We are the Whale Port

Coopers, merchants, harpooners boarding houses keepers, and countless others helped shape our whaling port. Discover their roles and hear the stories behind their contributions.

👒 Meet Ruth & Abby, the 1850s Ladies! Step into the past with Ruth and Abby, two time-traveling neighbors from New Bedford’s whaling heyday. Thanks to a curious vault at 33 William Street, they visit the 21st century to share stories of everyday life in the 1850s. Through lively conversation and hands-on activities, they bring history to life—encouraging visitors to ask questions, interact, and discover New Bedford as it once was.