New Bedford NPS

Established on November 12, 1996, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park serves as a model for collaborative partnerships in the National Park Service. Located in the urban setting of downtown New Bedford that spans over 13 city blocks, the park and its partners preserve, protect, and interpret the cultural resources associated with the history of 19th-20th century whaling industry. The park is more than whaling as it includes stories of global immigration, Underground Railroad, women’s history, cultural diversity, architecture, art, and their relevance to current topics. From the park’s Belgian-blocked lined streets to the Artist-in-Residence, ranger programs, and volunteer opportunities, there are hundreds of ways to Find Your Park in the “City that Lit the World.”