New Bedford Whaling National Park
Immerse Yourself in History Along Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
New Bedford was founded at the confluence of the Acushnet River and Buzzards Bay in southeastern Massachusetts. The excellent, natural harbor influenced the city’s development into the premier whaling port of nineteenth century America. At one point, New Bedford was considered to be the richest city in America due to the great wealth brought in by whaling.
The National Park
One of the newest national parks, the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park Visitor Center is housed at 33 Williams Street in the center of the cobblestoned historic district. The magnificent red sandstone building was built in 1853. Here you will find docents eager to share the region's history as well as brochures, event listings and exquisite ship’s models.
Stroll the narrow streets and visit the Seaman’s Bethel on Johnny Cake Hill. The chapel, made famous by Herman Melville as the Whaleman’s Chapel in the classic novel Moby Dick, is built with a ship’s bow for a pulpit.
Across the street from the Bethel, the world class New Bedford Whaling Museum has exhibits varied and extensive, ranging from textiles, scrimshaw, art, to the world’s largest ship model. The model of the bark Lagoda is 89 feet long. An impressive sixty-six foot blue whale skeleton, named KOBO for King Of the Blue Ocean, hangs from the ceiling near the visitor’s entrance.
Nearby the Historic District
Within easy walking distance is an original whaling Captain’s mansion, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum. The furnished period rooms within the impressive Greek Revival mansion are decorated differently each season. Garden events are always fun, in August there is an ice cream social; check at the visitor’s center for other events and dates.
Other must-sees include the working waterfront. For many years, New Bedford has earned the title of richest fishing port in the United States. These days, the richness comes from the hardworking scallopers rather than whaling. Enjoy the freshness with a scallop dinner at one of the area’s many seafood restaurants.
Easy to Find
The New Bedford National Historic Park is an easy day trip from most of southern New England. Exit 15 from Route 195 brings visitors south on Route 18 to downtown New Bedford. At the first set of lights, take a right on Elm Street and the second building on your right is a public parking garage. The cobblestoned historic district begins, like a yellow brick road, just outside the door of the garage.
For more information come aboard New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park.
