Saving Seafood

MASSACHUSETTS: More Than a Job: New Bedford’s work and community

April 28, 2021 — As parts of our communities begin to reopen, the fishing industry is a reminder that essential services never stopped running in the year since businesses and even public services in the United States began to shutter their doors.

The crown jewel of Massachusetts’ fishing industry, New Bedford’s history is inexorably tied to its working waterfront. This month, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will reopen to the public with a new exhibit — More than a Job: Work and Community in New Bedford’s Fishing Industry.

“Fishing industry workers often describe what they do as ‘more than a job,’” said Laura Orleans, the center’s executive director. “We are excited to share our new permanent exhibit with the public, giving visitors a chance to hear directly from the fishing community by sharing dozens of audio clips from oral histories conducted over the past two decades. We are grateful to many in the industry for supporting the project and for sharing their stories, skills, time, and knowledge.”

Read the full story at National Fisherman

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center to Reopen and Launch New Exhibit

April 5, 2021 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will reopen to the public and launch its new exhibit, More than a Job: Work and Community in New Bedford’s Fishing Industry, on Thursday, April 15th.

More than a Job: Work and Community in New Bedford’s Fishing Industry will provide visitors with an introduction to the workings of the fishing industry as well as explore themes including labor history, immigration, sustainability, and the changing nature of work and community. This exhibit will feature a replica working deck, scallop dredge, galley table, bunks, historic and contemporary images and footage, and more than sixty audio clips sharing the many voices of the fishing community.

Funding for More than a Job: Work and Community in New Bedford’s Fishing Industry is provided by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and significant support from Bristol County Savings Bank. Major in-kind support for this exhibit was provided by Fairhaven Shipyard and Blue Fleet Welding.

Located in the nation’s most valuable fishing port, 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. Beginning April 15th, the Center is open Thursday-Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm. Admission is free. To schedule a small group tour of the new exhibit or to learn more about the exhibit, contact
programs@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

MASSACHUSETTS: FISHING HERITAGE CENTER OFFERS FREE ADMISSION THROUGH AUGUST 31

August 5, 2016 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

New Bedford, Mass.— The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is pleased to announce free admission for the remainder of the month of August.

The Center’s inaugural exhibit From Boat to Table presents all aspects of the industry from the time a keel is laid on a vessel to the time the catch is landed and brought to market. A variety of interactive components include a net mending activity, dress up area, and Eastern Rig style pilothouse designed and built by Fairhaven Shipyard with electronics provided by Furuno USA.  The Center worked with Chris Danemayer and Neal Mayer of Proun Design to take the exhibit from concept to fabrication. A team of volunteer carpenters have assembled many of the exhibit components.

Additional displays include a list of over 300 waterfront nicknames compiled by industry veterans Paul Swain and Jim Dwyer over the past 50 years; a knot tying activity station created by Paul Vieira; and photographs of vessels taken by the late John “Choo Choo” Ryan.

The Center’s gift shop is stocked with books by local authors, maritime music CD’s, nautical jewelry, and unique crafts, many created by fishermen and others in the industry.

The Fishing Heritage Center is located at 38 Bethel Street, in the heart of the City’s historic district, and is open Thursday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on AHA nights (the second Thursday of each month). Free off street parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Center.  The facility is wheelchair accessible.