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.
Wateke by the Water
Wateke by the Water
🌊 Whales: Giants of the Deep! 🐋(Walking Tour)
🌊 Whales: Giants of the Deep! 🐋(Walking Tour)
Language & Liberation: A Community Conversation
Language & Liberation: A Community Conversation
Underground Railroad Walking Tour
Underground Railroad Walking Tour
Hidden Voices of the Whaling Era: Women at Sea (Walking Tour)
Hidden Voices of the Whaling Era: Women at Sea (Walking Tour)
2nd Thursday Blues
2nd Thursday Blues
Visionary Blog
Stay informed with the latest stories, insights, and historical explorations about New Bedford’s revolutionary past and future.
Madeira Wine and the American Revolution
Learn Madeira wine's role in the founding of the United States and sip from special casks at the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford each August.
The Legacy of Martha Bailey Briggs
Martha Bailey Briggs left a legacy of excellence and inclusion in the founding of modern day education departments.
New Bedford Abolition: The Story of Nathan and Polly Johnson
By Richie Oliver In 1838, Frederick Douglass escaped slavery for the second time. For a brief time in his journey to freedom, Douglass was housed by Nathan and Mary “Polly” Johnson, right in the heart of New Bedford. Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, he would marry Anna Murray and, with suggestion from the Johnsons, would accept the name of Douglass. From 1838 to 1841, Douglass called New Bedford his home, where he would become one of the most prominent anti-slavery voices in history, with his writing and oratory remarks becoming one of the sparks of the wider abolitionist movement. As mentioned before, the home where the Douglasses stayed was owned by Nathan and Mary “Polly” Johnson, who housed and helped escaped slaves via the Underground Railroad since 1822. By 1850, they became one of the richest African-American couples in the city, which helped with their involvement in the abolition of…
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