Whaling Museum

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    The temporary exhibition Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast is hosted in the San Francisco galleries, adjoining the permanent gallery devoted to Cape Verdean culture that opened in 2011. It features personal stories, oral histories, music, photographs, and belongings from individuals and community organizations to tell the story of the Cape Verdean diaspora across the region, spanning the South Coast, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod.

  • Forging Independence | Building a Nation

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, NBWM will open a new suite of conjoined galleries in that explore stories of independence, struggle, and citizenship in the region during the late colonial and early Republican period (1760-1830). Forging Independence | Building a Nation introduces connections between historical events and pressing issues of today, asking visitors to consider what ideas are embodied in the terms and ideas of Independence and Nationhood. Words like patriotism, freedom, taxation, citizenship, liberty, equality, justice, tolerance, and independence serve as keystones within the installation to encourage thoughtful engagement with concepts that transcend the past and directly connect with our present. Associations forged between objects, concepts, and individuals broach insightful civic-minded questions about what it means to be “American.” What did colonial citizens think America should or would be, and how do we today continue to ask those questions and shape that outcome today?

  • Ahab’s Head: American Vengeance

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    In Ahab’s Head: American Vengeance, a new installation work created for the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Whitman seeks to capture Ahab’s madness and the ominous feeling of dread and inevitable violence that pervades the novel. In this work, Whitman encourages visitors to reflect on how these themes are also mirrored in American society. Hanging sculptural forms made from rope and fabric cast shadows on wall-drawn charts depicting fictitious whaling voyages. Two giant assemblages, one inspired by Ahab and Moby-Dick and the other of the destruction of the ship, the Pequod. Together with a newly created soundscape and weaponry from the Museum collection, Ahab’s Head will place visitors at the center of Ahab’s obsession and offer a meditation on violence in the world of Moby-Dick and beyond.

  • February Vacation Week at the Museum

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    February 16-20, 2026 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Travel back in time during February school vacation week! Each day includes themed-activities, crafts, stories, and a special movie. Enjoy the entire Museum, including the Lagoda whaling ship, the Kid's Corner play space, the Sailor's Nook pretend play area, the interactive sand table, whale skeletons, and more! Monday, February 16: 250 Years Ago Explore the Revolutionary War and the exhibit Forging Independence | Building a Nation Inflatable Whale from 10:00 am-4:00 pm Storytime in the Kid's Corner at 10:00 am Make & Take Craft: Silhouettes from 10:30 am-3:30 pm Hands-on History Activity: Make Butter from 1:00-2:30 pm Storytime in the Sailor's Nook at 3:00 pm Costume Parade at 3:30 pm Afternoon Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (PG-13, 2003) at 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 17: Get To Work! Explore New Bedford's Industrial History and the exhibit Energy and Enterprise Storytime in the Kid's Corner at 10:00 am Make & Take Craft: Weaving from 10:30 am-3:30 pm Hands-on History Activity: Make a Suncatcher from 1:00-2:30 pm Storytime in the Sailor's Nook at 3:00 pm Costume Parade at 3:30 pm Afternoon Movie: Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken (PG, 2023) at 4:00 […]

  • Latin Jazz Night: Salsa & Social Dance

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Experience the infectious rhythms of Latin Jazz at the New Bedford Whaling Museum! On this First Friday, Jesús Andujar y Su Grupo Sazón bring a high-energy, six-piece orchestra performing Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue, and Latin Jazz that will keep you moving all night. The evening begins with Museum doors opening at 5:00 PM, followed by live music at 6:00 PM in the Harbor View Gallery. While the focus is on the music, an ample open dance floor with a dance leader will give guests the chance to learn basic steps and move to the beat. Come for the music, stay for the energy, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Latin Jazz! ABOUT THE BAND Jesús Andujar, born in the Dominican Republic, developed his extraordinary sense of rhythm and percussion while working on farms, where he honed his timing, tempo, and ear for music through everyday work with percussive tools. His natural talent led him to perform with bands across the Dominican Republic, where he became recognized as a master percussionist. Jesús later moved to New York City to study at the prestigious New York Collective Drumming School, learning from renowned artists including Bobby Sanabria, Ricky Sebastian, and Mike […]

  • Navy Day at the New Bedford Whaling Museum

    New Bedford Whaling Museum 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, United States

    Join us for Navy Day, hosted in partnership with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport! This exciting day of hands-on exploration highlights the Navy’s vital role in marine research, environmental preservation, and marine mammal protection while showcasing the Museum’s rich maritime history. 🔹 Engage with NUWC scientists and discover cutting-edge underwater research. 🔹 Explore whale ecology and see our massive whale skeletons up close. 🔹 Board the world’s largest ship model and embark on a scavenger hunt. 🔹 Experience stunning underwater worlds with 3D film screenings in the Cook Memorial Theater. 🔹 Participate in various hands-on activities with the program partners. Free admission for all valid Department of Defense (DoD) ID card holders, veterans, and their families. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with science, history, and the sea!

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Photo Credit: Josh Souza