New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park         

Contact Information:
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park   
33 William Street
New Bedford, MA 02740 
508-996-4095
http://www.nps.gov/nebe/

Size: 34 acres. 

Location: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, 50 miles southeast of Boston and 30 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island. Accessible via I-195 (Exit 15). 

Description: Park commemorates the heritage of the world's preeminent whaling port during the 19th century. A variety of cultural landscapes, historic buildings, museum collections, and archives preserve this history and collectively recount the stories of a remarkable era. Sites spread over 13 city blocks include the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, the U.S. Customs House, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. 

Activities: The best place to begin your visit is at the park visitor center where a park ranger or volunteer can help you plan your day. There are several self-guided walking maps available. Places to visit include the New Bedford Whaling Museum (where the Park's official orientation movie "The City that Lit the World" is shown daily in the museum's theatre), the Seamen's Bethel, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, the Wharfinger Fish Auction Building, the Schooner Ernestina, and other nearby attractions. The National Park Service offers one-hour guided walking tours during the summer months. During other times of the year walking tours may be available on weekends. 

Operating Hours: The visitor center is open daily from 9:00am to  5:00pm; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

History: Authorized on November 12, 1996. 

See other National Historical Parks
See other Massachusetts National Parks

Free National & State Parks Newsletter!Sign Up