Press Releases

NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM'S NEW ONLINE EXHIBITION PORTRAYS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CITY'S CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC HISTORY

NEW BEDFORD, MA (June 2009) - The whaling industry brought together cultures from around the globe, and New Bedford as the whaling capital was no exception to such diverse international influences. The most unsuspected of objects tell the story of these travels - the handheld fan.

"Fans: A Link Between Cultures" is the latest online exhibition of the New Bedford Whaling Museum that features the museum's highlighted collection of these interesting objects. With a unique assortment of fans, dolls, a nineteenth century Valentine and more, this exhibit conveys the symbol of the fan's importance to the history of trading influence from the Pacific Islands to Western Europe.

Ranging from public advertisement to a secret language of love and involving scores of materials and textiles, this exhibit appeals to historians and textile aficionados alike. These artifacts relay the small but captivating story of 19th and early 20th century American culture.

ECHO interns Rose Horton (history) and Jodi Stevens (MA-fibers) researched the fascinating history of fans and compiled this exhibit to portray this small yet significant aspect of New Bedford's economic, cultural, and trading history.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales and whaling. The cornerstone of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located in the heart of the city's historic downtown at 18 Johnny Cake Hill and is open daily, year round. The public are invited to become part of the Whaling Museum online community at flickr.com, facebook.com, and blog at www.whalingmuseumblog.org. For a complete calendar of events, visit the Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org