30th Anniversary

News Release Date: November 5, 2026

New Bedford, MA - New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park celebrates its 30th Anniversary!

Established on November 12, 1996, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park serves as a model for community partnerships in the National Park Service. The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize community members and partners whose dedication has helped protect and preserve New Bedford's history. That spirit of collaboration is reflected in our 30th anniversary theme, People, Places, and Possibilities which celebrates the people who helped establish the park, the places that hold our history, and the opportunities ahead. For three decades New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has been preserving the rich history, protecting the historic character, and sharing stories of the American whaling industry, global immigration, Underground Railroad, women's history, architecture, and art.

Partners from our affiliated site, the Iñupiat Heritage Center, in Utqiaġvik, Alaska will be in New Bedford to help celebrate our 30th anniversary. On Thursday, November 12th at 6:00 PM they will present traditional Iñupiat dancing, discuss traditional and modern Iñupiat whale hunting, and provide an opportunity for open discussion on life in Utqiaġvik. Community members are welcome and encouraged to participate in the celebration of three decades of historic preservation, interpretation and storytelling, and community engagement.

Anniversary Celebration Schedule

4:00 - 5:30 PM | Make a Party Hat with the 1850s Ladies

Planning on attending the party? Join the 1850s ladies at the Junior Ranger Station to make a party hat!

5:30 - 6:00 PM | Anniversary Cake Cutting!

Come celebrate with a slice of cake before the traditional Iñupiat dancing, presentation, and Q&A.

6:00 - 7:30 PM | Traditional Iñupiat Dancing, Presentation, and Q&A

Join our partners from the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, for traditional Iñupiat dancing and a presentation exploring the continuing traditions of Iñupiat whaling and the historic connections between our two communities.

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM | Create, Explore, and Collect

Create a watercolor keepsake at the Visitor Center, then explore New Bedford and collect anniversary stamps at participating sites through October 2027.

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