Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville, two literary giants!

Join Ranger Rufai for an immersive journey through New Bedford, where Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville set foot in 1841âeach leaving behind a legacy shaped by this bustling port town.From the wharves that welcomed Melvilleâs maritime imagination to the streets tha......More

Join Ranger Rufai for an immersive journey through New Bedford, where Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville set foot in 1841âeach leaving behind a legacy shaped by this bustling port town.From the wharves that welcomed Melvilleâs maritime imagination to the streets that gave Douglass his first taste of true freedom, New Bedford was more than just a stop along their journeysâit was a place of transformation.Douglass, newly liberated from bondage, wrote, âI was now living in a new world. I was wide awake to its advantages.â His time in New Bedford ignited his fight for justice and equality, cementing his role as one of Americaâs most powerful voices for freedom.Melville, inspired by the whaling industryâs grandeur, painted a vivid portrait of the town in Moby-Dick, noting, âNowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New BedfordâŚAll these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.âFollow their footsteps. Hear their words. See New Bedford through their eyes. History isnât just readâitâs lived. Experience the city that shaped great minds and great movements.

The tour will start at the park's visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Walking Tour: Blubber and Bones: Discover the product that lit the world!

Join Ranger Erin for an illuminating journey into the industry that transformed New Bedford into a global powerhouseâthe city that fueled economies, powered homes, and shaped history.For decades, New Bedford was the epicenter of the whaling industry, producing the most ......More

Join Ranger Erin for an illuminating journey into the industry that transformed New Bedford into a global powerhouseâthe city that fueled economies, powered homes, and shaped history.For decades, New Bedford was the epicenter of the whaling industry, producing the most sought-after commodity of its time: whale oil. This liquid gold illuminated streets, fueled machinery, and kept lamps burning in homes across the world. As whalers braved treacherous oceans, they returned with barrels of oil that made New Bedford the wealthiest city per capita in the United States.But beyond industry and commerce, this city became a beacon for opportunity. The whaling economy attracted people from all backgroundsâsailors, merchants, abolitionists, and refugeesâeach finding their place in a town driven by ambition and resilience.Step into history. Witness the legacy. See how New Bedford lit the worldâand shaped the future.

This walking tour will start at the park's visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford.

Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Whaling Walking Tour: A New Life In New Bedford

Join Ranger Erin as she uncovers the fascinating stories of the many people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industryâeach with their own hopes, struggles, and dreams.From daring captains and seasoned sailors to freedom seekers escaping bondag......More

Join Ranger Erin as she uncovers the fascinating stories of the many people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industryâeach with their own hopes, struggles, and dreams.From daring captains and seasoned sailors to freedom seekers escaping bondage, New Bedford became a crossroads of cultures, ambitions, and untold possibilities. Some came in search of fortune, chasing the wealth that whaling promised. Others arrived seeking refuge, carving out new lives in a place that embraced them when the world turned its back.Through their voices, we discover a town built on resilience, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Their legacy still shapes the city today, reminding us that history isnât just about eventsâitâs about people.Walk in their footsteps. Hear their stories. See New Bedford through the eyes of those who built it. This isnât just a tourâitâs an experience that brings the past to life! 

This tour is on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Underground Railroad Tour: Step into history and walk the path to freedom!

Join Park Ranger Rufai for an immersive Underground Railroad Walking Tour, where youâll uncover the hidden stories of those who defied oppression and carved a new future for themselves.The Underground Railroadâa courageous network of people from all walks of lifeâwas a ......More

Join Park Ranger Rufai for an immersive Underground Railroad Walking Tour, where youâll uncover the hidden stories of those who defied oppression and carved a new future for themselves.The Underground Railroadâa courageous network of people from all walks of lifeâwas a lifeline for enslaved individuals seeking liberty. Guided by resilience and hope, they journeyed to safe havens from Philadelphia to Canada, breaking the chains of bondage and reclaiming their right to determine their own lives.New Bedford stood as a beacon of promise, a city where the whaling industry provided refuge and opportunity for formerly enslaved people. Here, they built families, businesses, and futures free from the grip of enslavers. Their fight for justice echoes through time, influencing movements that continue to challenge racial injustice today.Walk their footsteps. Hear their stories. Feel their struggle and triumph. Be part of a living history experience that connects past and present in a powerful way. 

The tour will kick-off at the visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford MA

Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Explore the Legacy of New Bedford Harbor with Volunteer Bob!

Join Volunteer Bob as he leads an insightful walking tour on the Importance of New Bedford Harbor Throughout History. Discover how this storied waterfront shaped commerce, culture, and the maritime world.đ Starting Point: đĽ Tour Begins: 10:30 AM at Visitor Center Don......More

Join Volunteer Bob as he leads an insightful walking tour on the Importance of New Bedford Harbor Throughout History. Discover how this storied waterfront shaped commerce, culture, and the maritime world.đ Starting Point: đĽ Tour Begins: 10:30 AM at Visitor Center Donât miss this chance to step back in time and uncover the harborâs fascinating past!

Tour begins at the begins at the visitor center at 10:30 am.

Whaling Walking Tour

Join volunteer Lucy, one of the 1850 ladies.

This tour starts at the visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford

Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Walking Tour: Exploring Extraordinary Whales

Did you know whales are some of the most astonishing creatures on Earth? Theyâre the largest loudest most intelligent and longest-living animals on the planet! But thereâs so much more to their storyâŚJoin Wendy Davis a passionate park volunteer on a fascinating walking......More

Did you know whales are some of the most astonishing creatures on Earth? Theyâre the largest loudest most intelligent and longest-living animals on the planet! But thereâs so much more to their storyâŚJoin Wendy Davis a passionate park volunteer on a fascinating walking tour at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Dive into the extraordinary world of whalesâhow theyâve shaped human history their vital role in marine ecosystems and the challenges they face today.This tour isnât just about the past itâs about asking big questions that matter now. How have whales helped humans? How can we help whales as they fight for survival? What does their future look like?Come along and be part of the conversation. Explore question and connect with the wonders of the ocean right here in New Bedford! đâ¨

This walking tour will start at the park's visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Ranger Choice Tour: đ Discover New Bedford: A City of Adventure and Freedom! đ˘

Get ready to step into history and uncover the incredible story of New Bedfordâthe worldâs whaling capital and a beacon of hope for freedom seekers! This bustling seaport wasnât just a hub for global exploration, where daring whalers ventured across the Pacific and Arct......More

Get ready to step into history and uncover the incredible story of New Bedfordâthe worldâs whaling capital and a beacon of hope for freedom seekers! This bustling seaport wasnât just a hub for global exploration, where daring whalers ventured across the Pacific and Arctic, expanding knowledge and reshaping entire ecosystems. It was also a sanctuary for those escaping slavery, offering refuge, opportunity, and a thriving community committed to justice.On this walking tour, youâll trace the footsteps of Frederick Douglass, Herman Melville, explore the rich cultures shaped by maritime trade, and dive into the powerful stories of resilience and discovery that make New Bedford truly legendary. History comes alive in every cobblestone, every waterfront breeze, and every tale of courage.Join us and experience the adventure firsthandâbecause New Bedfordâs past is one you wonât want to just read about, youâll want to walk through it! đĽTopics of Choice!The Underground RailroadBlubber and Bones: The Products of WhalingIn the Footsteps of Douglass and MelvilleA New Life In New BedfordWhaling and Culture

Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Join Park Volunteer Bob for an immersive Underground Railroad Walking Tour, where youâll uncover the hidden stories of those who defied oppression and carved a new future for themselves.The Underground Railroadâa courageous network of people from all walks of lifeâwas ......More

Join Park Volunteer Bob for an immersive Underground Railroad Walking Tour, where youâll uncover the hidden stories of those who defied oppression and carved a new future for themselves.The Underground Railroadâa courageous network of people from all walks of lifeâwas a lifeline for enslaved individuals seeking liberty. Guided by resilience and hope, they journeyed to safe havens from Philadelphia to Canada, breaking the chains of bondage and reclaiming their right to determine their own lives.New Bedford stood as a beacon of promise, a city where the whaling industry provided refuge and opportunity for formerly enslaved people. Here, they built families, businesses, and futures free from the grip of enslavers. Their fight for justice echoes through time, influencing movements that continue to challenge racial injustice today.Walk their footsteps. Hear their stories. Feel their struggle and triumph. Be part of a living history experience that connects past and present in a powerful way.

This tour will start at 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Walking tour: Women in Whale Ships

Set sail on a journey through time with volunteer Sharon as she uncovers the untold stories of women aboard whaling voyages. Discover the resilience, courage, and hidden histories of those who braved the high seas in an era dominated by men. Their voices, often lost to ......More

Set sail on a journey through time with volunteer Sharon as she uncovers the untold stories of women aboard whaling voyages. Discover the resilience, courage, and hidden histories of those who braved the high seas in an era dominated by men. Their voices, often lost to the tides, come alive in this immersive exploration of life at sea.Donât miss this chance to dive deep into the past and see history from a fresh perspective!   

This tour starts at the park visitor center at 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville, two literary giants!

Join Ranger Rufai for an immersive journey through New Bedford, where Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville set foot in 1841âeach leaving behind a legacy shaped by this bustling port town.From the wharves that welcomed Melvilleâs maritime imagination to the streets tha......More

Join Ranger Rufai for an immersive journey through New Bedford, where Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville set foot in 1841âeach leaving behind a legacy shaped by this bustling port town.From the wharves that welcomed Melvilleâs maritime imagination to the streets that gave Douglass his first taste of true freedom, New Bedford was more than just a stop along their journeysâit was a place of transformation.Douglass, newly liberated from bondage, wrote, âI was now living in a new world. I was wide awake to its advantages.â His time in New Bedford ignited his fight for justice and equality, cementing his role as one of Americaâs most powerful voices for freedom.Melville, inspired by the whaling industryâs grandeur, painted a vivid portrait of the town in Moby-Dick, noting, âNowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New BedfordâŚAll these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.âFollow their footsteps. Hear their words. See New Bedford through their eyes. History isnât just readâitâs lived. Experience the city that shaped great minds and great movements.

The tour will start at the park's visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Walking Tour: Blubber and Bones: Discover the product that lit the world!

Join Ranger Erin for an illuminating journey into the industry that transformed New Bedford into a global powerhouseâthe city that fueled economies, powered homes, and shaped history.For decades, New Bedford was the epicenter of the whaling industry, producing the most ......More

Join Ranger Erin for an illuminating journey into the industry that transformed New Bedford into a global powerhouseâthe city that fueled economies, powered homes, and shaped history.For decades, New Bedford was the epicenter of the whaling industry, producing the most sought-after commodity of its time: whale oil. This liquid gold illuminated streets, fueled machinery, and kept lamps burning in homes across the world. As whalers braved treacherous oceans, they returned with barrels of oil that made New Bedford the wealthiest city per capita in the United States.But beyond industry and commerce, this city became a beacon for opportunity. The whaling economy attracted people from all backgroundsâsailors, merchants, abolitionists, and refugeesâeach finding their place in a town driven by ambition and resilience.Step into history. Witness the legacy. See how New Bedford lit the worldâand shaped the future.

This walking tour will start at the park's visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford.

Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Whaling Walking Tour: A New Life In New Bedford

Join Ranger Erin as she uncovers the fascinating stories of the many people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industryâeach with their own hopes, struggles, and dreams.From daring captains and seasoned sailors to freedom seekers escaping bondag......More

Join Ranger Erin as she uncovers the fascinating stories of the many people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industryâeach with their own hopes, struggles, and dreams.From daring captains and seasoned sailors to freedom seekers escaping bondage, New Bedford became a crossroads of cultures, ambitions, and untold possibilities. Some came in search of fortune, chasing the wealth that whaling promised. Others arrived seeking refuge, carving out new lives in a place that embraced them when the world turned its back.Through their voices, we discover a town built on resilience, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Their legacy still shapes the city today, reminding us that history isnât just about eventsâitâs about people.Walk in their footsteps. Hear their stories. See New Bedford through the eyes of those who built it. This isnât just a tourâitâs an experience that brings the past to life! 

This tour is on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Underground Railroad Tour: Step into history and walk the path to freedom!

Join Park Ranger Rufai for an immersive Underground Railroad Walking Tour, where youâll uncover the hidden stories of those who defied oppression and carved a new future for themselves.The Underground Railroadâa courageous network of people from all walks of lifeâwas a ......More

Join Park Ranger Rufai for an immersive Underground Railroad Walking Tour, where youâll uncover the hidden stories of those who defied oppression and carved a new future for themselves.The Underground Railroadâa courageous network of people from all walks of lifeâwas a lifeline for enslaved individuals seeking liberty. Guided by resilience and hope, they journeyed to safe havens from Philadelphia to Canada, breaking the chains of bondage and reclaiming their right to determine their own lives.New Bedford stood as a beacon of promise, a city where the whaling industry provided refuge and opportunity for formerly enslaved people. Here, they built families, businesses, and futures free from the grip of enslavers. Their fight for justice echoes through time, influencing movements that continue to challenge racial injustice today.Walk their footsteps. Hear their stories. Feel their struggle and triumph. Be part of a living history experience that connects past and present in a powerful way. 

The tour will kick-off at the visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford MA

Visitor Center Summer/Fall Hours!

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!The City That Lit The World"The town itse......More

The Visitor Center Summer/Fall seasons start April 30 through November 2. Come visit us at the park any time Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM!Movie shown every half on the hour!Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!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 BedfordâŚall 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"

The park is located on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Explore the Legacy of New Bedford Harbor with Volunteer Bob!

Join Volunteer Bob as he leads an insightful walking tour on the Importance of New Bedford Harbor Throughout History. Discover how this storied waterfront shaped commerce, culture, and the maritime world.đ Starting Point: đĽ Tour Begins: 10:30 AM at Visitor Center Don......More

Join Volunteer Bob as he leads an insightful walking tour on the Importance of New Bedford Harbor Throughout History. Discover how this storied waterfront shaped commerce, culture, and the maritime world.đ Starting Point: đĽ Tour Begins: 10:30 AM at Visitor Center Donât miss this chance to step back in time and uncover the harborâs fascinating past!

Tour begins at the begins at the visitor center at 10:30 am.

Whaling Walking Tour

Join volunteer Lucy, one of the 1850 ladies.

This tour starts at the visitor center on 33 William Street, New Bedford