New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

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New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Dedicated to telling the story of the fishing industry past, present, and future.

The Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to telling the story of the fishing industry past, present, and future through exhibits, programs, and archives. The Center is located at 38 Bethel Street in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The 3000 square foot, handicap accessible space accommodates changing exhibits, public programs, school groups, archives, and community gatherings.

“The commercial fishing community deserves a place to preserve and present its stories and artifacts, share its skills and knowledge, and educate the public about its rich traditions, heritage, and contemporary existence. We are excited to provide that opportunity.” Executive Director, Laura Orleans.

What's your favorite exhibit within our walls!? Mine may be the discussion around safety suits. Its always fascinating t...
10/17/2026

What's your favorite exhibit within our walls!?

Mine may be the discussion around safety suits. Its always fascinating to learn about the measures that companies and vessels are taking to ensure the safety of fishermen!

Peak your interests here in the heart of downtown ♥️
Learn about the history of our commercial fishing industry. Learn about the struggles and the triumph that this industry has been through.

You'll be so happy that you did!

Saturday hours - 10a to 4p

In 1970, off the shore of Martha’s Vineyard, Lithuanian radio operator Simas Kudirka jumped from a Soviet ship onto a US...
10/16/2026

In 1970, off the shore of Martha’s Vineyard, Lithuanian radio operator Simas Kudirka jumped from a Soviet ship onto a US Coast Guard vessel in a frantic bid for freedom. Denied asylum by the American crew, Simas was sentenced to a Soviet labor camp for treason, sparking an international outcry. His dramatic case set off a chaotic series of events leading to one of the biggest political muddles during the Cold War.

Join FHC and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park tonightat 7:00pm for our free screening the 2020 documentary film "The Jump" which recount's Simas' story. The screening will take place at the National Park's auditorium at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Learn more and register for free on our website: https://fishingheritagecenter.org/dock-u-mentary-the-jump/

Anchors away on a rainy day! Don't let that rain deter you, though 😎The center is open today from 10a to 4p! There is so...
10/16/2026

Anchors away on a rainy day!

Don't let that rain deter you, though 😎

The center is open today from 10a to 4p! There is so much happening behind the scenes. And, its the perfect weather to start that holiday shopping.

I know, I know.... "it's only October....."

Just blink. It'll be here tomorrow ...

Support small. Support local. Support your community.
The gift shop is a huge collaborative effort! We've been using up lots of efforts to bring a very wide variety of items that are perfect for the gift giving season. Unique finds from the local artisans have been hitting the shelves almost weekly! When you support the gift shop, you support our collaborations 🫶

Thank YOU to our small business friends who continue to go all of the extra lengths to help this effort 👌

You matter and we appreciate you! Wholeheartedly.

📷: artist Sheryl LeBlanc

Its fall y'all! And, the center just received some items that will ignite your life a little!!! They will also help your...
10/14/2026

Its fall y'all! And, the center just received some items that will ignite your life a little!!! They will also help your home welcome in that comfy cozy feeling 😊

Coming in today we have these amazing candles that smell so lovely!! Hand crafted by Nancy with Fern and Forest Art! Living by the coast, her inspiration is of course inspired by nature itself. These candles smell amazing. But the gift sets are ready to roll with adorable matches included. 😍 the tags crafted solely for the center, making these super unique to our space!

Thank you for coming on board our vessel!

Shop small this holiday season! Each purchase made at the center not only benefits us. It also benefits local artisans and makers in the area! How beautiful is that!?

See you soon!

Wednesday - Saturday 10a to 4p

Join FHC and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park this Friday, October 16, at 7:00pm for our first free Dock-u-m...
10/13/2026

Join FHC and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park this Friday, October 16, at 7:00pm for our first free Dock-u-mentary film screening of the fall 2026 season! We will be screening the 2020 documentary film "The Jump," which recounts the story of Simas Kudirka, a Lithuanian radio operator who in1970 jumped from a Soviet ship onto a US Coast Guard vessel in a frantic bid for freedom. The screening will take place at the National Park's auditorium at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Visit our website to learn more: https://fishingheritagecenter.org/dock-u-mentary-the-jump/

The film screening is a special tie-in with the Center’s ongoing exhibit, In History’s Wake, which explores the complicated history and legacy of the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Calling all commercial fishermen! The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance is hosting a public meeting to develop a...
10/09/2026

Calling all commercial fishermen! The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance is hosting a public meeting to develop a Scallop Seed Avoidance Program. The meeting will be held at New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center on Wednesday, October 21, from 8:30am-12:30pm.

You can register to attend here: https://forms.gle/9gCvcHF8sN3kt4MB9

Other upcoming meetings:
* October 20 – Chatham, MA
* October 22 – Point Judith, RI
* October 23 – Cape May, NJ

We had a great time celebrating Norwegian history and culture last night! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn,...
10/09/2026

We had a great time celebrating Norwegian history and culture last night! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn, chat, and connect.

A great day out on the water! Thanks to generous support from Association for the Relief of Aged Women , Herstory Projec...
10/06/2026

A great day out on the water! Thanks to generous support from Association for the Relief of Aged Women , Herstory Project Manager Laura Campbell hosted 13 women for a New Bedford Harbor Tour. It was a great day out on the water with lots of laughter and learning about the working harbor.

Learn more about ARAW's work here: https://www.arawofnb.org/

🌊 Ever wondered what happens before the catch hits your plate? 🐟Join the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center for an eye-...
10/05/2026

🌊 Ever wondered what happens before the catch hits your plate? 🐟

Join the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center for an eye-opening, illustrated talk diving deep into the inner workings of our local seafood industry!

Here is a glimpse of what we'll explore:
The Journey at Sea: Discover different fisheries, the gear involved, and what daily life is really like on a commercial boat.
Back to Port: Learn exactly how a catch gets offloaded, sold, and processed once the boat returns.
The Bigger Picture: We’ll also discuss the real dangers of commercial fishing, alongside crucial insights into sustainability and fisheries science.

📅 Save the Date!
When: October 6th, 6:30PM
Where: [Woburn Public Library, 45 Pleasant St, Woburn, MA 01801]

Whether you're a seafood lover, a science buff, or just curious about the ocean economy, this presentation has something for everyone. See you there!

Address

38 Bethel Street
New Bedford, MA
02740

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+15089938894

Website

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