Whales, Tales and Sails story hour welcomes parents and toddlers

Moms, dads and caregivers might wonder where to find free, engaging activities for their young children. The answer may be found at your local national park: Whales, Tales and Sails, a free, one-hour story hour each Friday morning beginning at 10:00 AM through June 26.

The weekly event features professional storyteller Jackson Gillman and includes stories, songs, music, and crafts at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Corson Maritime Learning Center. This activity is geared for children ages 0-5. The center is located at 33 William Street in 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 accessible to all. Admission is free.

For more information, call 508-996-4095, go to the park website at www.nps.gov/nebe, or visit the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP

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