2023 – Present We’re proud to feature our current president, Phil Oliveira. Born and raised right in New Bedford and...

2012 – 2023 We’d like to look back with gratitude on the life and service of Fred Toomey, our 31st  President of the...

2009 – 2012 Every so often, the Seamen's Bethel is guided by someone who doesn't just serve- but stewards. Someone who...

2005 – 2009 At the Seamen's Bethel, we are grateful for the steady hands and generous hearts that have helped carry...

2001 – 2005 During a chapter of quiet transformation in the early 2000s, Peter Blatchford stepped into the presidency...

1998 – 2001 Dr. Fairfax was a pillar of our maritime community- a man whose compassion, intellect, and love of the sea...

1993 – 1996 Leadership at the Seamen's Bethel is shaped over time- built not only by those who hold titles, but by...

1989 – 1993 1996 – 1998 John served from 1989-1993 and again from 1996-1998, guiding the New Bedford Port Society and...

1985 – 1989 During a defining chapter in New Bedford's modern maritime history, John B. O'Toole III served as...

1978 – 1985

1970 – 1977

1964 – 1970 From 1964 to 1970, Mr. Tabor led with vision and care, guiding the Seamen's Bethel and Mariner's Home...

1962 – 1964

1957 – 1962 A native of Westport, Massachusetts, Milton was deeply rooted in community values, bringing a farmer's...

1953 – 1957 William Henry Tripp, a dedicated historian, photographer, and curator who served as the 17th president of...

1948 – 1953 Edward H. Cook, our 17th president, was also deeply involved with the development and maintenance of our...

1941 – 1947 We honor the legacy of Erford Wilson Poole, our 16th president of the New Bedford Port Society, who...

1934 – 1940 Born on September 14, 1864 in South Dartmouth, Herbert's life took him across the country to Minneapolis...

1927 – 1933 Abbott P. Smith was born on a local farm in Westport, Massachusetts. Abbott's father, Henry, was deeply...

1923 – 1926 Did you know one of our past presidents was one of the last living links between New Bedford and the Union...

1919 – 1923

1912 – 1918 Prior to his attendance to the Seamen's Bethel, George grew up in the city of New Bedford while whaling...

1906 – 1912 Jonathan was born in the city of New Bedford where whaling was especially prominent. The Howlands had...

1903 – 1906

1899 – 1902 Edmund Rodman, our eighth president of the New Bedford Port Society, comes from a famous local family that...

1886 – 1898 Did you know Taylor Swift is a descendant of one of our New Bedford Port Society Presidents? Jireh Swift,...

1866 – 1885 Born in 1806 to George and Elizabeth Howland, George Jr. grew up with the many other merchants who made...

1859 – 1864 Thomas grew up along the shores of the east coast, experiencing the mariner's life firsthand. He attended...

1857 – 1858 1865 – 1866 Joseph was born in New Bedford on January 9th in 1796 to his parents Allerton Delano and Sarah...

1854 – 1856 Born on January 6th, 1800, Mr. Taylor was a dedicated leader who shaped the growth and development of our...

1850 – 1853 James Arnold, being a local of New Bedford, understood what it took to be a successful businessman of his...

1830 – 1850 Samuel served as president of the New Bedford Port Society from 1830 to 1850 and was instrumental in...