Cape Cod National Seashore to Host Evening Program on Whaling in the Wampanoag Tradition

Date: June 21, 2012
Contact: Sue Haley, South District Interpreter, 508-255-3421

Most people are familiar with the whaling voyages of the nineteenth century most famously described in Moby Dick.  However, by the time of the voyages of the whaleship Essex, the Wampanoag people had already been practicing whaling for centuries. Many Wampanoag continued in this industry right to its end, some holding prominent positions and leaving a lasting legacy. Join Jonathan Perry, an Aquinnah Wampanoag historian, for a free, one hour presentation on whaling in the Wampanoag tradition at 7 PM on Tuesday, July 3 at Salt Pond Visitor Center.  Learn about the skills and techniques the Wampanoag used to harvest whales and the importance of these animals to their culture.  

Jonathan Perry is a member of the Tribal Council of the Wampanoag and sits on the board of the Aquinnah Cultural Center. He has traveled extensively as a presenter and artist and has been featured in several documentary films, television commercials, and radio interviews. Additionally, Perry played the part of Squanto in the production of "Desperate Crossing - the Untold Story of the Mayflower" on The History Channel. 

This upcoming program is part of the annual "Tuesday Evening Series" at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. Held weekly at 7 PM in July and August in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs focus on the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape and are suitable for all ages. Programs are free of charge and accessible. The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore. 

IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421. The center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and staff is available to assist with activity planning. Stop by and visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh and shop in the gift store featuring interpretive items such as books, maps, puzzles, and games. For more information about the seashore's programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco.

###