2023 – Present
We’re proud to feature our current president, Phil Oliveira. Born and raised right in New Bedford and now a lifelong Southcoast resident with his wife Olivia and their two children, Phil brings both hometown pride and decades of leadership experience to the Seamen’s Bethel. His work has helped launch new exhibits at the Seamen’s Bethel to honor fishermen and maritime history and he is also instrumental in partnering with the City of New Bedford to bring the statue of Herman Melville to our historic grounds.
Since taking on the role as president, Phil has paved the way for new traditions by introducing our annual Event on the Hill, which has quickly become a special gathering for our friends of the Seamen’s Bethel. As we celebrate our 194th year, we’re grateful for Phil’s dedication to preserving our maritime heritage, strengthening our connections to our past, and guiding the Seamen’s Bethel forward for generations to come.