New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Ruth and Abby, the 1850s ladies, have told some individuals that they plan to visit downtown New Bedford on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in August to chat with visitors, share their picnic lunch, and even to play lawn games. Their strolls and activities, all free of charge, leave from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s visitor center at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.
On Thursdays, they may be found strolling the downtown near Custom House Square from 5:00-6:30 PM, just before the free Thursday evening concert at the national park’s garden. On Fridays, Ruth and Abby picnic by the waterfront from 12 noon- 3 pm. On Saturdays, they stroll the downtown district from 10-12, then create children’s craft activities with young visitors during Maritime Heritage Days from 12-2 pm in the park’s garden area while a blacksmith, cooper or similar tradesperson demonstrates craftsmanship on an aspect of New Bedford’s connection to the sea. On Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 pm, the 1850s ladies play croquet and other lawn games. All activities are free and do not require any ticket or reservation.
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.
