See the faces of 19th-century America in a new special exhibition opening Jan. 16, 2026. "Look Pleasant, Please: Early Portrait Photography in New Bedford," explores portrait photography in a growing and diverse coastal city. Images highlight the changing relationship between photographer and sitter in a complex urban economy. Featured works include one of the last […]
Proteanna: Susan Heideman is on view at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from May 29 through Nov. 1. The exhibition features large-scale mixed-media works by Heideman inspired by ocean life […]
Summer activities run daily at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Activities are free with museum admission. Mondays: Revolutionary Moments Commemorate America's 250th anniversary on alternating Mondays: June 29, July 13 and 27, and Aug. 10 and 24. Tuesdays: Lagoda Days Explore above and below deck aboard the Lagoda whaling […]
“Sailors' Valentines: Maritime Art From the Heart” is on view through Nov. 8 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Shell-covered keepsakes, known as sailors' valentines, have long been tied to maritime history. The exhibition traces the art form from its 19th-century origins to modern interpretations through historic pieces and contemporary works. Displays highlight the craftsmanship, […]
The New Bedford Whaling Museum will host First Fridays on Friday, Sept. 4. Doors open at 5 p.m., with live music by The Catnip Junkies beginning at 6 p.m. in the Harbor View Gallery. The New Orleans-inspired band mixes pop covers, Tin Pan Alley classics, and traditional jazz with brass, humor, and high energy. Guests […]
The Incremental Development Alliance hosts a free lecture at the Whaling Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 6–8 p.m. Speaker Marques King will lead the talk and Q&A session, showing how small projects built America’s best neighborhoods and how to use that approach today. The session welcomes developers, residents, and local leaders. It examines post-World […]
Historian Seth Rockman will discuss his book, “Plantation Goods: A Material History of American Slavery,” on Thursday, Sept. 24, from noon to 1 p.m. The event is free. Rockman is a professor of American history at Brown University. His research focuses on slavery, labor, capitalism, and material culture. Published in 2024, " Plantation Goods” examines […]
An international lineup of short films will be screened Thursday, Sept. 24, during the 29th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The screening begins at 6 p.m. in the Cook Memorial Theater. The festival features short films from around the world. Audience members will vote […]
Adrian Tió will discuss his work and artistic career on Friday, Oct. 2, from noon to 1 p.m. Tió is a Puerto Rican American artist based in Mattapoisett. His work spans printmaking, drawing, and painting, and he has exhibited for more than 50 years. A retired fine arts professor, Tió has taught at several universities, […]
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