News Release

Virtual Program Awards!

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Wins Two Media Awards

Date: December 7, 2020

NEW BEDFORD, MA -- New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has received two national awards for virtual programming. The National Association for Interpretation, an organization dedicated to advancing the profession of heritage interpretation, has awarded two of their five first-place awards for interpretive media to the National Historical Park. The Nathan and Polly Johnson Virtual Tour and the Journey Through New Bedford eBook were both completed in 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic have served as the primary way for visitors to engage virtually with the park. Hundreds of other media products created by local, state, national, and nonprofit organizations across the country competed for these coveted awards. They are available on the park website, www.nps.gov/nebe.

The Nathan & Polly Johnson House, a National Historic Landmark, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was the home of two prominent abolitionists, business owners, and conductors of the underground railroad. It was the first free home of Frederick Douglass and his new bride, Anna Murray Douglass when they arrived in New Bedford in 1838. The National Park Service and the New Bedford Historical Society worked with contractors Alex+Tom Inc., a digital communications company, to create 3D renderings of the house that shows the architectural and structural changes of the building over two centuries. The virtual tour offers an accessible way for visitors to explore the home and learn about how structure changed over time.

The Journey Through New Bedford eBook tells the fictional story of a young man seeking work on a whaleship in the mid-19th Century, while meeting important individuals who shaped New Bedford’s history. The eBook is part of the National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger program and allows you to earn your badge and certificate virtually. Since the NPS has restricted access to regular visitor services during the pandemic, virtual programs like these have served as a great way to explore New Bedford. So far, over 200 people from around the country have completed the eBook, turned in their certificate of completion, and were mailed a Junior Ranger badge.

"It was an honor to work on both of these projects that helped to bring New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park into the world of 21st-century interpretation. Both of these projects highlight the extremely important stories of those who lived in New Bedford, and who shaped the city into what it is today. Their nationally and internationally significant stories still resonate with us," said Ranger Mark Mello. “I am excited to be part of the team that completed these two digital products. Our park continues to tell the story of Frederick Douglass in new ways for new audiences. This is a great achievement for the park, as well as the New Bedford community.” Said Jan da Silva, Cultural Resource Specialist for the National Historical Park.

“Both projects were a tough challenge, since they were my first COR (Contracting Officer Representative) project. Each project was a year long and required a lot work to make sure we captured every detail of the large history that New Bedford contains. A big part of the park’s focus was to make sure it remained accessible to all audiences by covering the guidelines in 508 compliance of the ADA (American Disability Act). I am super proud and honored by the park staff and the contractors who helped create these visually appealing virtual projects that can used by all.” Said Cara Pearson, Visual Information Specialist for the National Historical Park.