New Bedford Whaling Docks

Voyage That Changed 20th Century American Whaling

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Dr Peter Capelotti
Dr Peter Capelotti

Dr. Peter Capelotti, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Penn State Abington will present an illustrated lecture titled, “The Whaling Expedition of the Ulysses 1937–38,” on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cook Memorial Theater, New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Writer, editor and member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Dr. Capelotti will relate a remarkable turning point in early 20th century whaling. In the spring of 1937, U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Quentin Robert Walsh received a special assignment aboard the whaling factory ship, Ulysses: to monitor the commercial operation’s compliance with international agreements protecting marine life. This extraordinary adventure in which Walsh played diplomat, international inspector and military policeman permitted him to witness an unprecedented slaughter of whales. His report became the most detailed account on the actual hunting and killing of pelagic whales.

The Ulysses flew the American flag, but Walsh quickly realized that the venture was a foreign affair intent on harvesting whales of illegal size and importing the resulting whale oil duty-free into the U.S. market. This behemoth floating “factory” killed with appalling efficiency in order to reap tremendous profits. Over 3,600 whales were butchered during the ship’s ten-month cruise.

Dr. Capelotti edited Lt. Walsh’s report and turned it into an extraordinary book, which was published in 2010. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Dr. Capelotti is the third of 12 distinguished speakers scheduled through May 10 – part of the Whaling Museum’s three signature lecture series: the Sailors’ Series, Man and Whales, and the Old Dartmouth Lyceum. Held on Thursday evenings, all programs include a reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Jacobs Family Gallery followed by the lecture at 7:30 p.m. in the Cook Memorial Theater.

Admission: $15 members; $20 non-members. For tickets, call (508) 997-0046 Ext. 100.

Sailors’ Series presents noted individuals with lifelong commitments to sailing, boats, and the sea (March 22, April 12 and 19). Man and Whales examines our changing views of marine mammals with science-themed lectures by experts on whale conservation (March 1, 15 and 29). Old Dartmouth Lyceum focuses on historical themes in the fine and decorative arts by examining significant holdings in the Museum collection, including 19th century painting, ceramics and glassware (April 5 and 26, May 3 and 10).

Upcoming lectures:

  • March 15 – Dr. Stephen Godfrey: “When Whales Walked the Earth: Fossil Whales and Olfactory Evolution”
  • March 22 – Douglas Adkins: “Dorade; the History of an Ocean Racing Yacht.”
  • March 29 – Capt. Stacy Pedrozo, USN, C.O., Naval Justice School, and Capt. Tom Fetherston, USN Retired, “Whose Homeland Security? Protecting Marine Mammals While Protecting National Security”
  • April 5 – Stuart P. Feld, Hirschl & Adler Galleries: “Museum acquisitions during the tenure of Director and Curator Richard Kugler”
  • April 12 – Capt. Sean S. Bercaw: “Full Sail into Cuba on the Amistad”
  • April 19 – Rich Wilson: “Race France to France, Leave Antarctica to Starboard: An American in the Vendee Globe”
  • April 26 – Kirk J. Nelson: “New Bedford Glass and Its Context”
  • May 3 – Keith Kauppila: “Visual Culture of the Civil War Era”
  • May 10 – Chris Gustin: “Finding Form”

The 2012 lecture series is presented by BayCoast Bank, and sponsored in part by C.E. Beckman, and Hampton Inn Fairhaven/New Bedford.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world’s most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales, whaling and the cultural history of the region. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. For events: www.whalingmuseum.org.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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