The Portuguese and Lusophone-World Lecture Series
Doors: 5:30 PM | Program Starts: 6:00 PM
$5 for Members or $10 Non-Members
This event is supported by the Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies of Brown University
with support from FLAD - Luso-American Foundation, of Lisbon.
Echoes of Pico: Exploring Azorean Whaling, History, and Heritage
Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM (doors at 5:30 PM)
Join us for an evening of cultural exploration as we delve into the rich history of the Azores and its enduring connection to New Bedford. This event features a book release, film screening, and panel discussion, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on Azorean whaling traditions and heritage.
The evening begins with a welcome from State Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral, followed by Joel Silveira Avila’s book release, Shades of Black and Gray – An Inquiry into the Island of Pico and its History, which illuminates the island’s whaling, wine-making, and emigration history. Nick Francis's documentary The Last Azorean Whalemen brings to life the experiences of the last whalemen from Pico and Faial, preserving their oral history for future generations. A panel discussion, facilitated by Sara da Silva Quintal, will provide further insights into these powerful cultural ties.
Event Schedule:
5:30 PM – Doors open
6:00 PM – Welcome Remarks
State Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral
6:05 PM – Talk and Book Release:
Shades of Black and Gray – an Inquiry into the Island of Pico and its History
By Joel Silveira Avila
6:25 PM – Screening:
The Last Azorean Whalemen
A short film by Nick Francis
6:45 – Panel Discussion:
Facilitated by Sara da Silva Quintal
A first-generation Azorean American born and raised in New Bedford, Sara manages the Buzzard Bay Coalition’s ecological restoration projects around Buzzards Bay and enjoys exploring the local waters by kayak and sailing Azorean whaleboats.
Speaker and Author Biography:
Joel Silveira Avila
Joel was born in Fetais da Piedade, on the island of Pico in the Azores. He emigrated to the United States in 1963 at the age of seven, accompanied by his parents, João Pereira Avila and Leonela Silveira Avila. Joel holds a BA, MBA, and JD from the University of Massachusetts. Married to Susan Bedard, he is the proud father of three adult children and grandfather to three grandchildren. Joel served as an elected member of the Planning Board in Dartmouth, Massachusetts and recently retired from a career in Information Technology. He is the author of the article "The Dabneys on Pico - A Forgotten Heritage" featured in the 2023 edition of the Boletim Núcleo Cultural da Horta.
Book Outline:
Joel’s new book, Shades of Black and Gray – an Inquiry into the Island of Pico and its History, sheds light on the history of Pico through a question-and-answer format. It delves into topics such as discovery, settlement, religion, whaling, wine-making, and emigration from the 15th century to the present day. The book also explores Pico’s deep connections to the New Bedford area, helping to illuminate its rich history and cultural ties.
Filmmaker Biography:
Nick Francis
Nick is the Visionary Officer at The Franchise Group (TFG), a Southcoast-based creative and strategic marketing agency. With an MFA in Film and Motion Graphics from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Nick began his career in feature and short films before returning to Massachusetts to work in video editing and motion graphics. In 2006, he founded Franchise Studios, later evolving into TFG, where he continues to collaborate with high-profile clients such as Allianz, Meta, and Hitachi. Nick has earned Emmy nominations and numerous awards for his work, including the Davey, Telly, and W3 Awards. His documentary The Last Azorean Whalemen reflects his passion for storytelling, preserving the heritage of the Azores through film.
Film Synopsis:
The Last Azorean Whalemen explores the lives of septuagenarian whalemen from Pico and Faial as they preserve their oral history of whaling, survival, and camaraderie. The documentary captures the natural beauty of the Azores and provides insight into the whaling industry that once thrived there. Through the eyes of these whalemen, the film examines their experiences hunting whales, the methods they used, and their adaptation to life after whaling was outlawed. It also touches on the evolution of the whaling industry into tourism and their reflections on their unique heritage.
