New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
What was life like for the whalemen aboard the whaleship Charles W. Morgan? Find out on Wed., April 23, as New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park holds its Welcome Home, Charles W. Morgan event. This New Bedford-built whaleship will make an historic visit back to her homeport this summer, and this event gives people of all ages the opportunity to explore what it meant to be a 19th century whaleman on this vessel. The events take place between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and all events are free of charge. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is located at 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford.
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 wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov/nebe, or visit the park’s Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP.
Activities are as follows:
- 11:00 AM-12:00: 19th century Morgan sailors come to life. Hear their stories and share
- their adventures.
- 11:00-12 &1:00-3:00 PM: Try your hand at harpoon-throwing
- 1:00-2:00 PM: meet the cook of the Morgan; bake and taste some hardtack
- 11:00 AM-12:00 & 1:00-3:00 PM: whale craft activity
- 12:00-1:00 PM: sea chantey singalong
- 2:00-3:00 PM: knot-tying for landlubbers
