• Sarah Bartlett, Exhibit Developer
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  • Sarah Bartlett, Exhibit Developer
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  • Honors & Awards
  • Conferences & Publications

© 2025 Sarah Bartlett, Exhibit Developer

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Communities of Whaling

New Bedford National Historical Park, Massachusetts

When you think of a whaler, you may pictured a grizzled sailor wielding a harpoon. But in New Bedford, the whaling industry reflected the diversity of its population, attracting large numbers of African American, Cape Verdean, Azorean, and Wampanoag Indian men. This permanent exhibition puts a face to these stories, connecting visitors and community members to their history and heritage.

Designer: Split Rock Studios

Owner: National Park Service

The Communities of Whaling exhibition celebrates the people and cultures whose contributions to whaling in New England have often been overlooked.

A low-tech spinner wall features modern and historical photos of families and individuals involved in New Bedford whaling.

Visitors can watch a series of video clips and oral histories from New Bedford's whaling history.

Using a touchscreen, visitors can explore some of the houses and buildings in New Bedford that relate to whaling.

© 2025 Sarah Bartlett, Exhibit Developer

Theme by Colormelon