New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Archives - Page 10 of 13

MASSACHUSETTS: Fishing Heritage Center to host bone marrow drive for local fisherman battling Leukemia

March 2, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will host a bone marrow drive for Kyle Santos, a local fisherman battling Leukemia, on Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kyle Santos, a 27 year old New Bedford man, was diagnosed with a recurrence of childhood Leukemia on January 25th. He is currently at Brigham and Women’s Hospital being treated by Dana Farber. He is planning to have a bone marrow transplant and needs to identify a donor.

Please consider joining the National Registry to help Kyle and many others in need of a bone marrow transplant. Just a few minutes of your time could help save a life! The process is simple, and only requires a mouth swab. Kyle’s family would like this event to help raise awareness about leukemia and to get more people from the New Bedford area to join the registry. For more information about the process please visit www.bethematch.org or call 866-875-3324.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present, and future through archives, exhibits, and programs. Located at 38 Bethel Street, the Center is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Center. Admission is free.

For more information, please contact the Center at info@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center presents Good Luck, Bad Luck: Superstitions at Sea

March 1, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will host Good Luck, Bad Luck: Superstitions at Sea on March 9, 2017 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. during AHA night. Fishermen and sailors will share superstitions and stories with the public in what is sure to be an entertaining discussion.

The men and women who work and play on the sea hold many superstitions. From bananas to suitcases, there are many things not allowed on certain vessels for fear these items will bring bad luck. In an environment which can be unpredictable, beliefs, behaviors and practices can help a crew feel in control, perhaps guaranteeing the success of a trip or protecting the crew.

As Linda Greenlaw wrote in her book, The Hungry Ocean, “Fishermen, especially those of an earlier vintage, are superstitious; we have a unique set of superstitions by which we live. Some landlubbers will think certain sea going rituals foolish and consider bizarre our avoidance of seemingly harmless words, actions, and things. However, when the stakes are high and the consequences that threaten sever, even the most rational among us will observe the rituals—just in case they hold merit.”

In addition, the Center will co-host the 123^rd anniversary celebration of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey’s first trip. A lucky ship in her own right, she left Gloucester on March 14, 1894 and returned a highliner in July. To celebrate, the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association invites visitors to enjoy a piece of cake which will be served at 7:00 p.m.

The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association, Inc. (SEMA) is a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation with the purpose of raising funds to provide for the maintenance, equipment, manning, programming and operation of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey as a sail training vessel, school ship, and educational enterprise. SEMA is currently raising funds to match a $375,000 1:1 grant received by the Manton Foundation to fund the current rehabilitation work.

For more information, please contact the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center at info@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

MASSACHUSETTS: Fishing center hosts hands-on activities

February 23, 2017 — The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will offer free, hands-on activities during February vacation, Feb. 23 to 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities will include knot-tying, scallop-shell decorating and a scavenger hunt.

Visitors of all ages can try their hands at knot-tying, a skill needed by all who make their living on the water. Budding artists can decorate a scallop shell in the make-and-take craft area while learning more about scallops. A scavenger hunt will provide an opportunity for all to learn more about the commercial fishing industry while exploring the center’s exhibits.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Fishing Heritage Center hosting Scanning Day

February 15, 2017 — The following has been released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will offer free, hands-on activities during February vacation, February 23^rd to 26^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Activities will include knot tying, scallop shell decorating, and a scavenger hunt.

Visitors of all ages can try their hand at knot tying, a skill needed by all who make their living on the water. Budding artists can decorate a scallop shell in the make and take craft area while learning more about scallops. A scavenger hunt will provide an opportunity for all to learn more about the commercial fishing industry while exploring the Center’s exhibits.

In addition to the vacation week activities, visitors are invited to try on foul weather gear; explore the wheelhouse; and race the clock while donning a survival suit. The Working Waterfront Photography of Peter Pereira will be on exhibit in the Center Gallery.

Admission to the Center is free. The Center is located at 38 Bethel Street with free parking in the adjacent lot. Open Thursday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and by appointment.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present, and future through archives, exhibits, and programs. For more information please contact the Center at info@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

MASSACHUSETTS: Working Waterfront Festival Returns September 23, 2017

February 13, 2017 — New Bedford, MA – The following was released by the Working Waterfront Festival:

The Working Waterfront Festival returns to the working piers of New Bedford, the nation’s most valuable fishing port, on Saturday, September 23, 2017. This free, family friendly event celebrates the history and culture of New England’s commercial fishing industry in a way that is authentic, hands-on, and educational. The flagship event is back with a new co-producer, a new format, and a new festival director.

This year, the Festival is partnering with the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. Located in the heart of the City’s historic downtown, the Fishing Heritage Center opened its’ doors last June. Its mission is to tell the story of the fishing industry past, present, and future, through exhibits, programs, and archives. This partnership is a natural fit for two organizations dedicated to celebrating the commercial fishing industry.

The 2017 Festival will be presented in two locations: on Steamship Pier and at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. These two sites will be linked by a free shuttle bus, allowing visitors to enjoy all the Festival has to offer.

Steamship Pier will host the Contest Stage; demonstrations of industry skills and fisheries science; dockside vessel tours; kids’ activities; a tug boat muster, whaleboat races; corporate and non- profit exhibitors; maritime artisans; and a Food Court featuring fresh, local seafood and cooking demonstrations. The Fishing Heritage Center will host performances of music and fisherpoetry; author readings and signings; kids activities; and the exhibit – Nautical Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them. Visitors will also be able to visit the Center’s gift shop and main exhibit From Boat to Table, featuring a full-sized wheelhouse and a variety of hands-on activity stations.

In addition, the Festival is pleased to announce long time Development and Exhibits Manager, Jessica Bailey, has been named Festival Director. Ms. Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge about the industry as well as significant experience in event production. Founding Director, Laura Orleans, will continue to be involved as Director Emeritus during this transition year, focusing on Festival programming.

To learn more or become a sponsor, visit www.WorkingWaterfrontFestival.org or like us on Facebook.

*******

The Working Waterfront Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA, a non-profit organization, and is co-produced by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. Navigate to us at www.WorkingWaterfrontFestival.org.

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center unearths unusual catches

February 4, 2017 — Fishermen have been telling stories of the strange and unusual things they find in their nets for years.

On Saturday at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center fishermen from around the area had the opportunity to share their deep-sea findings and figure out, with the help of several maritime archaeologists, what their findings were and when they were made.

“Over the years I’ve heard about all the crazy stuff people have pulled up from torpedoes to human body parts to airplane wings to fossils,” New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s executive director Laura Orleans said.

“Everything. Even including a kitchen sink,” she said.

At the first annual Unusual Catch Day, fishermen were welcomed to bring in their deep-sea treasures and put them on display for the public and have them examined by maritime archaeologists.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Hosts Scanning Day

February 2, 2017 — The following was released by The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will host Scanning Day on February 11, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Scanning Day is an opportunity for the public to share and preserve a digital image of their fishing industry photographs, documents and other records for future generations.

The Center invites the public to bring their fishing industry related photographs, both historic and contemporary, as well as documents such as settlement sheets, union books, or news clippings to be scanned. Staff will scan the materials and record any information the owner shares about each piece. The owner will leave with their originals along with a digital copy of the scans on a flash drive. The Center is working to create a digital archive of these materials which will be made available to researchers and the public. These documents will help us to tell the story of the fishing industry. Scanning Day will take place the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon. This event is free and open to the public.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present, and future through archives, exhibits, and programs. For more information please contact the Fishing Heritage Center at: info@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center presents The Working Waterfront Photography of Peter Pereira

February 1, 2017 –New Bedford, MA — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is pleased to announce the opening of The Working Waterfront Photography of Peter Pereira. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, February 9^th at 6:00 p.m. during AHA. The exhibit will run until April 2, 2017.

Like New Bedford, Peter Pereira’s life has been tied to the ocean. Many in his family have served on ships, sailing the seas as officers and deckhands. At the age of five, he crossed the equator twice with his family as a passenger on one of his father’s ships. Peter says, “The seeds had been planted for my perpetual fascination and respect for those who leave everything behind to be surrounded by the solitary embrace of the ocean.”

An award-winning photojournalist, Peter has spent years documenting the New Bedford fishing community. This exhibit provides a look at those who work on the waterfront, both on shore and at sea. From preparing their vessel for a fishing trip to the off loading of the catch upon their return, his photographs capture the work of those who make their living from the ocean.

Peter’s images have graced the pages of Time, Newsweek, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal, The Standard Times and various other national and international media outlets. In 2016, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Infante D. Henrique by the President of Portugal, Anibal Cavaco Silva. Peter has won the New England Newspaper & Press Association – Photographer of the Year award eight times. His photographs can be seen daily in The Standard Times.

This event is free and open to the public. The Center is located at 38 Bethel Street in New Bedford’s historic downtown and is handicap accessible through the parking lot entrance. Free off-street parking available.

For more information, please contact the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center at: info@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center presents Unusual Catches Day

January 25, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

New Bedford, MA – The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will host Unusual Catches Day on Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Every fisherman has experienced catching a strange object in their net or dredge. Alan Cass, a retired fisherman and Center volunteer, says he has caught everything including a kitchen sink. Many fishermen have a collection of these items found while sorting the catch on deck. From fossils to old tools to pieces of wooden ships to strange objects, these items come back to shore and are keepsakes for the finder.

Active and retired fishermen are invited to bring their treasures from the deep to Unusual Catches Day. Maritime archeologists will be at the Center to examine the treasures and provide more information about each piece. This event will provide an opportunity for the fishermen and the public to learn more about these artifacts.

MASSACHUSETTS: Scalloper is guest speaker at Fishing Heritage Center

January 11, 2017 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is hosting scalloper Chris Wright Jan. 11 for a talk on the way of life as a scallop fisherman in the 21st century.

Wright is part of four generations of fishermen, with his father, grandfather, two brothers and two sons all making a living from the sea.

The talk, starting at 7 p.m., is part of the “A Day in the Life” speaker series at the heritage center.

Wright dates his fishing career back to the age of 12, when he missed a week’s worth of Little League to work on his first fishing trip.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times