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New Bedford Whaling National Historical ParkTheme(s): Industry & Commerce | |
Description:
New Bedford Whaling National Historical 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. Whaling, a leading 19th century enterprise, contributed to America's economic and political vitality.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was created in 1996. The park encompasses 34 acres spread over 13 city blocks and includes a visitor center, the New Bedford Whaling Museum,the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum.
The park's enabling legislation also established a legislative connection with the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska, to commemorate the more than 2,000 whaling voyages from New Bedford to the Western Arctic.
Designations:
National Historical Park (November 12, 1996)
National Historic Landmark District (November 1966)
Accessibility:
Much of the historic downtown area is wheelchair accessible, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum; the Visitor Center is not yet adapted for this purpose (beginning in January 2000 the Visitor Center will undergoe extensive rehabilitation - including an accessible entrance ramp.
Getting Around:
The best way to see the park is by foot.
Activites:
Educational Programs | And more.
Facilities:
Restaurant or Snack Bar | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Directions to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Plane:
New Bedford Regional Airport - (508) 991-6160
Car:
From Boston
* Route 93 South {13 miles}. Hwy. forks in Braintree; stay right. Sign reads: "93 South, Dedham-Providence." {3 miles}.
* Exit 4: Route 24 South. This is a left lane exit {24 miles}.
* Exit 12: Route 140 South {19 miles}.
* Exit 2E: Interstate 195 East. {1.3 miles}.
* Exit 15: Downtown - Route 18 South {1.1 miles}.
* TURN RIGHT at lights onto Elm Street. Public parking garage two blocks on right.
From Cape Cod
* Route 6 West
* Route 25
* Route I-195 West
* Exit 15: Downtown - Route 18 South
* TURN RIGHT at lights onto Elm Street. Public parking garage two blocks on right.
From Providence
* Route I-95
* Route I-195 East
* Exit 15: Downtown - Route 18 South
* TURN RIGHT at lights onto Elm Street. Public parking garage two blocks on right.
Public Transportation
Bus service is available from Boston and Providence via American Eagle Motor Coach. Local bus service is provided by the Southeast Regional Transportation Authority (SRTA).
Phone Numbers:
American Eagle (508) 993-5040
SERTA - (508) 999-5211
Attractions:
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Phone:508-997-0046
Seamen's Bethel
Wharfinger Building - Waterfront Visitor Center
Phone:800-508-5353
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
Phone:508-997-1401
Schooner Ernestina
Phone:508-992-4900
Nearby Parks:
Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts (50 miles)
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Rhode Island (50 miles)
Boston National Historical Park in Massachusetts (50 miles)
Lowell National Historical Park in Massachusetts (50 miles)
Adams National Historical Park in Massachusetts (50 miles)
Inupiat Heritage Center National Historical Park in Alaska (50 miles)
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