New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

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

ings.

“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.

We are excited to announce that at this years Oysterfest we will have not 1 but TWO vendors! Both .herskincare AND wil...
05/28/2026

We are excited to announce that at this years Oysterfest we will have not 1 but TWO vendors! Both .herskincare AND will be joining us and we could not be more thrilled.

You can click the links below to check out their websites or the tags to visit their pages!

05/27/2026

Wednesdays on the Water!

Another great video from F/V Princess Scarlett headed through the Cape May Bridge during a wintery storm!

📸 Captain Paulo Cristelo

Applications for the 2026 Something Fishy Summer Vacation Program are now available!Hosted in partnership between the Fi...
05/26/2026

Applications for the 2026 Something Fishy Summer Vacation Program are now available!

Hosted in partnership between the Fishing Heritage Center and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Something Fishy is a free week-long program open to rising New Bedford 4th graders to learn about the Port of New Bedford from whaling to commercial fishing through hands-on art and science activities and daily field trips.

This year we will be offering three Something Fishy Sessions:
Session 1: July 13 - July 17
Session 2: July 20 - July 24
Session 3: July 27 - July 31
All current New Bedford 3rd graders are welcome to apply. Applications due by Friday, June 19. Youth selected by lottery.

Visit our website to download an application: https://fishingheritagecenter.org/programs/vacation-programs/

05/20/2026

Wednesdays on the Water!

This weeks feature comes from F/V Master James, the Atlantic Ocean looking quite Carribean this week!

📸 Nicholas Cardoso

Join the Greater New Bedford Waterfront Task Force for a FREE Health & Wellness Event in support of New Bedford’s Commer...
05/16/2026

Join the Greater New Bedford Waterfront Task Force for a FREE Health & Wellness Event in support of New Bedford’s Commercial Fishing Community! ⚓️💙

📍 Steamboat Pier, Port of New Bedford
📅 Monday, May 18th, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Free services will include:
• Immunizations
• Health Screenings
• Nutrition & Health Information
• Overdose Education
• Narcan Distribution
• “Lifejackets for Fishermen” Rebate
• Local, State & Federal Regulations Information

This free event is dedicated to supporting the hardworking people of New Bedford’s fishing industry by providing important health resources, education, and community support.

05/15/2026

Oysterfest is back!!!

Fresh oysters. Local growers. Waterfront views. Cold drinks. Live music. Summer on the New Bedford waterfront doesn’t get much better than this.

Join us Saturday, June 6 at Cisco Kitchen & Bar New Bedford for New Bedford Oysterfest 2026 — a celebration of the South Coast aquaculture community brought to you by Cisco Brewers New Bedford, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, and Explore New Bedford.

Your ticket includes:
🦪 7 oyster samples from local growers
🍺 One complimentary craft beverage
🔪 A souvenir shucking knife
🎶 Live music right on the water

⏰ Two entry sessions:
12PM–2PM or 2:30PM–4:30PM

🎟️ $40 presale | $45 day-of
📍 Cisco Kitchen & Bar New Bedford

Tickets available now — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-bedford-oysterfest-2026-tickets-1983892773691?aff=FHCwebsite

What is a cause that you feel strongly about, one that affects your job, family, or community? This is a central questio...
05/14/2026

What is a cause that you feel strongly about, one that affects your job, family, or community?

This is a central question to our newest exhibit, In History's Wake, which opens today at the Fishing Heritage Center!

During the 1960s and 1970s, New England commercial fishermen found an answer to this question. In response to a growing environmental and economic disaster at the hands of foreign fishing fleets, fishermen from around the country rallied together in support of legislation that they believed would not only protect fish stocks, but also preserve their way of life. Today, many fishermen believe they got more than they bargained for.

Stop by this evening from 5:00pm until 7:00pm to explore the complicated history of the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and learn about the often-challenging relationship between commercial fishermen, the state and federal government, environmentalists, and scientists. Admission to the Center is FREE for AHA! New Bedford .

Learn more on our website: https://fishingheritagecenter.org/in-historys-wake/

05/13/2026

Wednesdays on the Water!

F/V Princess Scarlett reeling in some scup!

📸 Captain Paulo Cristelo

If you have content you want to be featured in Wednesday's on the Water DM us!

Address

38 Bethel Street
New Bedford, MA
02740

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15089938894

Website

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