You are here

Black History Month Marked With Programs At New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

Share

Published Date

January 30, 2017

Crew of the Wanderer, 1924, colorized/Original image courtesy of New Bedford Whaling Museum

In celebration of Black History Month in February, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will offer several programs to recognize and honor the remarkable achievements of African Americans from New Bedford. All events are free and will be held at the visitor center in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

On February 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., in partnership with AHA!, the New Bedford Historical Society, the Freetown Historical Society, and park rangers will display and discuss two Civil War Medals of Honor recipients. William Carney, a soldier from the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, was the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor. Rangers will tell the story of the Battle of Fort Wagner, where Carney performed a truly heroic act of valor and patriotism. Also, the Medal of Honor given to John Deane of Freetown earned at the Battle of Fort Steadman will be on display.

On February 9 at 5:30 p.m., New Bedford’s own YAP!, the Youth Ambassador Program, will premiere its latest music video, “The Struggle.” Meet the artists and have a discussion about the social justice issues that have faced New Bedford for hundreds of years and those that we still face today. Using America’s national parks as inspiration, the Youth Ambassador Program has created award-winning, provocative, and inspiring works of art.

On February 18 from 1 to 4 p.m., Rangers Rufai Shardow and Mark Mello will present “The Story of Henry ‘Box’ Brown.” This program tells the dramatic and courageous story of an escaped slave who mailed himself in a box for a 27-hour journey to freedom.

During school vacation week, February 22-24, from 11 a.m. to noon, bring the kids to the visitor center for a fun and interactive ranger-led program focusing on the contributions of African Americans in New Bedford and their impact around the world. See if you could have fit into Henry “Box” Brown’s box or grab a coloring book and learn about Frederick Douglass, Polly Johnson, and others.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.