Over the latter half of the 1800s, many New Bedford whaling vessels voyaged to the North Slope of Alaska, often wintering over to await the spring whaling season. Some New Bedford whalemen may have settled in Arctic villages, and some North Slope residents trace their ancestry to the "Yankee whalers."
The Iñupiat people were actively recruited as whalemen and crews on the boats. The Iñupiat engaged in active and brisk trade with the whaling crews and helped supply the fleet with food. Today these people continue to practice subsistence whaling.
The Iñupiat Heritage Center in Utqiagvik, which opened in 1999, preserves the language and knowledge of these native people and promotes the collection, preservation, and exhibition of materials significant to their traditional culture and history. The center is legislatively affiliated with New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Visit www.nps.gov/inup for more information.
Last updated: February 2, 2022
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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!
