MARITIME MAKERS & MARINE MARVELS
Make, Explore, Marvel & Celebrate!
School Vacation Week: Monday, April 21 to Sunday, April 27, 2025
đź“… Expanded Hours!
The Museum is open 7 days a week from
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM starting in April!
All activities are included as part of general admission to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, except for the 3D film screenings. Film tickets can be added to your admission purchase.
Join us at the New Bedford Whaling Museum for an unforgettable hands-on experience as we transform the Harbor View Gallery into a dynamic maker space. Using cardboard and other recycled materials we invite crafters of all ages to help construct a scaled replica of New Bedford Harbor, featuring iconic waterfront buildings, historic boats, marine life, and the legendary Dartmouth, adding a unique historical touch to our maritime story. Constructed in Bedford Village (New Bedford) and launched as a cargo ship for the whaling industry in 1767, the ship famously became the stage for the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
Throughout the week, participants of all ages will collaborate to bring New Bedford's vibrant harbor to life. The experience culminates in a lively public unveiling, celebrating your creativity and craftsmanship.
Alongside the cardboard harbor activities, the Museum is offering a variety of other exciting experiences, making this the perfect way to spend school vacation week in the seaside City of New Bedford!
April School Vacation Week activities are included with general Museum admission.
Make: Dive into Hands-On Creativity
Cardboard Harbor Maker Space
⏳ Monday, April 21 to Friday, April 25 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM – Harbor View Gallery (UL)
Help build a scaled model of New Bedford Harbor using cardboard and renewable materials! Whether you’re designing marine life, boats, or buildings, everyone is welcome to join—no experience necessary! All materials and tools are provided.
Celebrate Earth Day with a Seaworthy Parade!
⏳ Tuesday, April 22 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM – Harbor View Gallery (UL)
Create and learn about environmental science while making art and honoring Mother Earth. Wear your homemade costume or make one with us using repurposed materials to march through the Museum in our vibrant Earth Day Parade. Celebrate sustainability, reusing materials, and protecting our planet!
The parade will take place twice, with the first one at 12:30 PM and the second at 2:30PM leaving from the Harbor View Gallery and winding down to the front lobby (stairs and elevators are available).
Markers & Artists: The Grand Unveiling of Cardboard Harbor
⏳ Saturday, April 26, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Harbor View Gallery (UL)
Join us for the grand unveiling of the community-built Cardboard Harbor! After a week of creativity and teamwork, see the vibrant harbor come to life in cardboard form. Celebrate the collective effort in bringing New Bedford’s maritime history to life! Cookies and lemonade will be available while supplies last.
Marvel: Explore the Wonders of the Sea and History
Museum Highlights Tour
⏳ Daily at 11:00 AM – Meet in lobby by front desk
Join a docent-led tour to discover the must-see exhibits that showcase the people, places, and creatures that shaped New Bedford’s coastal history.
3D Film Experience: Sea Lions - Life by a Whisker
⏳ Daily showings every half hour from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Narrated by Sam Neill, this captivating 3D film takes you to a rugged cliffside where a colony of Australian Sea Lions thrives amidst the harsh yet stunning environment. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable coming-of-age story, guided by one of Australia's most unique, intelligent, and playful creatures. Join an intimate journey inside the colony, where moments of tenderness and clumsiness often lead to acts of great sacrifice and bravery. Explore the life of a rare Australian Sea Lion pup and meet the dedicated individuals working to protect her species.
Bloomberg Connects App
⏳ Daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Explore museum exhibits with the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s Bloomberg Connects app or via your browser. The app offers an interactive map, images, and audio guide stops for a fun and immersive way to learn about the museum’s treasures.
Harbor Scavenger Hunt Adventure
⏳ Daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pick up your scavenger hunt card at the admission desk and embark on an adventure to uncover hidden treasures! Explore the museum galleries and discover marine creatures, historic boats, and iconic harbor buildings. Return your card for a special victory stamp!
A Whale of a Day! - Massachusetts Right Whale Day
⏳ Thursday, April 24, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM – Jacobs Family Gallery and Cook Memorial Theater
Celebrate the North Atlantic Right Whale with hands-on activities and immersive learning. Activities and highlights include:
- Activity tables hosted by New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, Sound Explorations, Bow Seat, author Amy Estes (Whale Poop), and the Whaling Museum.
- Advocacy and activity table hosted by Oceana.
- Screening of the musical storybook short film, Right Whale Wrong Letter.
- Display of newest on-demand lobster gear from Sea Mammal Education Learning Technology Society (SMELTS).
- Display of NARW-themed art contest entries received by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Program and Massachusetts Marine Educators.
- Remarks from Matt Delaney, the Pembroke citizen who worked with his local congressman, Rep. Josh Cutler, to get H.3869 passed.
Lagoda Below Deck Tour
⏳ Saturday, April 26, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM – Bourne Building / Lagoda (ML)
Take a tour of the Lagoda, the museum’s half-scale model of a whaling ship. Explore below deck and experience life as a sailor in the age of whaling.
