NEW BEDFORD — The city is preparing for a special weekend as Descendants of Whaling Masters , a non-profit organization, celebrates its 50th anniversary with an event called “A Whale of a Weekend” starting Sept. 12.
This four-day celebration will bring together descendants of whaling masters and the general public for a series of activities focused on the city's rich whaling heritage.
The schedule features a variety of events and tours that delve into different aspects of New Bedford's whaling history. Tickets are available to the public, but due to limited seating at certain venues, organizers recommend booking early to secure a spot.
What to expect during the four-day event
The weekend package, priced at $200 per person, includes admission to a dramatic reenactment of Whaling Letters, featuring actors Lucy Bly and Paul Sardinha, a dinner at the historic James Arnold Mansion, a presentation by Joe Thomas from Spinner Publications titled “Photographs from a Whaling Port" and a brunch at the renowned Moby Dick Restaurant.
The four-day event will kick off with a gathering at Merrill's On The Waterfront on Thursday evening, where guests can enjoy dinner and cocktails (at their own expense).
On Friday, attendees will have the opportunity to join guided tours of the Whaling Museum and Old Bedford Village, followed by a dramatization reading of Whaling Letters at Gallery X in the evening.
What to expect on the weekend
Saturday will feature tours of Seamen's Bethel and Rotch-Jones-Duff House, a boat tour of the harbor, and the annual meeting of the Descendants of Whaling Masters at Wamsutta Club with guest speaker from Spinner Publications.
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On Sunday, guests can attend services at Seamen's Bethel before concluding the weekend with a group brunch at Moby Dick Restaurant and a farewell photo.
Where out-of-state attendees can stay
The package does not include hotel accommodations, but attendees can find more information and register for the event on the Descendants of Whaling Masters' website: www.whalingmasters.org .
The Descendants of Whaling Masters celebrate 50 years
Founded in 1974, the Descendants of Whaling Masters has grown to over 450 members from over 30 states and overseas territories of the United States. Originally, membership was limited to direct descendants of whaling masters, but has since expanded to include anyone with a documented connection to the whaling industry, including crew members.
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The organization offers various membership categories, such as descendant, relative, crew, associate, family, and contributing, to cater to those interested in preserving the legacy of whaling. Those interested in joining can contact the membership chairman, Christine H. Davis, or visit the website for more information and helpful links.
The goal of 'A Whale of a Weekend' is all about remembering history
The Descendants of Whaling Masters is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the whaling industry in America. Through educational events and projects, the organization aims to increase understanding of this important period in American history and its impact on the world economy.
Their ultimate goal is to ensure that this vital piece of American heritage is not lost to future generations. This special 50th anniversary celebration, “A Whale of a Weekend”, is a testament to their commitment to remembering and sharing this thrilling history with the public.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com . Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports . Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Descendants of Whaling Masters celebrates 50 years on Sept. 12. How to join in on the fun.
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