Annual Whaling Museum Meeting and Exhibit Opening

The 108^th Annual Meeting of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society – New Bedford Whaling Museum will take place Friday, May 20 at 4:00 pm. in the Cook Memorial Theater, followed at 6:00 p.m. by the opening of a new exhibit titled Sitting in New Bedford.

At 2:00 p.m. a Volunteer and Trustee Remembrance at the Seamen’s Bethel will precede the annual meeting. Family, friends and associates are invited to join the volunteer council and the board of trustees as they gather in fond remembrance of departed members.  At 4:00 p.m. the trustees and membership of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society will convene in the Museum’s Cook Memorial Theater for their 108^th Annual Meeting.

The annual meeting is followed at 6:00 p.m. by the opening of the Museum’s latest exhibit, Sitting in New Bedford. Located in the Gratia Houghton Rinehart Gallery, Sitting in New Bedford whimsically uses eclectic collections to show the many faces, everyday and unique objects, and surprising aspects of this city’s present and past. Furniture, workbenches and unique places people “sat” are just some of the diverse mix of art and artifacts included, some never seen before.

Curator Dr. Greg Galer, drawing upon pop-culture terminology, suggests the exhibit as a three dimensional “mash up.” By bringing together diverse materials, both complimentary and seemingly dissonant, one finds a fascinating and fun resonance, a perfect take for the summer.  Come see and join the many ways of “sitting in New Bedford.”  The exhibit even offers opportunities to sit for your own portrait and add your face to the many in the gallery.

The day concludes with After Hours featuring live music, refreshments and cash bar from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Jacobs Family Gallery sponsored by Fiber Optic Center, Inc., Whaling City Sound, and Perfect Pour LLC.

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 and is open daily. Wheelchair accessible. For a complete calendar of events, visit the Whaling Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org. Join the Museum’s online community on Flickr , Facebook, Twitter , and the Whaling Museum blog.