Located an hour south of Boston, New Bedford was the heart of the world's whaling industry in the 19th century. Workers in the numerous factories turned whale oil into candles and Whale bone into corset frames and umbrellas. It's said that in 1850, 80 per cent of the nation's whale ships sailed from New Bedford. The industry began to fail when oil was found in Pennsylvania and natural disasters wiped out a lot of the New Bedford fleet.
Today, the town still maintains its maritime ties through fishing but manufacturing and tourism are more integral to the local economy.
The Buttonwood Park Zoo was established in 1894 and is home to domestic and exotic animals from around the world. The Zoo has a rare and minor domestic animal breeding program, and is involved in conservation and research projects involving endangered and threatened species.
Hours:
10am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Fairhaven grew and prospered from the whaling ships that frequented its docks. The town dates back to the days of the Pilgrims and was the location of the first naval battle of the American Revolution in May of 1775.
Address: Fairhaven Office of Tourism and Visitors Center, 43 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719, United States
Phone: 1 (508) 979-4085, Fax: 1 (508) 979-4085
The New Bedford Fire Museum is housed in Old Fire Station No. 4, the oldest active station in Massachusetts, built in 1867. Displays include a collection of antique and restored fire equipment, including fire trucks, fire alarm technology, uniforms and antique records.
Hours:
June 1 to August 31: 9am-4pm
Tips: Museum open by appointment during off season.
New Bedford celebrates its role as the former whaling capital of the world each May during the Maritime Heritage Festival. The festival is held at the Whaling Museum and showcases maritime singers and performers.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is a whaling port that celebrates a historic time in New Bedford through historic collections, archives and recounts of this fascinating time. The National Park features a whaling museum, merchant's home, and schooner's decks. A self-guided walking tour and video presentation are available.
Address: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
Phone: 1 (508) 996-4095, Fax: 1 (508) 994-8922
Hours:
9am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: The visitors center is open until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month.
The New England Steamship Foundation were in the process of restoring SS NOBSKA, a coastal steamship. The ship was in operation from 1925 to 1973 and was formerly called the "Nantucket", servicing New England ports and islands.
The Friends of the Nobska were unable to raise the funds to finish the necessary work, and the Nobska was scrapped.
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House is a Greek Revival style house, built in 1834. The house occupies a full city block with decorative arts displays, antique furniture, and is surrounded by gardens. The house was built for William Rotch Jr., a whaling merchant, whose personal belongings are also on display in the home. The gardens consist of a formal boxwood rose garden, a boxwood specimen garden, cutting garden and award winning Woodland Walk.
Address: Rotch-Jones-Duff House, 396 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-4934, United States
Phone: 1 (508) 997-1401, Fax: 1 (508) 997-6846
Hours:
10am-4pm; Sun:12pm-4pm
Tips: The Museum is open the second Thursday evening of each month (excluding January) free of charge.
The Seamen's Bethel, built between 1831 and 1832, became famous as the Whaleman's Chapel in Herman Melville's novel "Moby Dick". The Bethel features a house of prayer and a memorial to New Bedford whalemen and fishermen, who have lost their lives at sea. The main chapel of the Seamen's Bethel has 31 black-framed cenotaphs which bear the names of the deceased.
The Waterfront Historic District contains a variety of historical buildings dating from 1765 to 1831. The Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) has taken on the task of restoring and preserving many of the area buildings.
Address: Waterfront Historic Area League / WHALE, 128 Union Street, Box 10, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
Phone: 1 (508) 997-1776, Fax: 1 (508) 984-5523
The Whaling Museum offers permanent and changing displays on the history of whaling in America and documents New Bedford's role in the international whaling industry. There is a large scrimshaw collection, including a whalebone sleigh, a whaleboat, whale skeletons, displays on "Moby Dick" and a whaling film.
Address: Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740-6317, United States
Phone: 1 (508) 997-0046, Fax: 1 (508) 997-0018
Hours:
January 1 to May 31: 9am-4pm; Sun:12pm-4pm
June 1 to December 31: 9am-5pm
Tips: Open every second Thursday of each month until 9pm.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Fairhaven, New Bedford
Fairhaven, New Bedford
Fairhaven, New Bedford
Fairhaven, New Bedford
Fairhaven, New Bedford
