June 9, 2020 — This June, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will present a series of digital programs related to Portuguese immigration and culture on New Bedford’s working waterfront. These programs are part of a series based on the Center’s latest exhibit, We Came to Fish, We Came to Work: Stories of Immigration.
The Port of New Bedford has long drawn immigrants from around the world. Despite differences in language and culture, a highly-valued fishing industry developed, drawing on the strengths of immigrants from all over the world including Norway, Cape Verde, Guatemala, Nova Scotia, Vietnam, and Portugal. “We Came to Fish, We Came to Work: Stories of Immigration” explores stories of immigration and cultural heritage on New Bedford’s working waterfront. Over the next 8 months, the center will look at cultural heritage through a variety of programs including film screenings, cooking and craft demos, performances and talks, which will be offered virtually until the center re-opens to the public.
Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m. ”Portuguese Immigration and the Fishing Experience: A Virtual Illustrated Talk,” featuring sociologist Gloria deSa, photojournalist Peter Pereira, and photographer Ron Fortier will be presented. Learn about fishing in Portugal as well as about Portuguese immigration and the Portuguese community in New Bedford today. This event will be live streamed to the center’s Facebook page,facebook.com/NBFishingHeritageCenter.