Whales, Tales and Sails Story Hour Each Friday

Moms and dads seeking free, engaging activities for their young children should check out this event: Whales, Tales and Sails, a free, one-hour story hour each Friday morning from 10:00-11:00 AM. The weekly event features professional storyteller Andrea Lovett and includes stories, fingerplay, songs, music, crafts and free play at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Corson Maritime Learning Center. This activity is geared for children ages 0-5. The center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.

Andrea Lovett has been performing and teaching storytelling professionally since 1992. From the moment she begins to speak her audiences are caught up in the magic of story. Lovett co-founded massmouth, an award winning storytelling organization based in Massachusetts, with Norah Dooley in 2009.

Jen Nersesian, superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, said, “We know that there is tremendous public demand for this program and the park is so pleased to bring continue to offer this program. Andrea Lovett is such a wonderful storyteller; children and adults alike enjoy her stories. We invite anyone and everyone to this entertaining and family-friendly event in our park each Friday at 10:00 AM.”




New Bedford Guide’s Facebook Cover Photo Contest

Michael Silvia
by Michael Silvia

According to The Atlantic Cities Magazine, New Bedford is the 7th Most Artistic City in America. The statistics show that New Bedford has more than twice as many artists than the average city in America. Only Santa Fe, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and Danbury have a higher average of artists than New Bedford. Photography is an art and a thriving business/hobby in the area. New Bedford Guide wants to promote and support the photographers that explore our beautiful region.

NewBedfordGuide.com is offering our Facebook cover photo to one photographer each month through a free contest. This is valuable real estate for any photographer, because the New Bedford Guide facebook page reaches over 20,000 people in New Bedford, or over 77,000 people in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All photographers will get to promote their work to the masses with one photographer gaining additional exposure by being awarded our Facebook cover for a full month. The winning photo will have the photographers name and optional contact information watermarked on it.

 Contest Details

  • Join the Southcoast, MA Photographers Facebook group for updates.
  • All photos will get uploaded into this Facebook Album. The photos with the top 5 likes will be used to pull the final winner from. You can can vote/like one, some or all of the photos.
  • This first contest will run from April through 8 May, 2012. Submit them early to get more exposure!
  • For this first contest, we are looking for photos of the “Old Dartmouth” region:  New Bedford, Dartmouth, Acushnet, Fairhaven, and Westport.
  • Photos must be submitted to info@newbedfordguide.com. Photos should be a maximum size of 1500 x 1500 pixels and under 1 MB. Please include a description of the photo with at least a location.
  • Photos should have a small watermark of “newbedfordguide.com” and the photographers name at the bottom of the photo. This helps protect your work.
  • Photographers can submit up to five photos each month.
  • Photos must be original and unpublished. We should not see these photos anywhere else.
  • Photographers provide full display rights of the photo to NewBedfordGuide.com. Basically, this is your “payment” for getting into the contest. We get the photo to be used on newbedfordguide.com and you get exposure. You can use any of your photos on your own website, Facebook, etc. We do NOT have the right to resell your photos, but get to use them without restrictions on our website and Facebook page.
  • We will narrow down the best five photos based on Facebook likes. We will select a winner from the top five photos. The winner and new contest will be announced on 8 May, 2012. The winning photo will remain as the New Bedford Guide Facebook page cover photo from 8-31 May.
  • We will also choose winner for our Fairhaven Guide and Dartmouth Guide Facebook Pages.

Follow this article as we reserve the right to add, remove or modify these rules at any time!




Good Hue Clothing at the UGLY Gallery

Michael Silvia
by Michael Silvia

Second-hand clothing store Good Hue will have its unofficial grand opening this Friday, April 20th from 7-11 pm at the UGLY Gallery on 246 Union Street in New Bedford.

Accompanying the opening will be the local release of STUCK UP: A Selected History of Alternative & Pop Culture Told Through Stickers, as well as perfomances by local artists HiLoe, Nick Be, Kye Nathaniel, and The Youngest Man Alive, as well as DJ sets by Bogey Bambatta and Chester Best.

Good Hue is the brain child of Nick Walecka, who hopes to eventually open a retail store in downtown New Bedford. The business concept is purchase used clothing and other items and resell them for a profit.

There are always hidden treasures out there for those who have knack for finding it. Nick uses his keen eye and experience to prune the best items from dozens of locations and offers them for sale in a single location. If you’ve ever been to the thrift store or deep discount racks at local retailers, you know that you have to spend lots of time and energy sifting through hundreds of items to find the hidden gem.

How did you come up with the name of the business?

Good Hue Clothing New BedfordNick: At first, I struggled and struggled to name the business. I wanted something that would catch peoples ear, and not just something lame for the sake of having a name. My friends and I had been repeating the phrase “Good. You?” to one another for a while. You know when someone asks you, “what’s up?” and you automatically reply “Good. You?” even though it’s the wrong response to the question? It’s based off that sort of awkward interaction. I started to notice it happening more and more everywhere, and I wanted to name my company after it, but I wasn’t comfortable having a question mark in the name because I thought it would look kind of tacky. So I was stuck. One day my friend Nick Baptist said, “Why don’t you just use the word “hue” instead of “you”? Right away I gave him a hug and knew we had the name part figured out. I was able to keep with the original theme, as well as take a word (hue) that would help describe the colorful nature of my store.

Describe the concept behind your clothing store.

Nick: For years, I’ve been “thrift store hustling,” as my friends and I like to call it. As a bigger guy, I found it hard to find things my size, but I would always find smaller things that wouldn’t fit me. I was sick of leaving these awesome items on the racks when I knew my friends and others would love them, so I just started buying them, figuring I could just sell them to my friends. That’s where it started, and now I’ve gathered up enough things to where I could actually formulate some semblance of a business out of it. We’re still in the preliminary stages, but I think we’re starting in a good place. I asked Nick some questions to get more details on the business.

Describe your grand opening party at the Ugly Gallery.

Photo by Adam Hill

Nick: I’ve been talking to the guys at UGLY about having a show there for a while now. They’ve been nice enough to let me use their gallery as a jump off point for my venture. As of now, I can’t really afford my own space, so they’re going to let me have a little party there. My friends are going to model my clothes, but not like in a typical fashion show or catwalk sense, but rather just in a friendly atmosphere where people can vibe out to some tunes and check out the art. If people buy some clothes, that’s awesome, but this show is just to get the Good Hue name out there and to get people talking about it.

Why did you decide to get into the clothing business?

Nick: I decided to get into the business because thrifting is just something I’ve always enjoyed, so I figured, “why not try to make a buck or two off something I love and do for a hobby?” Plus, I’ve always wanted to work for myself, so I figured that if this was successful, I’d be able to fulfill that wish.

Where to you see the clothing store one year from now?

Nick: I’d like to have my own storefront Downtown in less than a year. Hopefully, the show will be a success and I’ll be able to grow my inventory as well as my bank account so I can invest into some real estate and actually own a real business. After that, I’d like to get into women’s clothes and expand into something bigger.




Operation Clean Sweep (21 April)

Operation Clean Sweep New BedfordOperation Clean Sweep, a New Bedford based anti-litter organization, will hold a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, April 21, 2012 in Ward 2 from 8:30 am until Noon.  The Ward 2 cleanup will be hosted by Cotali Mar Restaurant, and headquarters will be located in the restaurant’s parking lot on Sawyer Street.

Students, individuals, families and community service groups are encouraged to volunteer with Operation Clean Sweep to earn community service hours, demonstrate support for the neighborhood, and pride in the community.

Cotali Mar Restaurant will provide breakfast for volunteers in the morning and lunch will be provided by Domino’s Pizza, “The Official Pizza” of Operation Clean Sweep.

Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register by visiting www.operationcleansweep.net or call 508.979.1493.

Pre-registration is not required but it is preferred so that organizers are better able to plan for the needs of the day.  Volunteers are asked to wear closed toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Tools and gloves provided. Walk-ups are always welcome and all volunteer names will be entered into a drawing for a covered trash barrel!

Anyone interested in hosting a Ward cleanup is encouraged to call (508) 979-1493 for more information.




$65,794 Awarded for New Bedford Arts and Cultural Programs

The New Bedford Art Museum by Mike Mazer
The New Bedford Art Museum by Mike Mazer

Mayor Jon Mitchell and Lynne LaBerge, Chair of the New Bedford Cultural Council, have announced the award of 50 grants totaling $65,794 to support programs in New Bedford that promote education, diversity, and excellence in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. The grants were awarded from a pool of funds distributed to the City by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency that supports public programs and educational activities in the arts, sciences and humanities.

Grant recipients include ArtWorks!, New Bedford Open Studios, Cape Verdean Recognition Parade, New Bedford Historical Society, and New Bedford Festival Theatre just to name a few.  A complete list of recipients can be found below.

The New Bedford Cultural Council is part of a grass-roots network of 329 local councils that serve every city and town in the state. The program is the largest, most decentralized one of its kind in the United States. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which then allocates funds to each local council. Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by a board of municipally appointed volunteers.

The 2012 volunteer members of the New Bedford Cultural Council are:  Sam Ackah, Lee Blake, Shelley Cardoos, David Goncalves, Isaiah Houtman, Lynne LaBerge, Valentina Martinez, Linda Mello, and Elizabeth Pryor

“It’s the local volunteers who really make this system work,” said Mayor Mitchell.  “They make limited resources go as far as possible, and they make the tough decisions about which projects should be supported. Thanks to them, the arts, sciences and humanities are part of people’s everyday lives in every community across the state.”

Statewide, more than $2.8 million was distributed by local cultural councils in 2012. Grants support an enormous range of grass-roots activities: concerts, field trips for schoolchildren, after-school youth programs, historical preservation efforts, nature and science education programs for families, and city festivals. Nearly half of LCC funds support educational activities for young people. This includes the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school-age children to attend cultural field trips.

The New Bedford Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall. Information and forms can be found at www.massculturalcouncil.org and will be obtainable atthe New Bedford Free Public Library and arts and cultural outlets throughout the city in September 2012.  Application deadline is October 15, 2012.

2012 Grantees:

  • 3rd Eye Youth Empowerment
  • AHA!
  • New Bedford Summerfest
  • Alfred J. Gomes School
  • Art Therapy Inspirational Art for Seniors, Inc.
  • Artworks! Partners for the Arts and Community
  • Cape Verdean Recognition Committee
  • Casmir Pulaski School
  • City of New Bedford Department of Community Services
  • Community Economic Development Center
  • Congdon Elementary School
  • Culture Park
  • Dennison Memorial Community Center
  • Ellen R. Hathaway Elementary School
  • Fellowship Health Resources, Inc.
  • Friends of New Bedford Free Public Library
  • Global Learning Charter School
  • Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
  • GreenFleet
  • Horatio A. Kempton Elementary School
  • John Hannigan School
  • Keith Middle School
  • Youth Circus Workshop by Teresa Kochis
  • Martha Briggs Educational Club
  • New Bedford Ballet
  • New Bedford Festival Theatre
  • New Bedford Free Public Library
  • New Bedford High School Band Boosters
  • New Bedford Historical Society
  • New Bedford Open Studios
  • New Bedford Preservation Society
  • New Bedford Public Schools Fine Arts Department
  • New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Young Peoples’ Concert
  • Our Sisters’ School
  • PSILL Friends of SMEC
  • Rodman School
  • S.E. MA Veterans Housing Program, Inc
  • Saint James-Saint John School
  • South Coast Chamber Music Society
  • South Coast Childrens Theatre, Inc.
  • South End Business Association, Inc. Hazelwood Park Summer Fair
  • Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC)
  • Sunshine’s Place, Inc.
  • Your Theatre, Inc.
  • YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts



April is “Donate Life Month” in New Bedford

Donate Life Month New Bedford Last year the lives of more than 240 New Englanders were saved because individuals registered as organ donors on their state driver’s license or online through the Donate Life New England registry. In addition, the lives of 25,000 in this region were enhanced by tissue donations from registered tissue donors. Registering as a donor can make a very real difference in the life of someone desperately in need of a transplant. Currently, over 113,700 Americans await a life saving organ transplant that may not come in time.

On Wednesday, April 18th at 10:00 AM at New Bedford City Hall on 133 William Street, Mayor Jon Mitchell will present a Proclamation to representatives from New England Organ Bank proclaiming April is Donate Life Month in the City of New Bedford. April is National Donate Life Month and it is an opportunity to continue to educate the public, celebrate the lives saved and enhanced through donation and honor the donors who made the ultimate gift.

Mayor Mitchell said he looks forward to the ceremony and the opportunity to acknowledge the New England Organ Bank efforts to increase public awareness and to acknowledge the partnership between the RMV and Donate Life.

Matt Boger, State Relations for New England Organ Bank said, “Statistics show that 99.8% of all Massachusetts residents who designate themselves as an organ and tissue donor do so at the RMV. They play a very important party in the donation process.”

Mike Lenza, liver recipient and New England Organ Bank RMV Ambassador for Lowell says “It’s very inspiring to have the support of Mayor Mitchell for Donate Life Month. We hope the people of New Bedford decide to register today and tell their family and friends to do the same.”

About New England Organ Bank
New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the surgical recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region.

About Donate Life New England
Donate Life New England is a joint project of two federally designated organ procurement organizations that serve New England – LifeChoice Donor Services and New England Organ Bank. They have come together to create a fast and easy way for citizens of New England to register as organ and tissue donors in a secure and confidential manner. For more information, visit www.donatelifenewengland.org.




Margaret’s Restaurant Review

elsa yeung
by Elsa Yeung

Over the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge lies the magical land of Margaret’s, where you can get a scrumptious seafood lunch of New Bedford scallops, shrimp, and fish for a bargain price. In a recent trip there, I ordered a dish with all three, perfectly prepared and not overdone, in a delicate yet simple tomato and aioli sauce for less than $10. If that sounds too fancy for you, classic fish and chips, wraps, and sandwiches are also on the menu and are just as carefully prepared and delicious. Their fried fish is always delightfully crispy and flavorful without being oily, and their fries are no joke either.

Margaret’s is located on 16 Main Street in Fairhaven in an unassumingly quaint wooden-shingle house, but serves up dishes that could pass at some swanky hotel for millionaires by the bay. Upon being seated, you are served homemade, crumbly onion bread with some whipped honey butter that you can enjoy while deciding what else you would like to stuff your face with.

Margarest's Restaurant Fairhaven, MA
Margaret's is located on 16 Main St. in Fairhaven, MA - (508) 992-9942

Breakfast offerings (before 11 am) include comforting, fluffy pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and light-as-air, crepe-like Norwegian pancakes served with your choice of seasonal fruit.

The lunch menu is a steal (and also the source of my recent less-than-$10 seafood feast) and contains a variety of fresh seafood dishes expertly paired with creative ingredients that bring out their full flavor. Daily specials keep the regulars coming back for new and unique dishes, though there is enough on the regular menu to keep you from being bored even if you went there every day for a week. For health nuts out there, the goat cheese and pear salad, filled with pecans and cranberries, is top-notch and always fresh.

Dinner at Margaret’s can get busy on the weekends, but if you go on a weeknight, it can be peaceful and romantic, great for impressing first dates, girlfriends, wives, or even your mother-in-law. The prices increase a little for dinner, but not unreasonably so, and you’ll definitely get a better value than you would at some generic seafood chain. It’s also BYOB, which is always a plus.

For the food it serves, the atmosphere at Margaret’s is never snobby, and the cozy ambience and great service make you feel at home. Seating is limited, but on the one occasion I’ve had to wait for a table, I was directed to an upstairs waiting room that had such quaint seaside charm that it sufficiently distracted me from my hunger enough so I did not mind. The clientele, depending on the time of day, range from families with kids, to gruff old fishermen on their lunch break, to Justin Timberlake (as proclaimed on a framed newspaper clipping on the wall). If you go alone, you can sit at the bar and chat with the friendly staff as they shuttle food from the kitchen window to eagerly awaiting patrons.

The only drawback of note at Margaret’s is their funky hours. Margaret’s closes between lunch and dinner, and on three separate occasions, I have arrived at the restaurant, visions of seared scallops dancing in my head, to find that it had closed an hour before or was not open that day. Had it been some other restaurant, I may have given up, but Margaret’s is so delicious that I don’t care and now I have their hours written on the back of my planner.

Margaret’s Hours:

Mon, Wed-Sat 7 am – 2 pm, 5 – 9 pm
Sun 7 am – 9 pm




Slinging Ink in the Whaling City

by Joe Silvia

Yesterday I caught up with tattoo shop owner Jeremy Gaudreau, a local businessman that recently opened his shop “Living Canvas” at 1881 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. He opened his doors four months ago and business is already booming.

Why open a shop in New Bedford?
There are about a dozen shops in Fall River, one in Acushnet, a bunch in Wareham, and other surrounding areas. New Bedford had one shop when I started the ball rolling and that one wasn’t officially open yet. There was a need for quality tattooing in New Bedford. People were leaving New Bedford and going to other places. Keep it local.

Everyone who comes in just got out of prison or is a biker, right?
Ha! No, our customers are soccer moms, grandmas, young people, old people, politicians, cops, doctors, you name it. There’s still a stigma that it’s criminals, but anyone who believes that is behind the times by about 15 years. Everyone knows someone with one.

I notice you have quite a few discounts and specials advertised. Tell us about them.
We have permanent and temporary ones. We always have a “hero” discount. Police, firemen, military, veteran…you get 25% off. Student? 15% off. If you enter your name and number in the box, once a month I randomly pull one out and that person gets a free portrait.

We have the infamous Harpoon Tattoo. Small, medium and large for $25, $50, and $75. A portion of that gets donated to charity.

I take it portraits are something you enjoy doing?
It’s my specialty. That and realistic images. There’s a bunch in the portfolio and on the Facebook page that people can see.

If I was new to get tattoos, what should I be looking for when I walk into a place? How do I know if the person is not a hack?
Well right away, when you walk in what condition is the place in? Is it a wreck? How clean is the front room? That will be an indicator. Is the artist friendly or act like you’re bothering him or her? Do they have portfolios available? Ask them where they apprenticed. Do they have artwork?front of building

Do you mean tattoo artwork or art in general?
Yeah, regular art. The person should also be an artist….painting, drawing, sculpture, anything. You know they are practicing all the time and love doing it. The tattoo artist should be an artist first.

What kind of safety procedures do you have?
Well you have to be certified in CPR, bloodborne pathogens, skin physiology, and more. I have the autoclave and ultrasound machine and throw away EVERY needle. Single use only.

I see that you offer more than tattoos. Some clothing, jewelry….
We have a few brands of clothing made locally. Shirts, stocking hats, hoodies, etc. “Victim”, “Jubei” and “Brawlers, Inc.” Adam Wood from right down the road here hand crafts metal rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. I also personally hand make my tattoo machines and we offer them too.

So how’s business? How has New Bedford been treating you?
Good, man. We just opened and I’m booked on average three weeks out and it’s growing. Of course, people cancel so depending on the size of the artwork, I do walk-ins so stop by.

What’s the best part of the job?
Besides not having a boss breathing down my neck, I love meeting all the interesting people. It’s a treat to hang out with the interesting characters and do something I love to do.

Where do you see “Living Canvas” in the next few years?
I’d like to add another artist and I’m working with the city to develop a piercing policy. As soon as the city works it out, I’ll be offering piercing. I’d like to make New Bedford known for quality tattooing. I already have people coming from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and even one girl flying in from Kansas to get a portrait in a few weeks. [Customer walks in.]

Oop. Gotta go!

Thanks for the interview Jeremy!
Anytime!

Living Canvas’ hours are from 11-10 Monday through Saturday. Gift certificates are available. Walk-ins can’t be guaranteed, so appointments are suggested. A $40 non-refundable deposit is required and 24 hour notice to re-schedule. Tattoos that take 30-60 minutes run from $50-$100, pricing for bigger art is posted. Portraits are a $350 flat rate. If you want to see satisfied customers, more artwork, and the clothing and jewelry, click like on his Facebook page: Living Canvas Tattoo

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Whaling Museum School Vacation Activities

New Bedford Whaling MuseumA week of fun activities are planned for spring vacation at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, April 16-20, in partnership with New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

Monday, April 16 is Right Whale Day, when the museum offers free family activities focused on the highly endangered northern right whale starting at 10:00 a.m. under the massive right whale skeleton on display in the Jacobs Family Gallery. Walk inside a life-sized inflatable right whale and stand next to a life-sized inflatable right whale calf for a photo. Challenge yourself in the coastal obstacle course as you attempt to survive the dangers right whales face in their migrations. Test your observation skills by identifying individual whales based on their markings. Enjoy a slice of the huge “right whale cake” at 1:35 p.m.

Right Whale Day schedule of activities: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Go Inside the Inflatable Whale (presented by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society); 10:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Right Whale Obstacle Course (presented by the museum’s high school apprentices), museum plaza; 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Make Right Whale Magnets & Whale Origami (presented by the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance); 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Right Whale Crafts & Learning Activities (presented by the museum docents & high school apprentices); 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Inflatable Right Whale Calf, Right Whale Info & Photo-Op with the Right Whale Calf (presented by the education staff of NOAA); 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary 20th Anniversary display & activities (presented by Stellwagen Sanctuary staff); 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Right Whale Identification Activities, (presented by the museum volunteers); 1:35 p.m.: Right Whale Day Cake; 2:00 p.m.: Free screening of “Ocean Frontiers – The Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship,” (Cook Memorial Theater). “Ocean Frontiers” is an engaging, inspirational film that features four very different, but equally important success stories of ocean stewardship, including one that is taking place in Massachusetts Bay.

Spring vacation week activities continue through Friday, April 20. Schedule of activities: Tuesday- Friday, April 17-20, 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.: “Highlights Tours: Go Below Decks on The Lagoda.” Join a docent for a 45-minute tour that focuses on highlights of the Museum’s collection. The tour leaves from the front desk. The first ten participants to sign up will go below decks on the Lagoda. Regular admission applies.

Tuesday, April 17, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: “Moby-Dick Highlights Tour” Docents bring the characters and action from Herman Melville’s great American novel to life through a tour of the Museum’s collection. Tour leaves from the front desk. Regular admission rates apply.

Wednesday morning, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: “Maritime Arts & Crafts.” Children make and take home their project. This program is free for children in the Jacobs Family Gallery. Regular admission rates apply to the Museum galleries.

Wednesday afternoon, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offers a free fun-filled afternoon for the whole family, including scavenger hunt, carnival games, bean bag toss and Earth Day crafts. Try croquet on the lawn with Ruth & Abby – the 1850s ladies – and watch the Youth Ambassador Program (YAP!) videos, “Get Outside” and “My Backyard” series. Pick up a free “Burn While You Learn,” map of the park to explore history while getting some exercise. The National Park Visitor Center is located at 33 William Street, adjacent to the museum plaza.

Thursday, April 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: “Sailors’ Valentines.” Learn how to make sailors’ valentines, traditional gifts whalemen gave to their wives and loved ones upon returning from long voyages. Take your valentine home as a keepsake. This program is free for children in the Jacobs Family Gallery. Regular admission rates apply to the Museum galleries.

Friday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: “All Aboard The Lagoda” allows children to dress as their favorite seafaring character and climb aboard the Lagoda, learning the ropes, interacting with different cultures, and scouring the seas in search of whales as they experience a global whaling voyage through role-play on the world’s largest model whaleship (regular admission rates apply).

Spring vacation week activities are free where noted for children to 14 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

In celebration of the Bicentennial of the Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts (1812-2012), Fairhaven residents receive free admission to the museum, Sunday, April 15 through Saturday, April 21 (proof of residency required).

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world’s most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales, whaling and the cultural history of the region. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. For events: www.whalingmuseum.org.




Ocean Explorium Hosts EPA Photo Project

For the Documerica Project (1971 – 1977), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hired freelance photographers to capture pictures of environmental problems, EPA activities and everyday life in the 1970’s.  These images were intended to establish a visual baseline against which progress could be measured.

In 2011, the EPA invited citizens to submit photographs to update the record.  This photo project, called State of the Environment, includes “Then and Now” images taken nearly 40 years apart.

The Ocean Explorium has been chosen to exhibit some of the most compelling images, from both the Documerica and State of the Environment series.  For a few days only, several photographs will be on view before moving on to another location.

EPA Photo Project“The Ocean Explorium is fortunate to be able to showcase these amazing images.  When the opportunity was presented to us on Thursday afternoon, we could not say no!  The exhibit will be installed on Saturday and will be dismantled on Tuesday, so it is important we get the word out so folks can see these beautiful photographs” according to Abbey Spargo, Education Programs Coordinator.

In the meantime, it is not too late to participate in the EPA photo project.  Readers who feel inspired may join the EPA State of the Environment photo project or view the photo archives at: http://blog.epa.gov/epplocations.