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.
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
Art Opening: Portals by Kate Frazer Rego
Art Opening: Portals by Kate Frazer Rego
Visionary Blog
Stay informed with the latest stories, insights, and historical explorations about New Bedford’s revolutionary past and future.
10 Ways to Spring into Summer
With the summer approaching, we can sense the urge to get outdoors and connect with friends and family. The countdown begins for the opening of your favorite outdoor dining spots and finding new ways to enjoy the water. Your favorite festivals return, picnic season commences, and it’s time to stretch your legs and learn about local history on a walking tour. Here is some inspiration to get you started planning your most epic summer yet. Celebrate Local Art ArtWeek SouthCoast brings you on a journey through the imaginations of artists throughout the SouthCoast. This festival takes place from May 8 through May 18 and includes over fifty unique and creative experiences across the region. Experience hands-on, interactive, and behind-the-scenes access to art and artists or the creative process. Check out the calendar of events and see how many experiences you can enjoy. Dine on the Beach Cisco Brewers New Bedford…
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…
In the Footsteps of Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass escaped slavery by train, landing in New York City in September of 1838. After only a few short weeks, he departed for New Bedford, where he would find his first home as a free man and his powerful voice as an orator and activist. Come see where Douglass lived and spoke, and how the city celebrates his life and legacy! Nathan and Polly Johnson House Nathan and Mary “Polly” Johnson were Black abolitionists who provided shelter for many enslaved families seeking freedom in the North. After escaping to New York City in 1838, Frederick Douglass married Anna Murray, a free Black woman he met when enslaved in Baltimore, Maryland. They traveled to New Bedford, where Douglass would first live as a free man in the home of Nathan and Polly Johnson. Today, you can schedule a tour of this home with the New Bedford Historical Society. The home…
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