Port Journal
Your view into the latest events, updates, and voices of the Port Society.
Behind the Artifacts: Stories from Seamen’s Bethel
At our recent Event on the Hill, curator Rachel Rossi shared a closer look at some of the remarkable artifacts housed...
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to telling the story of America’s largest commercial fishing...
Whaleman’s Chapel Pulpit / Original Pulpit
One of the most iconic aspects of the Seamen's Bethel is our famous pulpit in the Whaleman's Chapel, but did you know...
Aaron Willard Jr. Gallery Clock
This Aaron Willard Jr. Gallery clock not only tells time, but an interesting story as well! Built in Roxbury...
Michele Annette
On February 24th, 1989, a New Bedford scalloper named Michele and Annette began to sink roughly forty miles southeast...
The Lady of Grace
It's no secret New Bedford is the number one commercial fishing port in the world and it's only thanks to our numerous...
Northern Edge
New Bedford's fishing vessels have always braved the choppy waters for our community, including the Northern Edge. On...
Captain Baker’s Desk from Butler Flat’s Light House
The Seamen's Bethel is home to many interesting artifacts that have been preserved through countless years. Today we...
Two Brothers Log Book
Though most visitors come to see the famous Whaleman's Chapel for its cenotaphs and Herman Melville's pew, the Old...
Stephen Taber Clock
It's no secret the Seamen's Bethel is home to all sorts of unique and varying artifacts. This beautiful Stephen Taber...
Herman Melville Crew List
Herman Melville's classic American novel, Moby-Dick, was first published in the United States on November 14, 1851. In...
U.S. Coast Guard Escanba
The Seamen's Bethel pays tribute to many ships and vessels throughout history, including the USCGC Escanaba (WPG-77)....
The Cenotaphs of Seamen’s Bethel: Stories Etched in Stone
When you step inside the Seamen’s Bethel on Johnny Cake Hill, one of the first things you notice are the marble...
Thank You for Joining Us on the Hill
The New Bedford Port Society extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s Event on the Hill....
Help Support the Herman Melville Statue
We’re raising money to help The New Bedford Port Society offset the costs for the erecting of the Herman Melville...
Fort Taber / Fort Rodman
A historic Civil War-era fort surrounded by a 47-acre coastal park with walking paths, beaches, scenic views, and...
First Baptist Church (Steeple Playhouse)
An 1829 Greek Revival church building restored for use as a performing arts venue. Known as the place where Robert’s...
Nathan and Polly Johnson House
A National Historic Landmark that served as a station on the Underground Railroad and the first New Bedford home of...
New Bedford Fire Museum
Located in the city’s oldest surviving firehouse (built in 1867), this museum displays antique fire trucks, tools,...
New Bedford Museum of Glass
This museum showcases glass artistry from ancient times to contemporary studio works, including Tiffany and Chihuly...
Rotch–Jones–Duff House and Garden Museum
A beautifully preserved 1834 whaling mansion with formal gardens, original furnishings, and rotating exhibits...
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Home to the world’s largest collection of scrimshaw, whaling artifacts, ship models, and maritime art. Features the...
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
A preserved urban park encompassing multiple historic sites including the Seamen’s Bethel, Whaling Museum, and...
Enoch Mudge
Reverend Enoch Mudge (1776–1850) Enoch Mudge was a pioneering Methodist minister and the first native New Englander to...
Charles Waln Morgan
Charles Waln Morgan (1796–1861) Charles Waln Morgan was a prominent New Bedford merchant and one of the city’s leading...
George R. Phillips
George R. Phillips (1822–1897) George R. Phillips was a prominent New Bedford merchant and civic leader who played a...
Herman Melville
Herman Melville (1819–1891) Herman Melville, one of America’s greatest novelists, found inspiration for his most...
Paul Cuffee
Paul Cuffe (1759–1817) Paul Cuffe was a pioneering African American and Wampanoag mariner, merchant, and...
William Rotch Jr.
William Rotch Jr. (1759–1850) William Rotch Jr. was one of New Bedford’s most influential Quaker merchants and...
John Avery Parker
John Avery Parker (1769–1853) John Avery Parker was one of New Bedford’s most prominent businessmen and community...
Thomas Crapo
Thomas Crapo (1841–1899) Thomas Crapo was a daring New Bedford mariner whose bold adventure captured international...