New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford has a long and fascinating history, filled with stories of whalemen going to sea for years a time, wives left to run businesses, escaped slaves seeking freedom, and a connection to the sea that spans centuries. The public is invited to explore this history through free guided tours, offered seven days a week, at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM, leaving from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s visitor center. The center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.
Tours will include Risks and Rewards of Whaling, Unknown Heroes and Their Secrets: New Bedford’s Underground Railroad, New Bedford’s Working Waterfront: Then and Now, and Sharing The Same Seas: The Uneasy Relationship between Humans and Whales.
Jen Nersesian, superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, said, “Our national park is proud to offer these tours to our public. The stories of whaling are connected to so many people around the world—they are everyone’s stories. Our walking tours are just one way we connect visitors to this amazing history. We especially look forward to seeing folks from New Bedford and surrounding towns drop by.”
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. The visitor center is accessible to all. Admission is free. For additional information and schedules, go to the park website at www.nps.gov/nebe or call 508-996-4095.
