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.

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New Bedford’s Firsts

Groundbreaking achievements and historical firsts that set New Bedford apart.

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Revolutionary Innovation

The industries and ideas that changed the course of history, from whaling to renewable energy.

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Milestones in Independence & Freedom

Significant moments in the fight for independence, civil rights, and social justice.

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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.

Visionary Blog

Stay informed with the latest stories, insights, and historical explorations about New Bedford’s revolutionary past and future.

Frederick Douglass Statue in Abolition Row Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

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…

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Resources

A hub for recognizing the voices behind these stories and providing key links for deeper exploration of New Bedford’s history.

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Experience the Stories in Motion

Dive into our video gallery, where history comes to life through engaging storytelling and visuals.

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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

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