National Park and Whaling History Alliance host annual event

young volunteer in park garden

NPS

News Release Date: April 26, 2014

Contact: Emily G. Prigot, 508-996-4095 x 6105

On Saturday, May 10 from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will host a Volunteer Cleanup Day. The annual event provides New Bedford's national park with the people-power to prepare the historic downtown for the busy summer season. The event kicks off with volunteer check-in and registration at 9:30 AM at the park visitor center at 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford. Box lunches will be provided to volunteers by the Whaling History Alliance, the friends group that supports New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

The downtown area of New Bedford draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year for its history, architecture, cultural activities, concerts and dance performances, AHA! Events, and festivals.Frank Barrows, acting superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park stated, "This will be a very special year for the national park and the city of New Bedford. Once-in-a-lifetime events such as the Charles W. Morgan Homecoming and the 100th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament are happening along with the many signature festivals, events and programs New Bedford is known for.It will be a great day to come out, enjoy some worthwhile work in the fresh air, and re-discover your own sense of pride in the heritage displayed by our beautiful, historic downtown."

Volunteers who have participated in past cleanups expressed the immense satisfaction they receive from volunteering.In addition, the service activities enable volunteers to give something back to America's treasures – its over 400 national parks.

The park-wide spring cleanup effort will include landscaping, cleaning, repairs, and other projects both indoors and out at sites like the National Park Visitor Center and the Schooner Ernestina.Many of the projects are family friendly, while others require some technical expertise. To learn more or to sign up for this worthwhile community event, call Emily Prigot at [phone] extension 6105 or email e-mail us. Drop-ins the day of the event are also welcome.

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.The visitor center is accessible to all. Admission is free.For additional information and schedules, go to the park website at www.nps.gov/nebeor visit the park's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP

-NPS-