August AHA! Night: Waterfront Walking Tours
Thursday, August 8 | 5:00-7:00 PM | FHC (38 Bethel Street) | Free Admission
Celebrate summer in the seaport by taking a free walking tour of New Bedford’s working waterfront with New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center! On this 60-minute walking tour, you will learn about different types of fishing vessels and gear, the history of the seafood auction and other essential shoreside businesses, the historic Seamen’s Bethel, and the unique experience of fishing families. Photography is permitted. Tours depart from Fishing Heritage Center (38 Bethel Street) at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm. Pre-registration encouraged!
Click here to pre-register for a tour: https://bit.ly/3zUI0BZ
Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey August Sunset Sail — SOLD OUT
Friday, August 16 | 6:00-8:30pm | New Bedford State Pier | Sold Out
Set sail aboard the historic Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey this summer with FHC! These public sails are the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in learning about the history of the commercial fishing industry. We invite you to join us this summer for sunset sails departing from New Bedford’s State Pier at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Fishing Heritage Center. The Center is open Thursday – Sunday, 10am-4pm. A portion of the ticket sales support the Center. Remember: FHC members receive a 20% discount!
Tickets:
General Admission: $60 adults | $30 kids ages 4-12
FHC Members: $48 adults | $24 kids ages 4-12*
Free for children 3 and under
*Current FHC members for whom we have emails were sent a PROMO code through their email. If you didn’t receive a code it may be because your membership has lapsed. Not sure? Please contact the Center at (508) 993-8894 or renew your membership online at https://fishingheritagecenter.org/get-involved/membership/.
Please note: Coast Guard regulations require that each passenger, regardless of age, is listed on the ship’s manifest. If you are purchasing multiple tickets, be sure to list each passenger’s name, age, email, phone number, and address.
The schooner was built at the James & Tarr shipyard in Essex, MA as the EFFIE M. MORRISSEY. The 156-foot-long schooner carried Gloucester fishermen to the Grand Banks, Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland in search of cod, haddock, and other species. She later served as an arctic explorer and Cape Verdean packet ship before returning to Massachusetts in 1982 as a gift from the Republic of Cape Verde. After a nearly 20 year restoration, she is sailing once again with Captain Tiffany Krihwan at the helm.
Working Waterfront Walking Tour with Phil Mello
Thursday, August 22 | 9:00-10:00 AM | Pier 3 (51 Macarthur Drive) | $25/person
New Bedford is the nation’s most valuable fishing port and the world capital for sea scallops. On this 60-minute walking tour, you will learn about different types of fishing boats and gear, the history of the seafood auction and other essential shoreside businesses, the historic Seamen’s Bethel, and the unique experience of fishing families. The tour will begin at City Pier 3 and end at the Fishing Heritage Center where you will have the opportunity to watch a short film, explore interactive exhibits, and browse the gift shop. Ticket includes price of Center admission. Photography is permitted. Please wear appropriate clothes for the weather and comfortable walking shoes. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Reserve your spot today!
Meet your tour guide: Phil Mello has worked in the fishing community for nearly 50 years in a career that included commercial fishing, managing a seafood processing plant, work in marine electronics, and as crew on a tugboat. Phil has also chronicled the many changes that have taken place on the New Bedford waterfront with his camera. His photographs have been exhibited at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, and at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
Click here to purchase tickets online
F/V Vigilance Presentation
Thursday, August 29 | 7:00-8:00 PM | FHC (38 Bethel Street) | $5 general admission
Join special guest speakers Gary Golas and Dan Eilertsen to learn about F/V Vigilance, one of the newest vessels in the New Bedford/Fairhaven fishing fleet and discover how fishing companies are harnessing new technology and marine design to build bigger and better fishing vessels. One hour presentation followed by Q&A with presenters. $5 general admission; FHC members free. Tickets available for purchase on Eventbrite or in person at Center (Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm).
2024 Seafood Soirée
Tuesday, September 17 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Cisco Brewers New Bedford (1482 E Rodney French Blvd) | $150 general admission
You’re invited to the 2024 Seafood Soirée – a gala to benefit New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. This annual event celebrates the bounty of the sea. The 2024 event will take place at Cisco Brewers New Bedford overlooking the waterfront. Guests will enjoy local seafood in the nation’s most valuable fishing port, while watching the boats as they head out to sea and return with their catch. Taste more than a dozen dishes featuring local seafood and seasonal ingredients, prepared by the area’s finest chefs. Tickets include two beverages (choose from a selection of wine, beer, and signature cocktails). The event also features a Fluke and Flounder chance auction, live music, and more! Visit our Soirée page to learn more and stay up-to-date on the featured chefs and restaurants.
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Tickets:
General admission: $150
FHC Member admission: $125*
*Current FHC members received a special promo code by mail and email. Members are entitled to two (2) tickets at the member price. Having trouble finding your member code? Contact Fishing Heritage Center staff to receive your member code.
Not an FHC Member? Visit our website to join or renew today!
October AHA! Night: Maritime Music with Debra Cowan
Thursday, October 10 | 7:00-8:00 PM | Fishing Heritage Center | Free!
Join FHC at 7:00pm for a free maritime concert with singer Debra Cowan! Debra’s wide range of materials stems from serious traditional to contemporary bawdy. Usually presented along with informed and informative introduction, song after song flows in a rich quilt of melody. FHC admission is FREE for AHA! Night.
Click here to register for free
