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.
Ongoing 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.
Maritime Knot Class with Erika Hamer
Wednesday, May 29 | 5:00-6:00pm | FHC (38 Bethel Street) | Tickets available for purchase May 1
Learn how to make a rope trivet or decorative knot key fob with local artist Erika Hamer! Whether you are a knot tying expert or just a beginner, you’ll have a great time at this fun, informative class. 1 hour class with a maximum of 12 participants.
About your instructor: Erika Hamer is a Dartmouth-based artist specializing in marlinspike knotting. Knot tying was a legacy from Erika’s father who taught her to make square knot belts when she was only 10 years old. Erika’s nautical artwork ranges from simple sailor bracelets and key fobs to intricate sea chest beckets (handles).
Tickets will be available starting May 1st.
New Bedford Oysterfest 2024
Saturday, June 15 | 4:00-7:00pm | Cisco Brewers New Bedford (1482 E Rodney French Blvd) | Tickets available for purchase May 15
Cisco Brewers and FHC are excited to launch New Bedford’s first Oysterfest, Saturday, June 15, from 4:00 to 7:00pm! Enjoy oysters from some of the region’s finest oyster farms, drinks, live music, and more. Meet the growers and learn to shuck! Tickets will be sold exclusively through the FHC. A portion of the proceeds support the FHC. Shucks, you don’t want to miss this!
Tickets will be available starting May 15th.
Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey July Public Sail
Friday, July 19 | 6:00-8:30pm | New Bedford State Pier | Tickets available for purchase May 15
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 July 19. Tickets will be available starting May 15th and are only available through the FHC website: $60/general public. A portion of the ticket sales support the Center. Remember: FHC members receive a 20% discount!
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.
Tickets will be available starting May 15th.
Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey August Public Sail
Friday, August 16 | 6:00-8:30pm | New Bedford State Pier | Tickets available for purchase May 15
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 August 16. Tickets will be available starting May 15th and are only available through the FHC website: $60/general public. A portion of the ticket sales support the Center. Remember: FHC members receive a 20% discount!
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.
Tickets will be available starting May 15th.
