New Bedford Whaling Museum Trip

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Retirees had a wonderful trip through the New Bedford Whaling Museum, including a 3D movie, "Antarctica: On The Edge," Lunch at The Black Whale, and time to explore Abolition Row and the harbor.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a window into the culture and importance of a vibrant Northeast urban seaport that served as an economic cornerstone of New England for generations. From merchants, whalers, seamstresses and fishermen to abolitionists, immigrants, artists, and environmentalists, the people of New Bedford have their stories shared in ways that examine the region's complex and sometimes difficult past and inform a sustainable future. Exhibits include the spectacular Lagoda, the museum's half-scale model of a whaling bark (which is the largest ship model in existence,) a vast catalogue of scrimshaw, and an exhibition of the latest science and behavior of whales, their cultural impact, and current threats to their survival. The museum launched their new exhibition, "A singularly marine and fabulous produce": the Cultures of Seaweed as well! The New Bedford Whaling Museum is also host to an immersive 3D theater. We attended a showing of "Antarctica: On the Edge," joining National Geographic's Jon Bowermaster and crew as they travel along the continent's frozen coastline.

Itinerary

7:30am: The Association's travel director, Kathleen Griffin welcomed us on this fantastic outingand departed from MIT's Cambridge Campus.

8:30am: Bus departed from Lincoln Laboratory.

10:00am - Noon: The group enjoyed a guided tour of the New Bedford Whaling Museum and a 3D movie, "Antarctica: On the Edge."

12:30pm: We shared a casual lunch with friends at The Black Whale. Dessert, and soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included.

2:30pm - 4:30pm: Everyone explored Abolition Row, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, and New Bedford Harbor.

4:30pm: The group headed home after a lovely day.