|
Peter Pereira
Contact: Emily G. Prigot, 508-996-4095 x 6105 New Bedford has a long and fascinating history, filled with stories of whalemen going to sea for years a time, wives left to run businesses, escaped slaves seeking freedom, and a connection to the sea that spans centuries. The public is invited to explore this history through free guided tours, offered on Saturday and Sunday from May 31 through June 21. The tours will be available seven days a week starting June 26 through August 31, at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Tours leave from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s visitor center, located in downtown New Bedford. The park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.Tours will include Risks and Rewards of Whaling, Unknown Heroes and Their Secrets: New Bedford’s Underground Railroad; New Bedford’s Working Waterfront: Then and Now, and In Ishmael’s Footsteps: Herman Melville’s New Bedford.
Frank Barrows, Acting Superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, said, “The national park is proud to offer these dynamic walking tours to the public. The stories of whaling are relevant to so many people around the world---as well as our local community. National Park walking tours are one of several ways the park connects visitors to this amazing history. The cultural resources in the national park are a source of community pride and we look forward to seeing visitors from the Greater New Bedford area in addition to the tens of thousands of visitors who visit the park from around the globe. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. The visitor center is accessible to all. Admission is free. For additional information and schedules, go to the park website at www.nps.gov/nebe, call 508-996-4095, and visit the park’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP -NPS- |
Last updated: February 26, 2015