A historic trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum

My husband was ecstatic. We planned to visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum because of his love of all things history and maritime related. On the other hand, I wasn’t so sure. Would it be bleak and dark because of the topic? Would the boys understand or be bored by it all? There was no need to worry. Instead of being disinterested, the boys were intrigued and excited. It was a trip worth taking.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is located in the old whaling port of New Bedford, Massachusetts. A tribute and testament to the seamen and the prey they hunted, the museum is home to paintings and portraits, glassware, ceramics, models, and whale skeletons. Exhibits are both interesting and educational, giving my family the opportunity to learn in a comfortable environment.

Here are some of the highlights from our trip:

• Skeletons of the Deep – They are large and imposing but these whale skeletons are also beautiful. Five whale skeletons (including that of a mother and her unborn calf) are displayed in the museum. These majestic creatures are awe-inspiring. Parents and their children will not just learn about the hunt for the whale but about the species themselves.
• The Forecastle – Guests can walk aboard a full-scale reproduction of the forecastle  of a whaleship. The boys were most interested in the bunks located below deck and wanted to try them out for themselves.
• The Lagoda – The largest ship model in the world is located in the museum’s Bourne Building. At eighty-nine feet, the model is an exact half-sized replica of a whaleship. At this time, this exhibit is closed but an interactive online exhibit is available here.
• Treasures of Old Darmouth –This exhibit hosts the Old Darmouth Historical Society’s collection. The paintings housed here are breathtaking, especially the landscapes by William Bradford.
• British Paintings and Scrimshaw – There’s more than just the history of whaling portrayed here. Journals and paintings give a glimpse into the life of a sailor. My sons were certain they had stepped into a museum dedicated to pirates and ran from display to display.

There is more to New Bedford than the Whaling Museum. We enjoyed a walk through the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park and a stop at the Visitor’s Center. The Seamen’s Bethel (known as the Whaleman’s Chapel in Moby Dick) is close by, with it’s prow-shaped pulpit. You can find more information about the New Bedford Whaling Museum here and the New Bedford area here.

Chris Flynn is mom to two rambunctious boys. A homebody at heart, Chris fell in love and found herself moving around like a gypsy. When she isn’t packing, on a plane, or in a car, you can find her at Mom’s Favorite Stuff or on Twitter.