Past Programs - New Bedford Whaling Museum

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Moby-Dick Marathon 2024

January 5, 2024 - January 7, 2024

One of the world’s best known live readings of Herman Melville’s iconic American novel Moby-Dick takes place every January at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Moby-Dick Marathon draws readers and enthusiasts from around the globe to the Museum’s campus and to the reading online.

Kick off this year’s Moby-Dick Marathon with a delicious dinner in our Harbor View Gallery, followed by a captivating lecture, featuring master printer Jos Sances, and Melville Scholar Jeff Peterson, Ph.D.

Presented in collaboration with the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will host a special screening of the recently released Netflix film Rustin, followed by a discussion with community leaders.

Join artist Roy Rossow for an evening of art, creativity, and observation. Explore Rossow’s exhibition “The Stars That Guide Us,” and participate in a painting workshop with the artist himself overlooking the New Bedford waterfront at sunset.

“A passionate and powerful blend of infectious Americana melodies and folky instrumentation, Matthews delivers her honest songwriting through a beautifully raw and unfiltered lens. Oozing soul, her voice bleeds with emotion and gratitude, while simple piano melodies and upbeat percussion fill you with appreciation and love for the people around us who fight for change.” — Ear Milk

AHA! We HeART NB at the New Bedford Whaling Museum with an immersive art and music experience, amid the Framing the Domestic Sea exhibition.

This Valentine’s Day, bring your valentine, galantine or palentine – as you wish – for a fun movie party, featuring themed drinks and food.

IN THE WHALE is an award-winning feature-length film about arguably the greatest fish story ever told, though this one is true. It’s the account of a man who survived to tell the tale of being swallowed by a whale, and what happened after he was spit out.

Captain Paul Cuffe Week

February 19, 2024 - February 23, 2024

Let your creativity set sail as we celebrate a remarkable figure in American history! Join us during February School Vacation Week for a hands-on exploration of the remarkable life and legacy of Captain Paul Cuffe. Cuffe was a seafarer, entrepreneur, educator, and visionary who became one of the wealthiest men of color in the nation.

Fire up your winter season with internationally renowned djembefola Sidy Maiga and steel pannist Becky Bass. Between performances, experience the joy of learning some drum beats from the djembe master himself, alongside other curious learners.

Virtual discussion focusing on the complex human relationships with seals over millennia and how that’s changed in a variety of ways over the past 4,000 years and continues to evolve as seals rebound in our region.

Did you know that a women scientist is behind the world’s most comprehensive blue whale database? Learn more about Dr. Diane Gendron’s research and blue whales in general by watching for FREE our Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D film before it leaves the New Bedford Whaling Museum on March 17th.