June 13, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center invites the public to join us as we celebrate our 1st anniversary on June 24th and 25th. The weekend will feature a model boat show, walking tours, performances of maritime music and storytelling, and anniversary cake.
On Saturday, June 24th, Big Boats, Little Boats will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Center and on Pier 3. This free event features a model boat show; walking tours of the working waterfront; a fishing vessel tour; mini-tugs dockside at Pier 3; and Center exhibits. In addition, Whaling City Expeditions will offer harbor tours at a reduced rate with coupon.
That evening, The Souls of the Sea Trio will perform from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The benefit concert takes place under a tent at the Center and features Allen Estes, Sal Baglio, and Matt Leavenworth. These three nationally acclaimed singers, songwriters, and musicians perform musical tributes to the lives and experiences of the fishermen of the North Atlantic and their families. Their original and musically diverse songs are a unique interpretation of life around the working waterfront. A cash bar will be available. Tickets for the concert are $20 and all proceeds benefit the Center.
On Sunday, June 25th, the public is invited to the anniversary party from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus kicks off the event at 11:00 a.m. Following welcome remarks by Laura Orleans, Executive Director, and Phil Mello, Board Chair, anniversary cake by Ellen’s Creations and ice cream from the Ox Cart will be served. Storyteller Jackson Gillman will perform at 12:45 p.m. In addition, children’s craft activities will be available and the Ox Cart will be selling food and beverages.
The Center is grateful to BayCoast Bank and the National Endowment for the Arts for their generous support of these events.
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present, and future through exhibits, programs, and archives. The Center is open free of charge, Thursday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is located at 38 Bethel Street, in the heart of the National Park. The Center is wheelchair accessible and has free off-street parking. For more information, please email programs@fishingheritagecenter.org or call the Center at (508) 993-8894.