History & Culture

Wanderer crashed at shore with crowd watching

Explore the History and Culture of New Bedford

New Bedford the “City that Lit the World” is not just the capital of the 19^th century whaling industry. Other stories of the city are about the Underground Railroad, immigration from global communities, textiles, and the history of commerce. Please explore the tabs below to learn more.

People

The individuals who had an important role in New Bedford's history.
Places

New Bedford's history as a whaling port and Underground Railroad stop.
Stories

Stories from the past that made New Bedford what it is today.

Topics

Whaling Heritage

New Bedford today reflects its heritage as the 19th-century whaling capital of the world.
Black History

The leading African Americans who helped shape New Bedford.
Women's History

The female leaders in New Bedford's whaling and textile communities.
Native American History

Native American influence on the whaling industry.
Art & Culture

New Bedford's art and architecture were influenced by its success as a whaling port.
Quaker Influence

Quaker merchants built up New Bedford with their wealth and whaling expertise.