Swordfishing on the SouthCoast
Thursday, April 11 | 5:00-8:00pm | FHC (38 Bethel Street, New Bedford) | FREE
FHC invites you to the opening of our newest exhibit, Stand Clear the Line: Swordfishing on the SouthCoast, on Thursday, April 11. Explore the fascinating world of commercial swordfishing and discover the stories of the people who sailed in search of swordfish. The exhibit will open to the public at 5:00pm. Then at 6:00pm, members of the public will be invited to hear first-hand from local New Bedford fishermen about their experiences catching swordfish on New England’s SouthCoast. The exhibit will be on display until September 30, 2024.
Stand Clear the Line: Swordfishing on the SouthCoast and related programming are supported by Eversource, the Westport Cultural Council Community Grants, A local agency supported by the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by the Bank of America and the Westport Community Gift Fund, grants from the Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and Westport Cultural Councils, as well as the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Upcoming Gallery Exhibit: Stand Clear the Line: Swordfishing on the SouthCoast
April 2024 – September 2024 | New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (38 Bethel Street, New Bedford) | Included with price of admission
Our next gallery exhibit will explore the fascinating world of commercial swordfishing. Swordfish have been an important fishery for New England for over 200 years, and this majestic fish continues to capture the imagination of fishermen from coast to coast. Explore the history of commercial swordfishing from the age of tall ships to modern times and discover the people who sailed in search of swordfish. This exhibit will feature a swordfish pulpit, harpoons and darts, models and decorated swordfish bills, photographs and video footage, and oral histories from some of Massachusetts’ swordfishing families. Stay tuned for more tie-in programs and events, including fishermen talks, film screenings, cooking classes, and more!
This exhibit and related programming are supported by grants from the Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and Westport Cultural Councils, as well as the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Eversource and the Westport Cultural Council Community Grants, A local agency supported by the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by the Bank of America and the Westport Community Gift Fund
April Vacation Camp: Go Fish Camp
April 15 – April 18 | 9:00am – 3:00pm | New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (33 William Street, New Bedford) | Application period now CLOSED
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center are pleased to announce Go Fish Camp, a FREE camp opportunity during April school vacation week for New Bedford Public School students currently enrolled in the 4th grade. Campers will spend a week learning about four of New Bedford’s fisheries: groundfish, lobsters, scallops, and oysters through hands-on science demos, art activities, and field trips to FHC and the New Bedford waterfront. Camp will primarily take place at the National Park’s Corson Maritime Learning Center (33 William Street).
The 2024 application portal is now closed.
Into the Archives
Thursday, May 9 | 5:00-7:00pm | FHC (38 Bethel Street, New Bedford) | FREE
This AHA! Night, explore rarely-seen objects and photographs from our archival collection. FHC’s archivist will also be on-hand to answer questions and discuss the Center’s new online collection database.
