Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: Exploring Extraordinary Whales

Did you know whales are some of the most extraordinary animals on Earth? From their immense size and remarkable adaptations to their communication and migration patterns, whales continue to inspire curiosity and scientific discovery.Explore the extraordinary world of wh......More

Did you know whales are some of the most extraordinary animals on Earth? From their immense size and remarkable adaptations to their communication and migration patterns, whales continue to inspire curiosity and scientific discovery.Explore the extraordinary world of whales on a walking tour at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Discover how whales shaped New Bedford’s history, influenced global industries, and connected this port city to people and places around the world.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on Willia

Ranger Talk: Blubber and Bones: The Products of Whaling

Step into the world of the whaling industry and discover how whale products supported everyday life during the 1800s. Explore how blubber, baleen, and bone became valuable resources used in homes, manufacturing, and industry, connecting New Bedford to a growing global e......More

Step into the world of the whaling industry and discover how whale products supported everyday life during the 1800s. Explore how blubber, baleen, and bone became valuable resources used in homes, manufacturing, and industry, connecting New Bedford to a growing global economy.

Ranger Talks begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Walking Tour: Whaling in New Bedford

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and......More

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and innovation.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: Underground Railroad in New Bedford

Join us for an Underground Railroad Walking Tour exploring New Bedford’s connection to the Underground Railroad and the individuals who sought new opportunities and freedom in the city.The Underground Railroad was an informal network of people, communities, and transpor......More

Join us for an Underground Railroad Walking Tour exploring New Bedford’s connection to the Underground Railroad and the individuals who sought new opportunities and freedom in the city.The Underground Railroad was an informal network of people, communities, and transportation routes that assisted individuals escaping slavery. During the 1800s, New Bedford became an important destination because of its maritime economy, employment opportunities connected to the whaling industry, and support networks that included free Black residents, formerly enslaved people, abolitionists, maritime connections, and established community networks.On this tour, discover stories of people who built new lives in New Bedford, contributed to the city’s industries and neighborhoods, and shaped the history of the region. Learn how New Bedford’s role as an international port city connected people, commerce, and ideas during a period of major change in American history.Walk through historic streets. Explore significant places. Discover stories that remain part of New Bedford’s history today.

Ranger Talk: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunit......More

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunities that influenced his future work as an abolitionist, writer, and public speaker. Herman Melville also found inspiration in New Bedford’s maritime culture and whaling industry. His experiences contributed to the setting and themes later reflected in Moby-Dick, where he described New Bedford as a city shaped by maritime commerce and global connections. Their experiences reflect how New Bedford’s industries, waterfront, and community shaped lives while connecting this port city to the wider world.Follow in their footsteps and learn how New Bedford shaped two influential figures whose writings and experiences continue to connect New Bedford to the world today.

Ranger Talks begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Walking Tour: Women on Whaleships

Explore the experiences of women on whaleships and discover how they contributed to life aboard nineteenth-century whaling voyages. Through journals, firsthand accounts, and historical records, learn how women managed shipboard responsibilities, assisted with navigation......More

Explore the experiences of women on whaleships and discover how they contributed to life aboard nineteenth-century whaling voyages. Through journals, firsthand accounts, and historical records, learn how women managed shipboard responsibilities, assisted with navigation, served in medical roles, and connected with communities building relationships with other whaling families around the world.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunit......More

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunities that influenced his future work as an abolitionist, writer, and public speaker. Herman Melville also found inspiration in New Bedford’s maritime culture and whaling industry. His experiences contributed to the setting and themes later reflected in Moby-Dick, where he described New Bedford as a city shaped by maritime commerce and global connections. Their experiences reflect how New Bedford’s industries, waterfront, and community shaped lives while connecting this port city to the wider world.Follow in their footsteps and learn how New Bedford shaped two influential figures whose writings and experiences continue to connect New Bedford to the world today.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Ranger Talk: A New Life In New Bedford

Explore the stories of people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry, each bringing their own experiences, skills, and aspirations. Discover how New Bedford’s maritime economy and growing industries connected the city to people and places a......More

Explore the stories of people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry, each bringing their own experiences, skills, and aspirations. Discover how New Bedford’s maritime economy and growing industries connected the city to people and places around the world, shaping opportunities that drew whalemen, merchants, craftspeople, immigrant communities, and freedom seekers seeking work, opportunity, and a new beginning. Learn how whaling, trade, and industrial growth helped shape New Bedford and influenced the people who built lives here during a period of profound change.

Ranger Talks begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Walking Tour: Blubber and Bones: The Products of Whaling

Step into the world of the whaling industry and discover how whale products supported everyday life during the 1800s. Explore how blubber, baleen, and bone became valuable resources used in homes, manufacturing, and industry, connecting New Bedford to a growing global e......More

Step into the world of the whaling industry and discover how whale products supported everyday life during the 1800s. Explore how blubber, baleen, and bone became valuable resources used in homes, manufacturing, and industry, connecting New Bedford to a growing global economy.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Whaling Walking Tour: A New Life In New Bedford

Explore the stories of people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry, each bringing their own experiences, skills, and aspirations. Discover how New Bedford’s maritime economy and growing industries connected the city to people and places a......More

Explore the stories of people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry, each bringing their own experiences, skills, and aspirations. Discover how New Bedford’s maritime economy and growing industries connected the city to people and places around the world, shaping opportunities that drew whalemen, merchants, craftspeople, immigrant communities, and freedom seekers seeking work, opportunity, and a new beginning. Learn how whaling, trade, and industrial growth helped shape New Bedford and influenced the people who built lives here during a period of profound change.

This tour is on 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA

Living History: 1850's Ladies in the Garden

Step into the 1850s and experience daily life in New Bedford through living history interactions with the 1850’s Ladies in the Garden. Explore clothing, customs, household activities, social life, and the changing world of a growing maritime city connected to trade and ......More

Step into the 1850s and experience daily life in New Bedford through living history interactions with the 1850’s Ladies in the Garden. Explore clothing, customs, household activities, social life, and the changing world of a growing maritime city connected to trade and industry. Learn how women contributed to family life, community life, and the experiences that shaped nineteenth-century New Bedford.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: Underground Railroad in New Bedford

Join us for an Underground Railroad Walking Tour exploring New Bedford’s connection to the Underground Railroad and the individuals who sought new opportunities and freedom in the city.The Underground Railroad was an informal network of people, communities, and transpor......More

Join us for an Underground Railroad Walking Tour exploring New Bedford’s connection to the Underground Railroad and the individuals who sought new opportunities and freedom in the city.The Underground Railroad was an informal network of people, communities, and transportation routes that assisted individuals escaping slavery. During the 1800s, New Bedford became an important destination because of its maritime economy, employment opportunities connected to the whaling industry, and support networks that included free Black residents, formerly enslaved people, abolitionists, maritime connections, and established community networks.On this tour, discover stories of people who built new lives in New Bedford, contributed to the city’s industries and neighborhoods, and shaped the history of the region. Learn how New Bedford’s role as an international port city connected people, commerce, and ideas during a period of major change in American history.Walk through historic streets. Explore significant places. Discover stories that remain part of New Bedford’s history today.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: The History of New Bedford Harbor

Explore the importance of New Bedford Harbor from the 1600s to the present day on this walking tour through one of New England’s historic working waterfronts. Learn how the harbor supported maritime trade, fishing, and whaling while contributing to major periods of Amer......More

Explore the importance of New Bedford Harbor from the 1600s to the present day on this walking tour through one of New England’s historic working waterfronts. Learn how the harbor supported maritime trade, fishing, and whaling while contributing to major periods of American history, including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War era, and New Bedford’s rise as the world’s whaling capital. Discover how the harbor connected New Bedford to regional, national, and global networks that continue to shape the city today.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Family Programming

This family-friendly program encourages creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning through engaging activities connected to park themes and stories. Programs may vary and are designed for all ages to enjoy. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials wil......More

This family-friendly program encourages creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning through engaging activities connected to park themes and stories. Programs may vary and are designed for all ages to enjoy. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials will be provided.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: Whaling in New Bedford

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Walk historic streets and explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known f......More

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Walk historic streets and explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and innovation. 

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: Exploring Extraordinary Whales

Did you know whales are some of the most extraordinary animals on Earth? From their immense size and remarkable adaptations to their communication and migration patterns, whales continue to inspire curiosity and scientific discovery.Explore the extraordinary world of wh......More

Did you know whales are some of the most extraordinary animals on Earth? From their immense size and remarkable adaptations to their communication and migration patterns, whales continue to inspire curiosity and scientific discovery.Explore the extraordinary world of whales on a walking tour at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Discover how whales shaped New Bedford’s history, influenced global industries, and connected this port city to people and places around the world.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on Willia

Ranger Talk: Whaling in New Bedford

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and......More

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and innovation.

Ranger Talks begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Walking Tour: Whaling in New Bedford

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and......More

Step into history and discover the story of New Bedford, the world’s whaling capital. Explore how this bustling seaport connected New Bedford to a global maritime economy, where whalemen traveled around the globe and helped shape a city known for industry, commerce, and innovation.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: Underground Railroad in New Bedford

Join us for an Underground Railroad Walking Tour exploring New Bedford’s connection to the Underground Railroad and the individuals who sought new opportunities and freedom in the city.The Underground Railroad was an informal network of people, communities, and transpor......More

Join us for an Underground Railroad Walking Tour exploring New Bedford’s connection to the Underground Railroad and the individuals who sought new opportunities and freedom in the city.The Underground Railroad was an informal network of people, communities, and transportation routes that assisted individuals escaping slavery. During the 1800s, New Bedford became an important destination because of its maritime economy, employment opportunities connected to the whaling industry, and support networks that included free Black residents, formerly enslaved people, abolitionists, maritime connections, and established community networks.On this tour, discover stories of people who built new lives in New Bedford, contributed to the city’s industries and neighborhoods, and shaped the history of the region. Learn how New Bedford’s role as an international port city connected people, commerce, and ideas during a period of major change in American history.Walk through historic streets. Explore significant places. Discover stories that remain part of New Bedford’s history today.

Ranger Talk: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunit......More

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunities that influenced his future work as an abolitionist, writer, and public speaker. Herman Melville also found inspiration in New Bedford’s maritime culture and whaling industry. His experiences contributed to the setting and themes later reflected in Moby-Dick, where he described New Bedford as a city shaped by maritime commerce and global connections. Their experiences reflect how New Bedford’s industries, waterfront, and community shaped lives while connecting this port city to the wider world.Follow in their footsteps and learn how New Bedford shaped two influential figures whose writings and experiences continue to connect New Bedford to the world today.

Ranger Talks begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Walking Tour: Women on Whaleships

Explore the experiences of women on whaleships and discover how they contributed to life aboard nineteenth-century whaling voyages. Through journals, firsthand accounts, and historical records, learn how women managed shipboard responsibilities, assisted with navigation......More

Explore the experiences of women on whaleships and discover how they contributed to life aboard nineteenth-century whaling voyages. Through journals, firsthand accounts, and historical records, learn how women managed shipboard responsibilities, assisted with navigation, served in medical roles, and connected with communities building relationships with other whaling families around the world.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Satu......More

Visitor CenterThe park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.Hours:May 1 through November 30 Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMDecember 1 through April 30 Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMThe Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:New Year’s DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.Visitor Center GardenOpen daily from dawn to dusk.Temporary Closures and Operational ChangesSevere weather, construction activities, public health concerns, emergencies, or security situations may require temporary changes to park operations, facility hours, or access to portions of the park to protect visitors, staff, and park resources.Temporary operational changes are shared through park alerts on the website, social media, phone greetings, and notices posted at key park locations.Please note that operating hours for National Park Service facilities may differ from partner organizations, businesses, and other locations within park boundaries.

Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an acce

Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunit......More

Explore New Bedford through the experiences of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, who both walked the streets of this historic port city in 1841. After escaping slavery, Frederick Douglass settled in New Bedford, where he found employment, community, and opportunities that influenced his future work as an abolitionist, writer, and public speaker. Herman Melville also found inspiration in New Bedford’s maritime culture and whaling industry. His experiences contributed to the setting and themes later reflected in Moby-Dick, where he described New Bedford as a city shaped by maritime commerce and global connections. Their experiences reflect how New Bedford’s industries, waterfront, and community shaped lives while connecting this port city to the wider world.Follow in their footsteps and learn how New Bedford shaped two influential figures whose writings and experiences continue to connect New Bedford to the world today.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Ranger Talk: A New Life In New Bedford

Explore the stories of people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry, each bringing their own experiences, skills, and aspirations. Discover how New Bedford’s maritime economy and growing industries connected the city to people and places a......More

Explore the stories of people who arrived in New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry, each bringing their own experiences, skills, and aspirations. Discover how New Bedford’s maritime economy and growing industries connected the city to people and places around the world, shaping opportunities that drew whalemen, merchants, craftspeople, immigrant communities, and freedom seekers seeking work, opportunity, and a new beginning. Learn how whaling, trade, and industrial growth helped shape New Bedford and influenced the people who built lives here during a period of profound change.

Ranger Talks begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William

Walking Tour: Blubber and Bones: The Products of Whaling

Step into the world of the whaling industry and discover how whale products supported everyday life during the 1800s. Explore how blubber, baleen, and bone became valuable resources used in homes, manufacturing, and industry, connecting New Bedford to a growing global e......More

Step into the world of the whaling industry and discover how whale products supported everyday life during the 1800s. Explore how blubber, baleen, and bone became valuable resources used in homes, manufacturing, and industry, connecting New Bedford to a growing global economy.

Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William