Arctic Day

Three children discover traditional arctic clothing and what a whaling harpoon really was like.

NPS

News Release Date: December 9, 2012

Contact: Emily Prigot, 508.996.4095 ext. 6105

National Park to offer film "Big Miracle" for Arctic Day event

Free activities for children on Thurs., Dec. 27

New Bedford, Mass.- Have you ever wanted to explore the Arctic? Here is your chance to do it, without even having to travel far! New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offers two free screenings of the hit movie, "Big Miracle" on Thursday, December 27, as a part of "A Day in the Arctic." During the week of school vacation, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and New Bedford Whaling Museum will be creating a fun-filled day, featuring free crafts, movies, and activities from 10 am- 4 pm. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. New Bedford Whaling Museum is located just one block away, at 18 Johnny Cake Hill.

At New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park: (508-996-4095):
10:00 AM: Enjoy a reading of the children's book, "Whale Snow" and try on Arctic clothing; screening of the movie, "Big Miracle", rated PG; 107 minutes

11:00: Make a snow globe to take home 12:00: Build a snow fort; have a snowball fight

1:00: How are snowflakes created? Discover how nature creates this wonder of nature; make a snowflake tree ornament; participate in Arctic Olympics activities

2:00 screening of movie: "Big Miracle," rated PG; 107 minutes

Weather permitting, build a snowman outside.

At New Bedford Whaling Museum: (508-997-0046):
Free crafts and hands-on activities for the family in the Jacobs Family Gallery,10:00-12:00

Highlights tours (with regular admission) from 10:00-11:00 am and 1:00-2:00 pm

Go below deck on the Lagoda (with regular admission) from 10:00 am-12:00 noon

Touch a real seal hide, try on parkas, and cardboard snow goggles, from 10:00-12:00 in the Jacobs Family Gallery.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America's nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. (available in several languages) The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov, or follow the park on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP.

-NPS-