New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

The City That Lit The World

"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea." H. Melville, "Moby-Dick"

1850 Ladies

Join the 1850 Ladies, aka Ruth and Abby as they explore both Boston and New Bedford anti-slavery societies on how they used crafting to rais

Wide shot of the front side of the boat on a sunny day

Ernestina-Morrissey Virtual Tour

Front view of the Nathan and Polly Johnson House

Nathan & Polly Johnson Virtual Tour

Colorful cover of the Junior Ranger e-book

Journey Through New Bedford e-book!

Large crowd standing in front of a ranger giving a tour

Guided Tours

View of New Bedford harbor with fishing boats, historic buildings, and a bright blue sky with clouds

Current Conditions

New Bedford Ethnographic Study

Last updated: February 10, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

33 William Street
New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone:

508-996-4095
To reach the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, you can contact us by phone at (508) 996-4095. Whether you have questions about visiting the park, upcoming events, or general information, our team is available to assist you during our regular business hours. We look forward to helping you make the most of your visit!